Monday, July 18, 2005

God’s “Perfect” Will ?

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2 (KJV)

Paul is revealing a “present truth” of God's Word in the above passage. He is telling us that no matter where we are in God's time line of eternal things, that we have the ability to be molded into the purposes of God.

The word 'conformed' that Paul uses here is the Greek word suschematizo and means to conform to the same pattern that exists, or to fashion yourself according to what is common or current. In this particular case he is telling us not to fashion ourselves according to the age with which we live in. The word used here for 'world' is aion, and as we have previously discussed the word aion can most easily be described as a season. It has no real tangible value. Nothing that can be measured in the physical realm. But in it’s definition we can see that it is an “age”. As in saying, “the age we live in”. The times or seasons of our existence.

The word also means a perpetuity. A 'perpetuity' is the condition of an estate that is limited so as to be inalienable either perpetually or longer than the period determined by law.

Perpetuity speaks of a season that has within it, a set period of functional use that is determined by law and it cannot be transferred to others unless the law itself is changed.

A very similar word is the Greek word kairos which speaks of a set occasion, a set or proper time in which something predetermined or preordained must occur. And in the above scripture that event is the Will of God.

Paul tells us that by renewing our mind, by changing the way we think, we then cause a transformation to occur. The word 'transformed' is the Greek word metamorphoo and it literally means to "metamorphose" , to change, transfigure, transform something. The word metamorphosis is defined as: A transformation, as by supernatural means that causes a marked change in appearance, character, condition, or function.

The transformation that occurs is that we begin to take on the appearance, character and function of Christ! We begin to move into a place of proving the Will of God. The word 'prove' means to test, to allow, to discern or examine. But its root comes from a word that means to be “current after assayal” [dokimos], approved or tried, to be accounted of reputation. The phrase 'current after assayal' speaks of something that has been passed through the refiners fire and purged of all that is unacceptable to the refiner.

This transformation will not come to pass without the effort and agreement of both the one being tried and of the refiner.

The phrase 'renewing of your mind' speaks of a renovation process, that renews by repetition, the thought processes to a previously held position. It speaks of a reversal in the thinking that restores a newness to the thought processes, which results in us not seeing things according to the worlds (natural mans) point of view or according to the traditional way of thinking, but allows us, to see things through the eyes and the heart of the Father. It allows us to see “kingdom”.

I submit that the previous position that the Father desires is the one that Adam moved in before the fall. The place of “known dominion”.

Paul tells us also of the multi-dimensional purposes of God. He speaks of “what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God”. Could he have been telling us that there are three distinct areas that we can move into?

For the sake of study, lets examine these three words and see what or if there is a relevance to us in this day.

Law of First Reference

Good: 18. agathos; "good" (in any sense, often as noun):-- benefit, good (-s, things), well.
The first reference of this word is “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good.” Genesis 1:31

2895. towb; a prim. root, to be, do or make good or well in the widest sense: to be or to do better, to be or to do or to seem good As we can see by this particular definition of what is good, it speaks of things being good in a generic sense. Everything seems to be in order.

Acceptable: 2101. euarestos; fully agreeable:acceptable (-ted), wellpleasing. From 2095. eu, (good); (adv.) well:--good, well (done). 701. arestos, agreeable; by impl. fit:--(things that) please (-ing), reason.
The first reference of this word is “But whatsoever hath a blemish, that shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you.” Leviticus 22:20

7521. ratsah; a prim. root; to be pleased with; spec. to satisfy a debt:--(be) accept (-able), accomplish, set affection, approve, consent with, delight self, enjoy, to be or have favor (-able), to be or have or take pleasure, reconcile self. As we can see by this particular definition of what is acceptable we see that it has a deeper meaning than just good. It speaks of something that is pleasing to the fulfilling of a debt and speaks of a reconciling of self.

But what is “Perfect” ?

Perfect: 5046. teleios; from G5056; complete in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.; completeness:--of full age, man, perfect. 5056. telos, to set out for a definite point or goal; the point aimed at as a limit, the conclusion of an act or state of termination that results in immediate, ultimate, or prophetic purpose.
The first usage of the word perfect is "These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God." Genesis 6:9 8549.
tamiym; from H8552; entire; also integrity, truth:--without blemish, complete, full, perfect, sincerely (-ity), sound, without spot, undefiled, upright (-ly), whole. 8552. tamam; to complete; accomplish, cease, be clean, be passed, have done or come to an end, come to the full, be or make perfect, be whole.

