Abiding People - The Abiding Ask

I. Introduction

A. Final sermon in our series out of John 15 - Abiding People. We have been on a journey of making our home in Jesus so we can bear the fruit of our Kingdom business.

B. John 15:16–17 (NIV) - “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.”

C. Today we focus on the “ask” of God. If we are a child of God, making our home in Him and He in us, why wouldn’t we ask?

Belief issue - We are actually a deist in our theology and our understanding of God. We don’t believe He will get involved.

Disappointment issue - How we handle our disappointments is the most critical issue in our growth in the love of Jesus, and thus our fruit.

What do we do with the “no’s” or “not yet?” Did those disappointments bring growth to God or distance?

But, for most of us, the problem is not that we are too eager to ask for the wrong things. The problem is that we are not nearly eager enough to ask for the right things.

N. T. Wright; Scot McKnight

II. The Abiding Ask

A. Appointed to Ask

We are chosen to ask. Set apart in our ask as children vs those who are not. Chosen not for privilege but for purpose. This changes our ask. The privileged present an entitled ask, the purposeful present an selfless ask.

This word “appointed” is interesting because it can both mean to remove and place. It can mean to both take off and put on. Many times the only thing standing in the way of our appointment in Christ is ourselves. We are in the way!

The place of appointment is a place of amazing access and input with the creator of the universe, your Father. God has chosen humanity and now a new humanity to partner with.

Hebrews 10:19–22 (NIV) - “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”

B. A Fruitful Ask

This is a connected ask: “abide.” The context of remaining the vine is critical here. We are becoming more and more one with the knowledge and nature of Christ. Our ask is harmonious with Jesus.

This is a supernatural ask: “fruit that will last.” When is the last time you saw fruit that wouldn’t rot?

The ask’s God is calling you too is impossible with just natural means. If the fruit is to be supernatural so must the means to bring it forth.

Also ask something beyond what is possible for one generation. Many of God’s visions and promises where multi-generational in scope, lasting legacy fruit.

This is an unlimited ask: “whatever.” This word is a reference to something indefinite. Something without limits.

2 Kings 13:18–19 (NIV) - Then he said, “Take the arrows,” and the king took them. Elisha told him, “Strike the ground.” He struck it three times and stopped. The man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it only three times.”

a. Strange story of what Elisha asked the King to do. He only struck the ground three times when he had an indefinite audience with God. Sometimes our ask isn’t big enough.

Elisha saw the potential, if he kept striking the ground perhaps all the enemies would destroyed.

We must move from survival prayers to kingdom prayers. Praying beyond immediate relief to lasting answers. Praying His complete will be done on earth!

III. Conclusion and Invitation

A. Do you really believe God is powerful enough, involved enough, and safe enough for your ask? Is your ask flowing from a place of selfish privilege or loving purpose?

B. What’s your ask this morning? Do you have the courage to vocalize it? There is more power in speaking it, sharing it. The prayer team will be here to receive you.

C. If you have never received Christ a living way has been made for you to have an ongoing audience with God. Receive Him and come home.