Does God want you to take charge and tell Him what to do?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

know1

Senior Member
Aug 27, 2012
3,100
180
63
#1
This may sound like blasphemy, but the bible is full of instances, circumstances, and accounts of people telling God what to do.

In Isaiah 45:11, many translations write the verse similar to the kjv.
(KJV) Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me.

However, some say it should be written like the BSB.
(BSB) Thus says the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: “How dare you question Me concerning My sons, or instruct Me about the work of My hands?

Many would say, "I would never tell God what to do, because we are to seek His will, not our own."
I would say, yes, we should seek the will of God, IF you don't know what His will is. But if you do, then should we tell Him what to do?
So did God tell us to tell Him what to do in the above verse or is He saying, "how dare you instruct me concerning the works of my hands?"
What about when Joshua spoke to God, while commanding the sun and moon to be still?
In my opinion, that was by far, the greatest miracle ever done by anyone on this earth.
So Joshua commanded it and God did as Joshua said.
What about the storm Jesus calmed?
Jesus Calms a Storm
Mar 4:35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.
Mar 4:36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
Mar 4:37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
Mar 4:38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
Mar 4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
Mar 4:40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
Mar 4:41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Why was Jesus angry with His disciples? What was He expecting them to do, calm the storm or something?
I believe He wanted them to take care of the storm.

And what was Jesus actually saying in the below verses?
Joh 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask G154 in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
Joh 14:14 If ye shall ask G154 any thing in my name, I will do it.

G154
αἰτέω
aiteō
ahee-teh'-o
- Strong’s: Of uncertain derivation; to ask (in generally): - ask, beg, call for, crave, desire, or require. Compare G4441.

G4441 is to question, i.e. ascertain by inquiry (as a matter of information merely; and thus differing from ... 0154, which is strictly a demand for something due; as well as from 2212, which implies a search for something hidden; and from 1189, which involves the idea of urgent need); by implication, to learn (by casual intelligence);

Was Jesus actually telling us to call for, or demand things in His name?
Joh 14:13 "And whatsoever ye shall call for or demand, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. "
Joh 14:14 "If ye shall call for or demand any thing in my name, I will do it."

If Jesus is the living Word of God, and He is, and his word is the power of God, and HE commands us to Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils in His name, and since the angels, who excel in strength, and do His commandments, hearkening unto those who give voice to, or speak forth, God's living word verbally, then maybe it is okay to tell God what to do AFTER we FIND OUT, WHAT TO DO, AND HOW TO DO IT.

I understand this concept goes against the theology of only asking God for things and waiting to see, and wondering, if God will grant your request. Which in itself is incorrect, that is, hoping and wondering IF God will do as one asks.
But do you think it a sin and/or is scripturally incorrect to call for, require, even demand or command God to do the things you say out loud, in Jesus' name, and expect God to do it?
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,428
6,706
113
#2
I do not believe anyone "told God what to do" in their hearts. I believe if it sounds so, it really and truly is a plea or a petition to do any particular need.
 

Underwhosewings

Well-known member
Jan 19, 2023
1,318
670
113
Australia
#3
This may sound like blasphemy, but the bible is full of instances, circumstances, and accounts of people telling God what to do.

In Isaiah 45:11, many translations write the verse similar to the kjv.
(KJV) Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me.

However, some say it should be written like the BSB.
(BSB) Thus says the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: “How dare you question Me concerning My sons, or instruct Me about the work of My hands?

Many would say, "I would never tell God what to do, because we are to seek His will, not our own."
I would say, yes, we should seek the will of God, IF you don't know what His will is. But if you do, then should we tell Him what to do?
So did God tell us to tell Him what to do in the above verse or is He saying, "how dare you instruct me concerning the works of my hands?"
What about when Joshua spoke to God, while commanding the sun and moon to be still?
In my opinion, that was by far, the greatest miracle ever done by anyone on this earth.
So Joshua commanded it and God did as Joshua said.
What about the storm Jesus calmed?
Jesus Calms a Storm
Mar 4:35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.
Mar 4:36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
Mar 4:37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
Mar 4:38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
Mar 4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
Mar 4:40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
Mar 4:41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Why was Jesus angry with His disciples? What was He expecting them to do, calm the storm or something?
I believe He wanted them to take care of the storm.

And what was Jesus actually saying in the below verses?
Joh 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask G154 in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
Joh 14:14 If ye shall ask G154 any thing in my name, I will do it.

