DOES GOD HEAR THE PRAYERS OF SINNERS?
In this sermon outline we look at John 9:31 where the healed blind man says that we know that God does not hear sinners. Is this so? We point out that the answer true only to the point that God hears only one prayer from the sinner. Everything else before salvation in a person's life is the Mercy of God.
John 9:26-31 (KJV) 26 Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes? 27 He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples? 28 Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples. 29 We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is. 30 The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. 31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
I. Does God hear a prayer of a sinner? . 31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
A. The healed blind man and the religious leaders did not think that God would hear sinners. Can true repentance exist without faith? By no means. But although they cannot be separated, they ought to be distinguished. John Calvin,
1 It is by faith we are saved.
2 If we put off repentance another day, we have a day more to repent of, and a day less to repent in.
3 It is much easier to repent of sins that we have committed than to repent of those we intend to commit. Josh Billings.
II. Perhaps the answer is found in when in mercy Jesus would never say no.
A. I often have said in my preaching God does not say no to His Word, which is His will. 2 Corinthians 1:20 (KJV) For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
B. Jesus was merciful and did not turn anyone away when they cried out to him as in the case of the 10 lepers. Luke 17:14 (KJV) And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
1 A person that comes to Christ for salvation brings joy to the heart of God. Luke 15:7 (KJV) I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
a. Heaven rejoices.
b. He never turns anyone away. John 6:37 (KJV) All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
III. The first prayer God hears from a sinner is the prayer of repentance.
A. Pharisee and the publican in Luke 18:10 to 14.
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
IV. Then after a sinner is saved by calling on the Name of the Lord, Romans 10:13 (KJV) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Then God hears all the prayers of His Children.
A. He answers yes to His Word, no to that which is not His Will and sometimes He wants us to wait as He has perfect timing to all our needs and requests.
1. We need to learn to wait on the Lord.
B. I remember singing years ago in the choir of Evangelist Kathryn Kuhlman that she would say, "God will stop making worlds to hear the cry of one of the smallest of God's children."
C. Repentance opens the doors for God to hear all of our prayers that are according to His Word. 1 John 5:14-15 (KJV) 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
Conclusion. If you want God to hear your prayers, the first step is to open your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ and receive Him as your personal saviour. John 1:12 (KJV) But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
For more help and info go to: www.tonyabram.com.
