(The Life of Prayer) 2. ENCOURAGEMENTS TO PRAYER
A.B. Simpson passionately encourages believers to persist in prayer, trusting in God's faithful and generous response as exemplified in Scripture.
In this devotional sermon, A.B. Simpson explores the encouraging teachings of Jesus on prayer, emphasizing the importance of persistence and faith. Using the parable of the friend at midnight, Simpson illustrates how God responds generously to those who earnestly seek Him. He reassures believers of God's loving nature and the promise of the Holy Spirit as the ultimate answer to prayer. This message inspires Christians to deepen their prayer lives with confidence and hope.
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"And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" (Luke 11:5-13).
This is our Savior\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Parable of the Friend at Midnight
- Illustrates persistence in prayer
- Shows the power of importunity
- Encourages boldness in asking God
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II. The Promise of Answered Prayer
- Ask, seek, knock as active faith
- God’s readiness to give good gifts
- The Holy Spirit as the ultimate gift
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III. The Character of God as Father
- Comparison to earthly fathers’ generosity
- God’s goodness surpasses human kindness
- Encouragement to trust God’s provision
Key Quotes
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” — A.B. Simpson
“Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.” — A.B. Simpson
“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Commit to persistent and earnest prayer, trusting God’s timing and generosity.
- Approach God boldly, knowing He desires to give good gifts to His children.
- Seek the Holy Spirit daily as the greatest gift and help in your spiritual walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'importunity' mean in the context of prayer?
Importunity refers to persistent and earnest prayer, continually seeking God without giving up.
Why does A.B. Simpson emphasize asking, seeking, and knocking?
He highlights these actions as expressions of active faith that lead to receiving God’s blessings.
How does the parable encourage believers in their prayer life?
It teaches that persistence in prayer is rewarded and that God is eager to respond to His children.
What is the significance of the Holy Spirit in this sermon?
The Holy Spirit is presented as the greatest gift God gives to those who ask in faith.
How can this sermon help someone struggling with unanswered prayers?
It encourages believers to continue praying with faith and trust in God’s perfect timing and provision.