G154
αἰτέω
aiteō
ahee-teh'-o
- Strong’s: Of uncertain derivation; to ask (in generally): - ask, beg, call for, crave, desire, or require. Compare G4441.

G4441 is to question, i.e. ascertain by inquiry (as a matter of information merely; and thus differing from ... 0154, which is strictly a demand for something due; as well as from 2212, which implies a search for something hidden; and from 1189, which involves the idea of urgent need); by implication, to learn (by casual intelligence);

Was Jesus actually telling us to call for, or demand things in His name?
Joh 14:13 "And whatsoever ye shall call for or demand, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. "
Joh 14:14 "If ye shall call for or demand any thing in my name, I will do it."

If Jesus is the living Word of God, and He is, and his word is the power of God, and HE commands us to Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils in His name, and since the angels, who excel in strength, and do His commandments, hearkening unto those who give voice to, or speak forth, God's living word verbally, then maybe it is okay to tell God what to do AFTER we FIND OUT, WHAT TO DO, AND HOW TO DO IT.

I understand this concept goes against the theology of only asking God for things and waiting to see, and wondering, if God will grant your request. Which in itself is incorrect, that is, hoping and wondering IF God will do as one asks.
But do you think it a sin and/or is scripturally incorrect to call for, require, even demand or command God to do the things you say out loud, in Jesus' name, and expect God to do it?
Moses said to God…
Exodus 32:12 KJV
…Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.

Sometimes we have not because we ask not.
James 4:2-3 KJV
…ye have not, because ye ask not.

Sometimes we ask amiss.
[3] Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

Matthew 14:30-31 KJV
But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
[31] And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
19,082
6,579
113
62
#4
This may sound like blasphemy, but the bible is full of instances, circumstances, and accounts of people telling God what to do.

In Isaiah 45:11, many translations write the verse similar to the kjv.
(KJV) Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me.

However, some say it should be written like the BSB.
(BSB) Thus says the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: “How dare you question Me concerning My sons, or instruct Me about the work of My hands?

Many would say, "I would never tell God what to do, because we are to seek His will, not our own."
I would say, yes, we should seek the will of God, IF you don't know what His will is. But if you do, then should we tell Him what to do?
So did God tell us to tell Him what to do in the above verse or is He saying, "how dare you instruct me concerning the works of my hands?"
What about when Joshua spoke to God, while commanding the sun and moon to be still?
In my opinion, that was by far, the greatest miracle ever done by anyone on this earth.
So Joshua commanded it and God did as Joshua said.
What about the storm Jesus calmed?
Jesus Calms a Storm
Mar 4:35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.
Mar 4:36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
Mar 4:37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
Mar 4:38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
Mar 4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
Mar 4:40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
Mar 4:41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Why was Jesus angry with His disciples? What was He expecting them to do, calm the storm or something?
I believe He wanted them to take care of the storm.

And what was Jesus actually saying in the below verses?
Joh 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask G154 in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
Joh 14:14 If ye shall ask G154 any thing in my name, I will do it.

G154
αἰτέω
aiteō
ahee-teh'-o
- Strong’s: Of uncertain derivation; to ask (in generally): - ask, beg, call for, crave, desire, or require. Compare G4441.

G4441 is to question, i.e. ascertain by inquiry (as a matter of information merely; and thus differing from ... 0154, which is strictly a demand for something due; as well as from 2212, which implies a search for something hidden; and from 1189, which involves the idea of urgent need); by implication, to learn (by casual intelligence);

Was Jesus actually telling us to call for, or demand things in His name?
Joh 14:13 "And whatsoever ye shall call for or demand, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. "
Joh 14:14 "If ye shall call for or demand any thing in my name, I will do it."

If Jesus is the living Word of God, and He is, and his word is the power of God, and HE commands us to Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils in His name, and since the angels, who excel in strength, and do His commandments, hearkening unto those who give voice to, or speak forth, God's living word verbally, then maybe it is okay to tell God what to do AFTER we FIND OUT, WHAT TO DO, AND HOW TO DO IT.

I understand this concept goes against the theology of only asking God for things and waiting to see, and wondering, if God will grant your request. Which in itself is incorrect, that is, hoping and wondering IF God will do as one asks.
But do you think it a sin and/or is scripturally incorrect to call for, require, even demand or command God to do the things you say out loud, in Jesus' name, and expect God to do it?
It's a very interesting post...particularly concerning the storm.
I don't think Jesus expected them to calm the storm. But it certainly wouldn't have hurt for them to pray that God would. His chastisement seems to focus on their lack of faith, not their ability.
One key phrase for prayer is...in my name. That means more than merely invoking Jesus name. It means praying as an ambassador of Christ and in the manner He would pray.
 

soberxp

Senior Member
May 3, 2018
2,511
482
83
#5
If I were a single man, I would ask God to make me a suitable partner as he did in the beginning, not someone born in the womb.

