Page 98 - The Gospel of John - Student textbook

There are those in the church who have come to the conclusion that these statements are absolute. They think
that a Christian may ask for anything he would like to have, and as long as he adds “in Jesus’ name I pray” after
his request, God will most certainly what he asks Him to do. This interpretation of these verses is the basis for
the “name it and claim it” movement throughout the church

Another verse that similarly gets taken out of context is Matthew 18:19, were these words of Jesus are
recorded: “again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done
for them by My Father in heaven.” What could be clearer? All we have to do is find at least one other Christian
who will agree with us about something, ask God for it, and wait for Him to do it. How many Christians would
like to see the end of poverty? I would. In fact, I think we all would like to see the end of poverty. According to
the popular interpretation of this verse, I just need to find one other person who would like to see poverty
ended. If I can find one person who will pray with me for God to end poverty that will be the end of poverty.

Obviously, it’s not that simple. These statements of Jesus must be understood in the context of all that our Lord
teaches regarding prayer. He never gave His people a blank check with the promise, “Anything you ask for I will
do.” The assumption behind these words is this: “I will do for you anything you ask that is within the parameters
of what is legitimate, according to My teaching.”

Jesus never gave His people a blank check with the promise

15 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another
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Counselor to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive Him because it
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doesn’t see Him or know Him. But you do know Him, because He remains with you and will be in you. I will
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not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you. “In a little while the world will see Me no longer, but you will
see Me. Because I live, you will live too. In that day you will know that I am in My Father, you are in Me, and
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I am in you. The one who has My commands and keeps them is the one who loves Me. And the one who
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loves Me will be loved by My Father. I also will love him and will reveal Myself to him.” Judas (not Iscariot)
said to Him, “Lord, how is it You’re going to reveal Yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus answered, “If
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anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our
home with him. The one who doesn’t love Me will not keep My words. The word that you hear is not Mine
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but is from the Father who sent Me. “I have spoken these things to you while I remain with you. But the
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Counselor, the Holy Spirit—the Father will send Him in My name—will teach you all things and remind you of
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everything I have told you. “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world
gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful. You have heard Me tell you, ‘I am going away and I am
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coming to you.’ If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced that I am going to the Father, because the Father is
greater than I. I have told you now before it happens so that when it does happen you may believe. I will
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not talk with you much longer, because the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over Me. On the
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contrary, [I am going away] so that the world may know that I love the Father. Just as the Father commanded
Me, so I do. “Get up; let’s leave this place.

Jesus’ announcement of His departure sent the disciples into an emotional tailspin. They couldn’t imagine their
future without Jesus and the prospect of going on alone terrified them... and rightfully so! I cannot imagine
having to face life without Christ in my life. Those trembling eleven men needed courage, just as we do today.
So, Jesus confronted their fears with four truths that, when applied, help provide believers with the power to
overcome fear of any kind.

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