Often we pray to God with our mind already set on how God should answer. Watch out! You might just get what you pray for.

1. Your Prayer Might
Be Answered
Ezekiel 14:3-4

2. Ezekiel 14:3-4

3 "Son of man, these men have set up their
idols in their hearts, and put before them that
which causes them to stumble into iniquity.
Should I let Myself be inquired of at all by
them? 4 Therefore speak to them, and say to
them, 'Thus says the Lord God: "Everyone of
the house of Israel who sets up his idols in his
heart, and puts before him what causes him to
stumble into iniquity, and then comes to the
prophet, I the Lord will answer him who comes,
according to the multitude of his idols

3. The Text



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Idol = Anyone or anything which has a higher
priority and place than God.
Men set up idols – in their heart
God's answer – God will answer them
according to their idols
WARNING: God may give you what you ask for
and have your heart set upon.

4. Examples in the Bible

Baalam – wanted to curse Israel

Begged and pleaded

Tried to curse but blessed Israel

Finally – got his desire – Israel in adultery

5. Examples in the Bible

King Saul

Saved King Agag

Sacrficed witout Samuel present

Went to witch of Endor

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In one day he lost all his sons, his army, his
kingdom
And he killed himself in dispair

6. Examples in the Bible

Rich Young Ruler

Wanted eternal life

Was obedient to the law of Moses

What else was needed?

Sell possessions and give to the poor
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His wealth was his “idol”and he could not let go

7. Doctrinal Application

Faith only

Infant baptism

Instrumental music in worship

Pray the sinner's prayer

8. Doctrinal Application

Once Saved, Always Saved

Keep the 10 commandments

Morality is good enough

Jesus will return to set up His
kingdom

9. Garth Brooks Song
Sometimes I thank God for
unanswered prayers

Remember when you're talkin' to the
man upstairs

That just because he doesn't answer
doesn't mean he don't care

Some of God's greatest gifts are
unanswered prayers


10. Conclusion

Idols =
Immoral activity

Doctrinal error

Material possessions

Our dreams, goals, ambitions
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11. Conclusion

WARNING
When we set up an idol in our heart;

Then ask God to help us - - 
God may answer us according to our
idol.
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