The difference is whether the request is justified and whether God has ever done it.
 
Jan 15, 2023
85
63
18
#6
Hello,
[Rom 9:19-21 NASB20] 19 You will say to me then, "Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?" 20 On the contrary, who are you, you [foolish] person, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, "Why did you make me like this," will it? 21 Or does the potter not have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one object for honorable use, and another for common use?

THE BATTLE RAGES TIL THE LION ROARS!!
Clarence
 

Underwhosewings

Well-known member
Jan 19, 2023
1,318
670
113
Australia
#7
Hello,
[Rom 9:19-21 NASB20] 19 You will say to me then, "Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?" 20 On the contrary, who are you, you [foolish] person, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, "Why did you make me like this," will it? 21 Or does the potter not have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one object for honorable use, and another for common use?

THE BATTLE RAGES TIL THE LION ROARS!!
Clarence
Clay/mud has no rights.

Genesis 3:19 KJV

“Dust thou art”
 
Apr 17, 2019
71
47
18
#8
But do you think it a sin and/or is scripturally incorrect to call for, require, even demand or command God to do the things you say out loud, in Jesus' name, and expect God to do it?
To better understand the "command me ye," comment, if we place this verse in a Biblical context we arrive at the conclusion by examining other similar texts:
“Ask me even about the things that are coming concerning my sons; and concerning the activity of my hands you people should command me.” (Isa. 45:11)
“Keep on asking, and it will be given you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you. For everyone asking receives, and everyone seeking finds, and to everyone knocking it will be opened.” (Matt. 7:7, 8)

Thus, we are to inquire (as in God "commands" we ask) into God’s Word and to seek out the whys and wherefores of the things God says and does. He is not a God far off, an absentee God, nor does he expect us to act without knowledge of his mind on matters. God wants us to understand His mental inclination with the goal of becoming better Christians.
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,188
113
#9
interesting

Not sure it means we tell God what to do, but we ask Him for all our needs and He provides.

Maybe He feels miffed when we DONT ask Him, or seek His approval on everything and do our own thing? Cos He has a better way? And He would gladly do it for us if we ask Him?

Like a no job too big or too small God. Though sometimes we may feel like we are bothering Him over every little detail, and He will grow tired of us. Humans do like to be self-sufficent and independent. However He can do anything. He can move the mountain. Maybe we expect too little of God.

Or maybe we are impatient?!
 

Underwhosewings

Well-known member
Jan 19, 2023
1,318
670
113
Australia
#10
Our very breath we depend on God for.
He gives breath and He takes breath away. So we cannot do anything without Him. As much as we like to think that we did this or that.
Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. [6] In ALL thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Isaiah 45:24 KJV
Surely, shall one say, in the Lord have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come;…
 

Bruce_Leiter

Active member
Feb 17, 2023
427
191
43
#11
This may sound like blasphemy, but the bible is full of instances, circumstances, and accounts of people telling God what to do.

In Isaiah 45:11, many translations write the verse similar to the kjv.
(KJV) Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me.

However, some say it should be written like the BSB.
(BSB) Thus says the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: “How dare you question Me concerning My sons, or instruct Me about the work of My hands?

Many would say, "I would never tell God what to do, because we are to seek His will, not our own."
I would say, yes, we should seek the will of God, IF you don't know what His will is. But if you do, then should we tell Him what to do?
So did God tell us to tell Him what to do in the above verse or is He saying, "how dare you instruct me concerning the works of my hands?"
What about when Joshua spoke to God, while commanding the sun and moon to be still?
In my opinion, that was by far, the greatest miracle ever done by anyone on this earth.
So Joshua commanded it and God did as Joshua said.
What about the storm Jesus calmed?
Jesus Calms a Storm
Mar 4:35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.
Mar 4:36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
Mar 4:37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
Mar 4:38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
Mar 4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
Mar 4:40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
Mar 4:41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Why was Jesus angry with His disciples? What was He expecting them to do, calm the storm or something?
I believe He wanted them to take care of the storm.

And what was Jesus actually saying in the below verses?
Joh 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask G154 in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
Joh 14:14 If ye shall ask G154 any thing in my name, I will do it.

