God Can Do More Than We Ask or Think
Introduction
I. 	In listening last week to a taped sermon by Harry (Buddy) Payne, he stressed the passage containing the thought of the above title.  Eph. 3:20-21.
A. 	The passage is in the context of Eph. 3:14ff.
1. 	God, the Father has riches to give to man.  Vss. 14-16.
2. 	Christ will dwell “in our hearts through faith” to provide us strength.  Vs. 17.
3. 	This helps us to understand the greatness of God’s love.  Vss. 18-19.
B. 	God “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” Eph. 3:20.
1. 	God’s power works through us in the same way that Christ dwells in us, that is, by faith.  Eph. 5:18-21; Col. 3:16.  
2. 	The religious world is expecting some miraculous operation of the Holy Spirit by which this power is realized, but this is not God’s teaching.
II. 	Let us make some applications of the thought that God “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.”
Body	

I. 	The passage (Eph. 3:20-21) makes it clear to us that the Ephesians (and we today) do not understand the power of God.
A. 	God “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.”
B. 	Jesus taught that even His disciples had little faith.
1. 	He said this of the body of disciples in the sermon on the mount.     Matt. 6:24-30.
2. 	He rebuked the apostles for their lack of faith when they had failed to heal an epileptic boy.  Matt. 17:14-20; Luke 17:5-10.
C. 	Since it was true of Jesus’ disciples, it is no doubt true of us that we have “little faith.”
          D.  Let us seek to understand the power of God and strengthen our faith.  

II. 	Even though God can do more than we ask or think, we must be aware that some things may not be in harmony with God’s will.
A. 	Jesus prayed to be delivered from the agony that surrounded His death on the cross, but he prayed, “not as I will, but as thou wilt.”  Matt. 26:38-39.
	  B.  John teaches us to pray unto God according to His will.  I John 5:14.
1. 	We must first be found in obedience to God’s teaching.  I John 3:21-22.
2. 	God’s ear is turned toward those who are righteous.  I Peter 3:10-12.

God Can Do More Than We Ask or Think, page 2.

C. 	We may be concerned about the sickness of our family members and others, and conclude that God has not heard our prayers.
1. 	A study of the Old Testament makes it clear that some problems come 	upon man because of his transgressions so God does not remove every 	problem.
2. 	This was demonstrated by the plagues upon the Egyptians.
3. 	We must also recognize that the aging process is a part of life and that some are not restored to life because this is a part of the termination of life upon the earth.
D. 	We should pray for those who are sick and believe that God will heal according to His will.
1. 	There may be reasons why it would be best for the person not to become well.
2. 	We may not know or understand, but we must accept the will of God.
3. 	Let us be diligent to pray for what we think would be best, but always pray “if God wills.”

III. 	Let us pray for the blessings of God in reaching those who are lost.
A. 	The father of the young son who went away from home in a spirit of rebellion did not cease to “look” for the return of his son.  Luke 15:20-24.
B. 	We must set the right examples before our loved ones and pray for wisdom in order to reach them with truth.  I Peter 3:1-6.
C. 	We must believe that God can work through the power of the word of God  which is in us.  Eph. 3:20-21.
1. 	Let us not be guilty of praying for God’s help, but doing nothing to bring about the answer to our prayers.
2. 	Pray for your “food for the coming day,” but labor with your hands.  Matt. 6:11; Eph. 4:28.

Conclusion
I. 	Put your confidence in God believing that He will answer your prayers and work through you.
II. 	Don’t expect God to work through you if you are not willing to work with and for God to accomplish what you ask.
III. 	Work like it all depends on you, but pray like it all depends on God.
IV. 	Get your life right with God.
A. 	If you are not living faithfully and functioning as a part of the local church to build up others, begin to do so.  Heb. 10:23-25; Rev. 2:10.
B. 	If you have not become a child of God, do so.  Gal. 3:26-27; Heb. 5:9.
Prepared by:
   David Arnold
   September 7, 1997