God Can and Will

II Chronicles 7:12-22

I. Introduction

Today we talked about some things that God cannot do: lie, hate, allow unpunished sin, and hear prayers of the sinful. Tonight we look at some things God WILL do, when/if his children approach him in the right spirit.

We must first…

II. Humble ourselves.

A. You have to first realize that you cannot of your own strength be holy in God’s eyes, no matter how hard you try.

1. Our righteousness is as filthy rags before God.

2. II Corinthians 12:7-10

3. When we give up on our own power, God is able to use us better.

B. Have you ever noticed that many times God uses you in ways you didn’t expect? Why would he do that?

1. So that we wouldn’t rely on our own strength.

2. When God uses us in unexpected ways, he can work his plan through us without objection.

III. Pray

A. Prayer is the most important aspect of your relationship with God.

1. Without communication a relationship will die.

2. Even though God knows our every thought and need, prayer is the best way for us to effectively strengthen our relationship with God.

3. Proverbs 15:8—“The sacrifice of a wicked man is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.”

B. God hears and answers the prayers of the righteous.

1. James 5:13-18

2. Your heart must be pure, but God will answer.

IV. Seek God.

A. We must put God’s will first in our lives.

1. Proverbs 3:5-6

2. Acknowledge God in your life through your actions.

3. Matthew 6:33

4. Worry about the things of God and he will take care of the rest of your life.

B. Whose will comes first in your life?

1. If your will is not with God’s, guess who’s will you’re following…Satan’s.

2. Satan wants you to follow your own will because the fleshly will and desires will always lead you to sin.

V. Turn from sinful habits.

A. We must release our grip on the sin in our lives.

B. Although it may be fun at the time, in the end, sin brings about death.

Then God will…

I. Hear our prayers.

A. Imagine the effect if every person here were to be following God’s will 100%.

1. This church would be so on fire that you would have to build a new building! Forget expanding the fellowship hall!

2. God can use this church in a mighty way if every person will dedicate himself or herself to his service.

3. Magnet illustration.

II. Forgive our sins.

III. Heal our land.

IV. Conclusion

Who will take the first step? Will you be the one? Commit your life to God and experience true revival tonight.