Understanding the doctrine of God's absolute sovereignty might lead some to give up on prayer. They may think, "If God decreed in eternity past whatever takes place in time, what's the point of prayer?"

But what we learn from our text today is that this is not Paul's attitude. Paul understands God's sovereignty better than anyone, and yet he says over and over that he prays for the saints. Paul says to the Romans, "I make mention of you, always in my prayers." Romans 9 is one of the strongest texts you will find anywhere on the sovereignty of God in salvation: So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires. Romans 9:18 NASB

After so strongly asserting God's sovereignty in salvation Paul says: Brethren, my heart's desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. Romans 10:1 NASB

Paul says, "God is sovereign in salvation, He saves who He wills. So I'm praying for your salvation." Don't struggle with this, just accept it as the Word of God. So Paul's understanding of God's sovereignty didn't hurt his prayer life one bit.

View entire transcript: http://www.bereanbiblechurch.org/transcripts/ephesians/eph-01_15-17_prayer-providence_video.php

11/03/2013 - Pastor David B. Curtis - Berean Bible Church - http://www.bereanbiblechurch.org - Message# 679