G154
αἰτέω
aiteō
ahee-teh'-o
- Strong’s: Of uncertain derivation; to ask (in generally): - ask, beg, call for, crave, desire, or require. Compare G4441.

G4441 is to question, i.e. ascertain by inquiry (as a matter of information merely; and thus differing from ... 0154, which is strictly a demand for something due; as well as from 2212, which implies a search for something hidden; and from 1189, which involves the idea of urgent need); by implication, to learn (by casual intelligence);

Was Jesus actually telling us to call for, or demand things in His name?
Joh 14:13 "And whatsoever ye shall call for or demand, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. "
Joh 14:14 "If ye shall call for or demand any thing in my name, I will do it."

If Jesus is the living Word of God, and He is, and his word is the power of God, and HE commands us to Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils in His name, and since the angels, who excel in strength, and do His commandments, hearkening unto those who give voice to, or speak forth, God's living word verbally, then maybe it is okay to tell God what to do AFTER we FIND OUT, WHAT TO DO, AND HOW TO DO IT.

I understand this concept goes against the theology of only asking God for things and waiting to see, and wondering, if God will grant your request. Which in itself is incorrect, that is, hoping and wondering IF God will do as one asks.
But do you think it a sin and/or is scripturally incorrect to call for, require, even demand or command God to do the things you say out loud, in Jesus' name, and expect God to do it?
My answer is as follows:
1. Yes, in many Psalms, David implores or demands that God rescue him, for example. However, he is at the center of God's will in running away from Saul and, later, Absalom. If we know that what we ask for is biblical already, we can implore God to do it.
2. If we have no idea whether or not God wants to answer "yes" to our prayer, we can ask him with an underlying willingness to submit to his answer, whatever it is. In fact, the word "demand" has a negative connotation that I don't find in Scripture. We shouldn't, therefore, "demand," like a little child's temper tantrum, but we can urgently call for God's rescue or gift with a submissive spirit.
 

John146

Senior Member
Jan 13, 2016
17,111
3,687
113
#12
Moses telling God to turn from his wrath and not destroy the people. :eek:

Exodus 32
9 And the Lord said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:
10 Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.
11 And Moses besought the Lord his God, and said, Lord, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand?
12 Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.
 

GRACE_ambassador

Well-known member
Feb 22, 2021
3,211
1,612
113
Midwest
#13
I understand this concept goes against the theology of only asking God for things and waiting to see, and wondering, if God will grant your request. Which in itself is incorrect, that is, hoping and wondering IF God will do as one asks.
But do you think it a sin and/or is scripturally incorrect to call for, require, even demand or command God to do the things you say out loud, in Jesus' name, and expect God to do it?
The problem here is a Dispensational one - ie:

In God's Context of Prophecy/Covenants/Law, For Israel:

(17) Taught how/what to pray! (Matthew 6:9; Luke 11:2 KJB!)
"asking/believing And receiving," Correct?​
Rightly Divided (2 Timothy 2:15) From “Things That Differ” (online)

In God's Other Context of Mystery/GRACE!:

(17a) we Are Exhorted to "...Make our requests known Unto God!"
(
Philippians 4:6 KJB!) While, At The Same Time, God "Teaches":

(17b) Concerning our infirmities, we "know Not" what to pray "as we ought,"
But "The Spirit Intercedeth FOR us, According To The Will Of God!..."
(
Romans 8:26 KJB!)

Borrowed from: Distinctions of prophecy And MYSTERY!

Grace, Peace, And JOY In Christ, And In His Word Of Truth, Rightly
Divided
(+ I and II)! + RICH Blessings
 

Ted01

Well-known member
May 14, 2022
1,055
447
83
#14
This may sound like blasphemy, but the bible is full of instances, circumstances, and accounts of people telling God what to do.

In Isaiah 45:11, many translations write the verse similar to the kjv.
(KJV) Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me.

However, some say it should be written like the BSB.
(BSB) Thus says the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and its Maker: “How dare you question Me concerning My sons, or instruct Me about the work of My hands?

Many would say, "I would never tell God what to do, because we are to seek His will, not our own."
I would say, yes, we should seek the will of God, IF you don't know what His will is. But if you do, then should we tell Him what to do?
So did God tell us to tell Him what to do in the above verse or is He saying, "how dare you instruct me concerning the works of my hands?"
What about when Joshua spoke to God, while commanding the sun and moon to be still?
In my opinion, that was by far, the greatest miracle ever done by anyone on this earth.
So Joshua commanded it and God did as Joshua said.
What about the storm Jesus calmed?
Jesus Calms a Storm
Mar 4:35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.
Mar 4:36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
Mar 4:37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
Mar 4:38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
Mar 4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
Mar 4:40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
Mar 4:41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Why was Jesus angry with His disciples? What was He expecting them to do, calm the storm or something?
I believe He wanted them to take care of the storm.

