Lesson 52 November 3

Review: Summary 4:1

2. We need to determine if our desires are legitimate (within the DWOG) and then take these desires to the God in prayer, praying for wisdom. (1:5)

3. While waiting for an answer we need to fulfill / live the Christian Life.

4. We need to learn to ask ourselves some questions:

- What does God want me to think in this situation?

- What does God want me to do now?

- Where does God want me to be?

5. The presence or absence of "blessing" should not determine if you are happy or not, it should only determine the degree of happiness.

6. Recognize that you're contending with God regarding your niche every day.

- All the circumstances - the CHP's are designed to get you spiritually where he wants you and doing what He wants you to do.

7. When we see quarrels, conflicts, selfish-ambition we know that those who reflect these characteristics are not orienting to the niche that they're in.

8. We need to add up the facts related to your situation and look at the true blessings that the LJC has provided.

- we have been blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ!

- we have a position that is eternally secure

- heaven is your possession no matter what

- as we grow in the word we obtain a new perspective and clarity on life

- this gives us not only freedom in life but also freedom to serve Christ

4:3 Reason the requests for many were not answered!

You ask and do not receive - had some in vs:2 who didn't ask - didn't think it appropriate to pray for whatever was their desire.

because (causal conj - dio,ti) you ask with wrong motives

- their petitions are motivated by evil - what is unworthy from God's standpoint therefore what's in view here is they're prayer is motivated by the sin nature and its lust pattern.

so that (i[na = purpose) you may spend it on your pleasures.

- spend = dapana,w - to spend freely and lavishly

What they are praying for itself may not be sinful but the purpose, and motivation is.

SUMMARY 4:3

1. We have here two reasons given for their frustrated pursuits.

#1 - for some its a failure to ask God.

#2 - for others they asked God for their desires and their prayers went unanswered.

2. James has already told us that if we ask doubting, not on the basis of faith, do not expect an answer. 1:6-7

3. Here the request is denied because it is sin nature induced/motivated.

4. What is asked for may not necessarily be sinful but the motive behind it is unworthy.

5. REM: the sin nature will tell you to pursue everything under the sun, any and every desire or whim. (objective is to neutralize the Believer by getting them out of fellowship)

6. Need to be careful to avoid the kosmos mentality that we've got to have one of every new thing that comes down the pike to be happy.

7. The sin nature is insatiable so don't go by it as a guide to what you should have or pursue.

8. If you maintain the isolation of the sin nature and keep your spiritual priorities straight the bonifide needs and desires you have will pursue you at the proper time fulfilling you in your niche.

9. You will be much more satisfied and more prosperous in every facet of your life.