14:13,14
We now get a great promise about prayer, but it is vital that we take it in its context. It lends no support to a “name it and claim it” theology, it is more powerful than that! If we ask in His name. Now this most definitely does not mean simply tagging “in your name” on to the end of prayers. It means praying as Christ would pray, praying the things He would pray. Remember that on several occasions we have seen Jesus emphasising that He only does what He sees the Father do and says what the Father says. We are to do likewise. We have been saved to become more and more like Christ, so that the Father’s name may be glorified. We have become part of God’s plan, active participants in His purposes.
14:15
In your Bible there is probably a section heading here. This is unfortunate, we should remember that it follows on directly from the previous verse. The promises on prayer are not a licence for “name it and claim it”, but for obedient servants of Christ. When we are obedient we have authority, when we live with Jesus as Lord of our life we have authority. As soon as we make ourselves lord of our life we lose authority.
The keeping of commandments is nothing new, it was central to the Old Testament. There is far greater continuity between the Old and New Testaments than most people appreciate.
Notice also the significance of Jesus telling His disciples to keep His commandments. This was not just a call to respect Him, but a general way of life. No one but the Son of God could make such a claim.
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