Selected highlights from this sermon
When Jesus cast out a legion of demons from the man in Luke 8, there were three prayers in that short story. Pastor Wiersbe examines these three prayers and shows us that two were answered, and the third, though not answered in the way which was wanted, was still a blessing.
May our prayers be unselfish and focused on Jesus and the work He’s given us. And if our prayers are not answered (or don’t seem to be answered) look for the blessing in those—and be thankful!
Transcripts for Dr. Wiersbe's sermons are forthcoming. Below is an outline of his message.
Pastor Wiersbe examines three prayers, two answers, and one blessing.
In this story, everyone present was involved in the prayer meeting.
Three prayers teach us about praying and how to live lives of prayer.
- The prayer of the demons (Luke 8:31-32)
- The demons begged Jesus not to send them to the abyss but rather into the pigs.
- Jesus believed in the existence of demons.
- The demons made the man strange, violent, and insane.
- Demons believe in God, that Jesus is the Son of God, in hell, and in judgment.
- The demons believe in prayer.
- Jesus answered the request of the demons, but it didn’t do them any good.
- The prayer of the citizens (Luke 8:34-37)
- The swine herders lost their herd and begged Jesus to leave.
- The people didn’t thank Jesus for solving their problem because they were afraid.
- The world is afraid of Jesus because they can’t understand Him.
- Jesus answered the request of the people, but it didn’t do them any good.
- The prayer of the healed man (Luke 8:38)
- The man who was healed begged to go with Jesus.
- Jesus didn’t answer the request of the saved man, but it was a blessing.
- Be thankful for unanswered prayers as well as answered.
- Jesus wanted the man to be a witness to the people he was already with.
- If we cannot be an influence on the people who already know and love us, we will have very little impact on those we don’t know.
- We are here an Earth to take Jesus place witnessing to the world.
Beware of selfish praying.
Our prayers should be centered on Jesus, not on ourselves.