Tag: He is a Rewarder

He is a Rewarder – Part 3

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

The only reason for unanswered prayer to a Christian is “unbelief” (Matt. 17:17-21; Jas. 1:5-8; Heb. 11:6). Unbelief is caused by wrong teaching (Rom. 10:17). The promises are unlimited (Ps. 34:9-10; 84:11; 91:1-12; Matt. 17:20; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; John 15:7, 16), so if there is a limitation in answer there is a limitation of faith, not of God’s will or power.

There are many reasons given for unanswered prayer in Scripture: Refusing to listen to the truth (Pro. 28:9). Refusing to humble self (2Chron. 7:14). Forsaking God (2Chron. 15:2). Provoking God (Deut. 3:26). Hardheartedness (Zech. 7:12-13). Lack of charity (Pro. 21:13). Regarding iniquity in the heart (Ps. 66:18). Wrong motives (Jas. 4:3). Dishonour of companion (1Pet. 3:7). Unbelief (Matt. 17:20-21; 21:22). Sin (Jas. 4:1-5; John 9:31; Isa. 59:2). Parading prayer life (Matt. 6:5). Vain repetitions (Matt. 6:7). Unforgiveness (Matt. 6:14-15; Mark 11:25-26). Hypocrisy (Luke 18:9-14). Being discouraged (Luke 18:1-8). Worry and anxiety (Php. 4:6). Doubting – double-mindedness (Jas. 1:5-8).

From James 4 another twelve reasons are given for unanswered prayer: Lusts (Jas. 4:1, 2, 3, 5; John 8:44); murders, covetousness, fighting and war, asking amiss to satisfy lusts, adultery, friendship, pride, rebellion against God, backsliding and sin, double-mindedness or doubt and the misuse of the tongue. This passage should never be taken by the Christian as an excuse for unanswered prayer. By so doing he automatically classes himself as lustful, murderous, covetous, adulterous, worldly, proud, sinful, and blasphemous. No man can ask amiss if he is in Christ and asks according to the promises (John 15:7; Mark 11:22-24; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:5-8). The reason Christian prayers are not answered is because of their unbelief.

He is a Rewarder – Part 2

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

‘Must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.’ From Psalms 67:2 we have two reasons for answered prayer: That God’s way may be known upon earth and His saving health may be known among all nations.

Psalms 102:17 gives us another two facts about prayer: God will hear the prayer of the destitute and He will not despise their prayers.

John 16:24 states that we must ask and will receive so that our joy may be full. The purpose of answering prayer is to help us and to confirm the infinite Fatherhood of God (Matt. 7:11; Luke 11:9-13; Jas. 1:17), so do not hesitate to ask – and thank Him (Php. 4:6) – for any material, physical, or spiritual blessing, for no good thing will He withhold from you (Ps. 23:1; 34:9-10; 84:11; 91:1-12; Matt. 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; John 14:12-15).

From Matthew 7:7-11 we are commanded to ask, seek and knock – five times. The idea here is to demand something due to one because of family and redemptive rights. It is God’s will that we ask and get what we want (Ps. 23:1; 34:9-10; 84:11; Mark 11:24; John 15:7, 16). Seeking must be with the whole heart (Deut. 4:29; 2Chron. 7:14; 11:16; 15:2; Pro. 8:17; Luke 15:8; Col. 3:1; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:5-8; 1Pet. 3:11). The third way of getting an answer to prayer (Luke 11:5-13; 18:1-18). To ask implies want; seeking implies loss; and knocking implies need. One must ask with confidence and humility, seek with care and application, and knock with earnestness and perseverance (Luke 11:4-8).

Everyone that asks will receive, that seek will find and who knocks shall be opened (Matt. 7:8). No exception to the rule for anyone. If there is it is because of the failure to ask in faith, nothing wavering (Jas. 1:5-8), to seek diligently (Heb. 11:6), and to knock with importunity (Luke 11:5-13; 18:1-8).

To be continued…

He is a Rewarder – Part 1

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 

‘Without faith it is impossible to please him.’ Here we see the absolute necessity of faith and the secret of pleasing God.

‘Must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.’ Here are four confidences of answered prayer: To please God (1Jn. 3:21-22; 5:14-15). To come to God To come to God with the right attitude and motives (Matt. 6:5-15; 7:7-11; Php. 4:5-6). To believe that He is (John 16:23). To believe that He is a rewarder of them diligently seeking Him. If one can believe this as much as he believes in the existence of God, prayer will be granted. If one believes firmly in His existence and doubts His word, he makes Him a liar and God is not obligated to answer prayer (Jas. 1:4-8). The Greek for diligently is ekzeteo, translated as diligently seek (Heb. 11:6); seek after (Acts 15:17; Rom. 3:11); seek carefully (Heb. 12:17); require (Luke 11:50-51); and enquire (1Pet. 1:10). He cannot fail to answer prayer when unwavering faith is exercised (Matt. 17:20; 21:22; Mark 11:22-24; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16; 16:23-26; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:5-8).

We have liberty in prayer. The Greek word parrhesia means freedom of speech; liberty of access to God. It refers to absolute confidence in access to God because all sins that separates from God are removed (Isa. 59:1-2). In Old Testament days men were not permitted to approach God. Even the mountain on which God gave the law was not to be touched by man or beast. Only the high priest was permitted in the holy of holies once a year, and even then he could not approach God without proper atonement. Now we all have free and daily access to God by the blood of Jesus (Heb. 10:19-23; Eph. 2:18). We are invited to come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain help in a time of need (Heb. 4:14-16). As long as we hold fast to his liberty of access to God we are His house (Heb. 3:6). If sin is in the life we do not and cannot have this liberty of access. God will not hear our prayers (1Jn. 3:20-23; 5:14-15).

To be continued…