So as we can ascertain from these definitions that the state of being perfect is a place of accomplishment, a place of being whole and complete. A place of ceasing from labor and entering into completeness. It is the setting out for a definite point or goal; the point aimed at as a limit, in which the conclusion of that state results in immediate, ultimate, or prophetic purpose. It is one who “hits the mark”. One who becomes the prophetic fulfillment of the Fathers purpose in the earth.

Could this be what Jesus was referring to in the Parable of the Sower ?

“Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience”. Luke 8:11-15 (KJV)

In this parable Jesus speaks of four distinct groups of people. Because the first group never enter into a relationship with Christ, and our purpose is to uncover the meanings of the good, acceptable, and perfect Will of God, we are going to examine the other three groups and see how they may line up with Romans 12:2

"They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away." Luke 8:13 (KJV)

This group of “believers” start out with an outward expression of joy, but because of a lack of foundation in the truth of God’s Word, end up falling away. They may “believe” but don’t understand the why of their belief and in that, they are unstable in the things of God. These may be those who are fed watered down milk (gospel) and “rosy” pictures of the kingdom (streets of gold….) and are never told of the “martyrdom” of witnessing. They are never told that the trials are going to come and that the purpose of the trial is to build their faith. They are never told that the time of temptation is ordained of God. The word 'time' is the word kairos. It is a set season of trials that are necessary for the purpose of God to come to pass in each believers life. None are allowed to escape it!

The word 'temptation' is the Greek word peirasmos and it means the putting to proof by experiment, experience, or by evil. It is a time of solicitation, discipline and provocation. It is a set season of adversity via temptation. And in their falling away they remove themselves.

The Father draws to those that draw unto Him. But these, instead of drawing, actually depart and desist the from seeking. In relating to the good, acceptable, and perfect, these are they that see their salvation through a generically good vision. “Its fine with me as long as all is well for me”. And it is in this that they fail to “hit the mark”.

The next group are the thorn people.

And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. Luke 8:14 (KJV)

This group has a different approach to the things of God. What distinguishes them from the “rock” people is in the fact that they “go forth”. They accept the journey that comes with the salvation message and begin to move into the things of God. But along the path they begin to pick up things that are not necessarily theirs to pick up.

The narrative from Luke starts by telling us that they latched on to the “cares” of this life. The word 'cares' is the Greek word merimna, and speaks of being distracted by what you get as a section or an allotment. It also means solicitude. Solicitude is an active and sometimes excessive concern for the well-being of something. And the “thorn people” are overly concerned with the things of this life. Matthew describes it even deeper, he says that “the care of this world” [ Matthew 13:22] is their focus. The word 'world' is aion meaning the age that they are in.

These people almost seem to have the attitude that Hezekiah displayed when he was told of the calamity that would be coming to his son. "Will there not be peace and security in my lifetime?" [2 Kings 20:19 (NIV)] The “thorn people” are more concerned about personal comfort and safety than they are “kingdom” purposes. (and not necessarily their own comfort and safety) It is because of this divided loyalty they “bring no fruit to perfection”. None of their works bring about the desired prophetic result that the Father seeks.

This parallels the “acceptable” position in that there is a reconciling of self in their focus. Their works are aimed at self-pleasing. Their action may appear righteous but their motive is not the fulfilling of the purpose.

Jesus spoke of a similar situation, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matthew 7:21-23 (KJV)

The people mentioned here, did all the right things, but for the wrong motives. Whatever their motive was, it was not the Fathers Will. The word 'iniquity' used here is the Greek word anomia, and means an illegality or violation or transgression of law, an act of unrighteousness. Though their actions seemed to line up with scripture [Mark 16], they went about it in an illegal manor. And the penalty for their actions was they were forbidden to enter the “kingdom”.

An interesting scripture that coincides with the Parable of the Sower, is the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares. {See Matthew 13:36-43 (KJV)}Note that the tares are gathered and burned, but so are the things that offend and work iniquity. But what is the curious observation of the things that offend and them that do iniquity is that they are removed from the “kingdom”. The problem with the tares being in among the wheat is that until maturity (perfection) it is difficult to distinguish between them. They look just like the wheat. Much like the fig tree.

And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. Mark 11:13 (KJV)

Even though it wasn’t the kairos for figs, the tree gave the appearance that it produced!

But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Matthew 13:23 (KJV)

Those that come to perfection are those that hear the word and understand it. The difference between the “perfect” and the “thorn people” is in the understanding. Though both parties heard the word, only the last group understood it. The word used here for 'understanding' is the Greek word suniemi, which means to put together, to mentally comprehend and to act piously upon that which they receive. The “thorn people” acted upon the wrong things. They may appear pious, but they bear no fruit.

