Not much is written in the Bible about Jabez, yet in I Chronicles 4: 9-10 we read of a prayer that's short yet very powerful.  that's our discussion for this morning.

1)  BACKGROUND
     A.  He, apparently was an influential man.  Possibly a whole city of scribes is named for him.  Tradition has it that a whole line of Doctors of law came from him. 1 Chron 2:55

2)  BLESS ME
     A.  Does the prayer seem bold and brash to you?  What about when Jacob was wrestling with an angel?
         Gen 32:24-26,29  He demanded a blessing before he would release him.
     B James 1:17 - every good goft is from God
         1.  Jesus came to bring us blesings by turning us from sin - Acts 3:26
         2.  Blessings are more than gifts, they are life-changing benefits from God; in Jesus we have all spiritual blessings Eph 1:3; God will supply all that we need - Phil 4:19
     C.  Both Jacob and Jabez believed God would bless them.

3)  ENLARGE MY BORDERS
     A.  Is he asking for more territory?  No, he wants more responsibility, more work
     B.  Many ask for more wealth, but aren't willing to take on the responsibility that comes with it.
          1. I Tim 6: 6 - 10; 17-19  the rich will face more temptations and there's more responsibility.
          2. Eph 4:26 -We are to help others
          3. 1Cor 16:2 - WE are to give as we have prospered
     C.  It can be more than physical wealth and responsibilities  - John 10:10 Jesus came to give an abundant life.  2 Pet 1: 11 -an entranc eto the heavenly kingdom is abundantly supplied. Eph 3:17-21 - In Christ our spiritual borders are enlarged.
      D.  No matter what you cannot have more without expecting to give more.

4)  YOUR RIGHT HAND WITH ME
      A.  Eph 3:16  -  What strengthens us? Phil 4-13 "I can do all things..." , 1 Pet 5:6-7 - cast your cares upon Him.  What did David say in Ps 37: 23-24?
      B.  If we want God's help, then we have to place our lives into His care.  We must be His servants, his slaves.  Our we willing to do that?
      C.  No one can take us from His mighty hand - John 10: 28-29

5)  KEEP ME FROM HARM
      A.  God watches over His people, but Jabez request is dangerous.  He is open to harm and he needs protection and aid
           1.  Deut 32:15 - Wealth and comfort can cause some to forget the Lord who gives.
           2.  Duet 31:20 - It has happened many times before.
      B.  God doesn't tempt us with evil - James 1: 12-13, in the sample prayer Jesus urged His disciples to ask to be delivered from evil - Matt 6:13
      C.  God knows how to deliver us - 2 Pet 2:9
           1.  Satan can deceive you into thinking you're too far gone into sin.
                a.  God saved Lot 2 Pet 2: 7-8 and he saved Noah 2 Pet 2:5
                b.  He can save us as well if we but ask in faith.

6)  HIS REQUEST WAS GRANTED
      A.  Are you surprised?  Are you seeking God's blessings and are you looking to do greater work? - Mt 7:7-11
     
REMEMBER THE PRAYER OF THE HONORABLE MAN JABEZ