Jeremy Utley - Persist!

Jeremy UtleyApril 12, 201817mWatch on YouTube

Speaker: Jeremy Utley Title: Persist! Date: 04-08-2018 Our Goal as Christians is this: To be an exact reflection of Jesus, the Son of God (Romans 8:29) We do this individually by growing in purity in our personal lives (1 John 3:2-3) We do this corporately by becoming fully functioning members of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Summary

The central message is that merely appreciating God's promises is insufficient; one must actively pursue and receive what has been promised. The speaker emphasizes that the proof of truly receiving a promise is demonstrated through a persistent and bold prayer life, likened to a child who repeatedly asks until they receive what they desire. Persistence in prayer, even with a degree of 'impudence,' is necessary to fully realize God's provision.

Outline

The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.

Are we satisfied with a burning heart?It is not enough to simply appreciate God's promises or leave a meeting with a burning heart like the disciples on the road to Emmaus; God's intention is for us to receive what He actually promised.

The proof of revelation is a bold prayer lifeTrue revelation of God's promises in our hearts is initially proven when it translates into a bold and courageous prayer life, similar to David praying in Second Samuel.

The parable of the persistent friendJesus teaches in Luke 11 that the friend got what he needed not because of friendship, but because of his persistence.

Praying with impudence and shamelessnessThe Greek word translated as persistence literally means shamelessness or impudence, indicating that we should pray without being overly dignified or polite.

Proving our interest like childrenJust as children ask repeatedly until they get what they want, our continued asking proves to God that we are genuinely interested in His promises.

Complacency versus true needinessPoliteness and dignity often reveal complacency and a lack of true neediness, whereas truly needy people keep asking until they receive.

Urging Jesus to remainThe disciples on the road to Emmaus had their eyes opened only after they urged Jesus strongly to stay with them as He acted like He would go further.Luke 24:28–31

God gives us a chance to prove our longingWhen Jesus acts as though He will go further, He demands a holy impudence, giving us an opportunity to demonstrate our faith and longing in a season of unfulfillment.

Abraham did not waver in unbeliefAbraham grew strong in faith by giving glory to God every day during the twenty-five-year wait before receiving the promise.Romans 4:20

Overcoming shame and accusationWe should not feel ashamed of repeating the same prayers, nor should we accuse God of making unreasonable demands because Jesus persisted first in pursuing us.

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