What is the “perfect place”?

"And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God."… "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:" 1 Corinthians 2:1,4

Enticing: 3981; from G3982; persuasive:--enticing. 3982; a prim. verb; to convince (by argument, true or false); by anal. to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflex. or pass. to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely (by inward certainty):--agree, assure, believe, have confidence, be (wax) content, make friend, obey, persuade, trust, yield. Demonstration: 585; from G584; manifestation:--demonstration. 584 ; to show off, i.e. exhibit; fig. to demonstrate, i.e. accredit:--(ap-) prove, set forth, shew.

It wasn’t with his (mans) words or his wisdom (mans) that he “proved” he was in God’s will, it was with the release of God's power and Spirit. It was in the demonstration of God's Word that brought about the breakthrough. He did not try to convince them of God's dominion in this realm with words of mans wisdom, he allowed God to manifest through him. But getting to perfect is a process. It is through a yielding unto God's purpose and a rejoicing in that, that moves us towards perfection. It is not a pleasant journey! Fruitful does not have to feel good!

"But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." James 1:4

Patience: 5281; from G5278; cheerful or hopeful endurance, constancy:--enduring, patience, patient continuance, waiting, 5278; from G5259 and G3306; to stay under (behind), i.e. remain; fig. to undergo, i.e. bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere:--abide, endure, (take) patient (-ly), suffer, tarry behind. 3306; a prim. verb; to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy): abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry

Patience is the standing up under pressure and in that standing we are led to a place of prophetic (perfect) fulfillment.

"And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved." Matthew 10:22 (KJV)

"And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." Mark 13:13 (KJV)

"And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake." Luke 21:17 (KJV)

"If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me." John 15:18-21 (KJV)

"In your patience possess ye your souls." Luke 21:19

Possess: 2932; a prim. verb; to get, i.e. acquire : obtain, possess, provide, purchase.

In your ability to stand under pressure, you actually secure your souls entrance into the “kingdom”. Standing requires a sound faith, on sound doctrine. You have to “know” what you believe and why!

"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." Matthew 5:48 (KJV)

We are commanded to be "prophetic fulfillment."

"Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me." Matthew 19:21 (KJV)

Shows a choice of being led to “perfect”.

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."
2 Corinthians 12:9,10

Gods miraculous (dunamis) power is brought to prophetic fulfillment in our inability to stand in our own power. Paul is saying that in his inability to stand up under the pressure in his own power that it opens a door for God to stand within him, thereby holding him up in the trial. It then becomes God who does the standing and God who receives the glory. And Paul was willing to allow God to work through him , no matter the cost.

Pleasure: 2106: to think well of, i.e. approve (an act); spec. to approbate (a person or thing):--think good, (be well) please (-d), be the good (have, take) pleasure, be willing.

"Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:" Ephesians 4:13 (KJV)

The purpose of the “gift” ministries is to bring us to the place of prophetic fulfillment.

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Phil 3:12-14

Paul is saying that he hadn’t arrived at prophetic fulfillment yet, but that was what he was aiming for, the fulfillment of God’s purpose for his life!

"I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me." John 17:23 (KJV)

This verse shows that we must be made perfect; but it also implies that it is an achievable goal.

"That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." 1 Corinthians 2:5 (KJV)

The demonstration of the Power of God was to show them the difference between “enticing words of mans wisdom” and the power of God. And that through that demonstration their faith would not be built upon the deception of mans wisdom.

"Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." 1 Corinthians 2:6-8 (KJV)

This passage reveals the futility of mans wisdom as it relates to the purposes of God. Notice also that it puts the Devil in his proper perspective. He understands very little if anything about the Fathers purpose. This also re-enforces the argument concerning Matthew 16:23.

"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9 (KJV)

This tells us that our human intuition cannot understand the things that God has planned for us. Quite frankly if the Father revealed to us what we had to go through we would probably backslide and fall or run away!

"But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God." 1 Corinthians 2:10

Deep: 899; from the same as G901; profundity, i.e. (by impl.) extent; (fig.) mystery:--deep (-ness, things), depth.

The Spirit investigates the mysteries of God for us.

"And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." Romans 8:27

"For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God." "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God." 1 Corinthians 2:11,12 (KJV)

"No man knows, understands or can even perceive the things of God in his natural mind, But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." Romans 8:9

"Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." 1 Corinthians 2:13 (KJV)

We cannot speak them in mans words! The word used here for 'comparing' is the Greek word sugkrino and it means to judge one thing in connection with another, to combine spiritual ideas with appropriate expressions.

