1 Chronicles 4:10b
God has
called all of His children to be ministers of His grace and goodness. Our
vision of our field of service limits how widely God can bless others through
us. Jabez knew the work God had done in
his life and asked God to allow him an opportunity to be a blessing to many.
Jabez was seeking to live
life by the motto, "I want to
be more and do more for God."
Territory for us is not
earthly possessions it is spiritual opportunities.
When we pray this prayer
we are praying for God to:
·
Expand
our sphere of influence so we can reach more people
·
Enlarge
our responsibility so we can be found more faithful
·
Open
more opportunities for ministry so that we can be a used by God
What would God have to expand What
would need to happen for us to know the kind of increase Jabez was asking for?
I. Expand our Vision
A. Of Who We Are
Most people and churches are limited by their vision.
Circumstance w/o vision produces boredom.
When you lose your vision…
·
you
will lose your energy.
·
you
will lose your peace.
·
you
will lose your joy.
·
you
will lose your life.
B. Of Whose We Are
We would rather God work by us
rather than through us.
C. Of Those We Serve
II. Expand our Heart
A. The Expanded Heart of Courage
to Move Beyond Our Comfort Zone.
B. The Expanded Heart of Love to Inspire
Us to Action
Love demands action.
C. The Expanded Heart of Purpose
to Increase Our Commitment
Jabez prayer was for opportunity
to serve the purpose of God.
