The Wise Prayer of a Weak Man
Theme: A prayer for a Godward life
Point: Wise people confront their spiritual weaknesses through prayer.
Introductory Points: There are several lessons we can learn from the way in which Agur prayed:
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The manner of our prayers should honor God.
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The focus of our prayers should honor God.
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The content of our prayers should honor God.
Transitional Sentence: We need God to remove the things that contradict a godly life and keep us from the things that corrupt a godly life.
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We should pray with humble submission: "Two things I ask" (v. 7)
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We should pray with spiritual priorities: "deny them not to be before I die" (v. 7)
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We should pray with godly wisdom: "Two things I ask" (v. 7)
Outline:
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Remove from me the things that contradict a godly life (Pro 30:8a).
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Agur prays against two things that contradict a godly life.
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Deceit: falsehood.
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Dishonesty: lies.
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There are two ways that falsehood and lies hinder godliness:
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Godliness is hindered by our own falsehood and lies.
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Godliness is hindered by the falsehood and lies of others.
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There is only one way to overcome falsehood and lies: The Lord must remove it far away from you.
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Do not give me the things that corrupt a godly life (Pro 30:8b).
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The request:
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Do not give me poverty.
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Do not give me riches.
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The reason:
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The peril of prosperity: An abundance of provision can lead to indifference toward God (v. 9a).
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The peril of poverty: A lack of provision can lead to irreverence toward God (v. 9b).
Sermon Skeleton: Two Are Better than One (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
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