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1st John is my favorite book of the Bible. Reading it over and over has revolutionized both my faith and walk with the Lord. For example 1st John 3: 21 - 23 teaches us that answered prayer is the result of faithfulness and faithfulness is proven by obedience:
"And, beloved, if our consciences (our hearts) do not accuse us [if they do not make us feel guilty and condemn us], we have confidence (complete assurance and boldness) before God, And we receive from Him whatever we ask, because we [watchfully] obey His orders [observe His suggestions and injunctions, follow His plan for us] and [habitually] practice what is pleasing to Him. And this is His order (His command, His injunction): that we should believe in (put our faith and trust in and adhere to and rely on) the name of His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and that we should love one another, just as He has commanded us."
It simply amazes me how many believers are never taught this basic principle in today's churches, that God rewards our faithfulness through answered prayer. On flip side, very seldom does God answer the prayers of the disobedient. However, on those rare occasions that He does, people must understand that this is a rare exception and not the rule. In fact, the general rule is that God allows the disobedient to reap a bad harvest from the bad seed which they have sown. For those of you who aren't quite convinced of this biblical principle, let's take a look at a couple more passages which verify what I'm saying is in deed true:
Galatians 6: 7 - 8 (AMP) "Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap. For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life."
Proverbs 22: 8-8 (AMP) "He who sows iniquity will reap calamity and futility, and the rod of his wrath [with which he smites others] will fail. He who has a bountiful eye shall be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor."
"And, beloved, if our consciences (our hearts) do not accuse us [if they do not make us feel guilty and condemn us], we have confidence (complete assurance and boldness) before God, And we receive from Him whatever we ask, because we [watchfully] obey His orders [observe His suggestions and injunctions, follow His plan for us] and [habitually] practice what is pleasing to Him. And this is His order (His command, His injunction): that we should believe in (put our faith and trust in and adhere to and rely on) the name of His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and that we should love one another, just as He has commanded us."
It simply amazes me how many believers are never taught this basic principle in today's churches, that God rewards our faithfulness through answered prayer. On flip side, very seldom does God answer the prayers of the disobedient. However, on those rare occasions that He does, people must understand that this is a rare exception and not the rule. In fact, the general rule is that God allows the disobedient to reap a bad harvest from the bad seed which they have sown. For those of you who aren't quite convinced of this biblical principle, let's take a look at a couple more passages which verify what I'm saying is in deed true:
Galatians 6: 7 - 8 (AMP) "Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap. For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life."
Proverbs 22: 8-8 (AMP) "He who sows iniquity will reap calamity and futility, and the rod of his wrath [with which he smites others] will fail. He who has a bountiful eye shall be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor."