And what was Jesus actually saying in the below verses?
Joh 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask G154 in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
Joh 14:14 If ye shall ask G154 any thing in my name, I will do it.

G154
αἰτέω
aiteō
ahee-teh'-o
- Strong’s: Of uncertain derivation; to ask (in generally): - ask, beg, call for, crave, desire, or require. Compare G4441.

G4441 is to question, i.e. ascertain by inquiry (as a matter of information merely; and thus differing from ... 0154, which is strictly a demand for something due; as well as from 2212, which implies a search for something hidden; and from 1189, which involves the idea of urgent need); by implication, to learn (by casual intelligence);

Was Jesus actually telling us to call for, or demand things in His name?
Joh 14:13 "And whatsoever ye shall call for or demand, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. "
Joh 14:14 "If ye shall call for or demand any thing in my name, I will do it."

If Jesus is the living Word of God, and He is, and his word is the power of God, and HE commands us to Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils in His name, and since the angels, who excel in strength, and do His commandments, hearkening unto those who give voice to, or speak forth, God's living word verbally, then maybe it is okay to tell God what to do AFTER we FIND OUT, WHAT TO DO, AND HOW TO DO IT.

I understand this concept goes against the theology of only asking God for things and waiting to see, and wondering, if God will grant your request. Which in itself is incorrect, that is, hoping and wondering IF God will do as one asks.
But do you think it a sin and/or is scripturally incorrect to call for, require, even demand or command God to do the things you say out loud, in Jesus' name, and expect God to do it?
I think that I remember one time that I tried to set Him straight about mosquitos... but nothing changed.
 

know1

Senior Member
Aug 27, 2012
3,100
180
63
#16
I do not believe anyone "told God what to do" in their hearts. I believe if it sounds so, it really and truly is a plea or a petition to do any particular need.
Even you yourself have told God what to do at times. So why don't you believe others have?
 

know1

Senior Member
Aug 27, 2012
3,100
180
63
#17
Moses said to God…
Exodus 32:12 KJV
…Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.

Sometimes we have not because we ask not.
James 4:2-3 KJV
…ye have not, because ye ask not.

Sometimes we ask amiss.
[3] Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

Matthew 14:30-31 KJV
But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
[31] And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
Mar 11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

Tell me, does that sound like someone asking God for something?
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,428
6,706
113
#18
Even you yourself have told God what to do at times. So why don't you believe others have?
I belong to our Father by Jesus Yeshua, and I always ask Him for anything according to His will, understanding that His will is utter wisdom. We thank Him for any tribulation, and when we do we are blessed with understanding or simply more faith.

No, I could never petition Him in the human mind set of instructing Him for He is the Teacher, not we. God bless you.
 

know1

Senior Member
Aug 27, 2012
3,100
180
63
#19
It's a very interesting post...particularly concerning the storm.
I don't think Jesus expected them to calm the storm. But it certainly wouldn't have hurt for them to pray that God would. His chastisement seems to focus on their lack of faith, not their ability.
One key phrase for prayer is...in my name. That means more than merely invoking Jesus name. It means praying as an ambassador of Christ and in the manner He would pray.
Mat 14:16 But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.
Mat 14:17 And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.
Joh 6:6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.

Did Jesus actually command His disciples to feed everyone, and would He tell them to do something they could not do?
What was Jesus testing Philip for, or what was it about?
 

know1

Senior Member
Aug 27, 2012
3,100
180
63
#20
To better understand the "command me ye," comment, if we place this verse in a Biblical context we arrive at the conclusion by examining other similar texts:
“Ask me even about the things that are coming concerning my sons; and concerning the activity of my hands you people should command me.” (Isa. 45:11)
“Keep on asking, and it will be given you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you. For everyone asking receives, and everyone seeking finds, and to everyone knocking it will be opened.” (Matt. 7:7, 8)

Thus, we are to inquire (as in God "commands" we ask) into God’s Word and to seek out the whys and wherefores of the things God says and does. He is not a God far off, an absentee God, nor does he expect us to act without knowledge of his mind on matters. God wants us to understand His mental inclination with the goal of becoming better Christians.
Using verses from other places in the bible that uses the word "asking", does not put "command ye me" into biblical context.