"But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him." 1 John 2:27

"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV)

Natural: 5591; from G5590; sensitive, i.e. animate (in distinction on the one hand from G4152, which is the higher or renovated nature; and on the other from G5446, which is the lower or bestial nature):--natural, sensual.

Foolishness: 3472; from G3474; silliness, i.e. absurdity:--foolishness. 3474. from the base of G3466; dull or stupid (as if shut up), i.e. heedless, (mor.) blockhead, (appar.) absurd:--fool (-ish, X -ishness). 3466; from a der. of muo (to shut the mouth); a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites): mystery.

This refers to our human understanding not being able to receive the things of God because they are a mystery to our way of thinking.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8,9 (KJV)

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9 (KJV)

"Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath."
Matthew 13:9-12

"But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them." Matthew 13:16,17

He is referring to the mysteries of the Kingdom Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one,….. Mat 13:18,19

Understandeth: which means to put together, to mentally comprehend and to act piously upon that which they receive.

When people don’t comprehend the words of the kingdom, it must be considered that not all are ordained to “hear” them. But what about those that are ordained to hear?

"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God."
Romans 8:26, 27 (KJV)

Infirmities: 769. from G772: feebleness (of body or mind); by impl. malady; mor. frailty:--disease, infirmity, sickness, weakness. 772; from G1 (as a neg. particle) and the base of G4599; strengthless (in various applications, lit., fig. and mor.):--more feeble, impotent, sick, without strength, weak (-er, -ness, thing). 4599; from sthenos, (bodily vigor; prob. akin to the base of G2476); to strengthen, i.e. (fig.) confirm (in spiritual knowledge and power):--strengthen. 2476; to stand , used in various applications (lit. or fig.):--abide, appoint, bring, continue, covenant, establish, hold up, lay, present, set (up), stanch, stand (by, forth, still, up).

At its Root it refers to our inability to stand: "And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me." Matthew 10:38 (KJV)

Cross: 4716. stauros, from G2476; a stake or post (as set upright), i.e. (spec.) a pole or cross (as an instrument of capital punishment); fig. exposure to death, i.e. self-denial; by impl. the atonement of Christ:--cross.

Our infirmity is that we don’t know what to pray about or even how to pray [according to God’s will!] in any given situation. "And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind (inclination or purpose) of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God."

(Not according to the will of man!, BUT GOD)

"For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries." 1 Corinthians 14:2 (KJV)

No man: 3762. from 3761 and 1520; not even one, none, nobody, nothing

If the Spirit of truth abides in you and He cannot lie and He knows what is the mind (inclination or purpose) of the Spirit and makes intercession for you according to the will of God; Than the only absolutely sure way to pray the will of God is in the Spirit!

But there got to be more!

Unless we can come to an agreement in the natural mind, how can we address specific areas we need the Lord to move within?

"So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air." 1 Corinthians 14:9 (KJV)

If you ask me to agree with you in prayer on any matter, I must be able to understand what we are praying about. Agreeing with an “unspoken request” is unscriptural! There must be an understanding in the natural mind in order to release the Spirit to intercede.

"For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful." 1 Corinthians 14:14 (KJV)

Any restlessness that we experience in prayer can usually be traced to fear. Fear of improper words, desires, not knowing the Fathers purpose in that which we face. We need to have some understanding in our natural mind in order to have a peace about our prayer. Paul gave us the Answer.

What is it then?

"I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?" 1 Corinthians 14:15-16 (KJV)

Solution!

Define the area that you wish to pray into. Don’t predetermine the resulting action, don’t prejudge the situation. Just define it. That can be as simply said as “Father, I’m faced with a situation here”. Then tell the Father that it is your desire that His perfect will be done in it. Release the Spirit (of Christ in you) to do the binding and loosing of anything that needs to be bound or loosed, (for we never really know!) Then ask the Father to grant an interpretation to you , if one is needed. Then begin to pray in the Spirit until you get a release! If you get an interpretation, act upon it. If you don’t, don’t worry about it! This type of prayer can be used in any circumstance or situation. Whether by yourself or in a larger group. It is guaranteed to bring the Fathers purpose to pass in the situation!

Guaranteed!

Why Guaranteed?
1) You are agreeing with the Father for His perfect will to be done regardless of consequence.
2) You are not telling God what or how to do it.
3) You have not moved into an area of “illegality” by binding and loosing things you don’t understand.
4) You are operating in the power of agreement.
5) You are speaking directly to God via the Spirit.

"These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him." 1 John 5:13-15 (KJV)

"If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples." John 15:7-8 (KJV)