The Supreme Ask - Santosh Poonen - February 22, 2015
http://rlcfchurch.org/sermons/the-supreme-ask River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The message explores the profound implications of asking God for anything in Jesus' name, drawing heavily from John 14 and John 16. The central theme is that true access to God's provision and favor is rooted not just in asking, but in a deep, reciprocal love for Jesus. This love is presented as the basis for the Father's love, leading to the desire to keep His commandments.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What would you write on God's blank check?God has given believers a blank check and invited them to ask whatever they will, raising the question of what the Supreme ask would be if Jesus stood before us physically today.
Asking in Jesus' nameJesus tells His disciples that until now they have asked for nothing in His name, correcting the carnal misunderstanding that praying in Jesus' name is a mechanical formula.John 16:23
The Father himself loves youThe great turning point is realizing that believers do not need a negotiator because the Father Himself loves them directly on the basis of their love and belief in Jesus.
If you love me, keep my commandmentsLoving Jesus means keeping all of His commandments, which leads every honest believer to recognize their utter inability to do so on their own strength.John 14:15
The promise of another HelperWhen we admit our failure to keep His commands, Jesus promises to ask the Father to send another Helper, the Holy Spirit, to dwell within us permanently.
Clothed with power from on highJesus instructed His disciples to wait in the city until they were clothed with power from on high, warning against serving with a powerless gospel.Luke 24:47
God's love poured out through the SpiritTrue love for others cannot be manufactured by human effort; it is shed abroad in our hearts through the Holy Spirit given to us.Romans 5:5
Rivers of living waterJesus promised that from the innermost being of those who believe will flow rivers of living water, replacing religious striving with supernatural overflow.John 7:38
Asking the Father for the Holy SpiritThrough the parable of the persistent neighbor asking for bread, Jesus reassures us that the heavenly father is eager to give the Holy Spirit to those who ask.Luke 11:9
The lowest place of humilityJust as water flows naturally to the lowest place, God gives His grace and the fullness of the Spirit exclusively to the humble who stop exalting themselves.
Opening your mouth and drinkingJust as a child instinctively cries out and drinks, believers can come to God to drink of the Holy Spirit's waterfall and be transformed from adamic habits.
Prioritizing transforming power over giftsWhile spiritual gifts have their place, the primary thing to seek is the power of the indwelling Spirit to love others and live as Jesus lived.
