Week 12 Principles of Intercession – Class Notes – 12-04-16
Words – Continued study on hindrances to prayer: the wrong use of speech
How seriously does God take our use of words?
Examples:
(1) Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Zacharias, father of John the Baptist – Luke 1 – Gabriel made announcements to each one, they both considered their personal circumstances and gave similar answers to the angel. Mary’s reply was faith-filled. As a young Jewish girl, she probably often prayed to become the mother of the Messiah. Regardless of her betrothal to Joseph, this would have been a life-long dream and prayer.
(2) Zacharias’s words were doubt-filled. Because of his unbelief, Zacharias was prevented from speaking until after the baby was born. “And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words (Gabriel), which shall be fulfilled in their season.” At his age, Zacharias probably had given up on the prayer to have a child.
(3) Abraham. Romans 4:17 – Abraham (along with God) called those things which were not as though they were. Genesis 17:5 – “Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.” That was PAST TENSE, even though Abraham had no children at that time.
God changed his name from Abram (exalted father, a name of honor) to Abraham (father of many nations, a name which would seem impossible to someone who had no children). Afterwards every time someone spoke his new name, it confirmed God’s promise – regardless of how ridiculous it must have seemed to everyone else.
But Abraham knew God’s voice and had followed it a long way and a long time. Hearing that name reinforced his faith, and speaking that name over himself became a creative act. Abraham saw the beginnings of it with the birth and lives of his two sons, Isaac (Jewish nation) and Esau (Arab nation).
Reminders:
Spoken words are how everything was created. See Genesis 1, “God said…” Not God thought, or imagined, or wished. Spoken words are how we are born again; it’s how the lost are won to Christ:
“For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:10 KJV)
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” (I Pet. 1:23)
Philemon 1:6 KJV – “That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” Communication can mean fellowship, but it can also mean contagion. We communicate our faith – it becomes contagious – through our acknowledging (and speaking about) the good things that are in us in Christ, which include:
- A new identity, who I am in Christ, my position in him. (His child, seated with him in heavenly places);
- Who and what the Holy Spirit is to me. (Inhabits my spirit, my constant companion, enabler, intercessor);
- What the Word of God does for me:
The Word of God produced my new birth. It also provides all things that pertain to life and godliness, II Pet. 1:3 ff. Examples:
- Protection against sin – “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Ps. 119:11)
- Direction – “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” (Ps. 119:105 )
- Weapon – “… and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Eph. 6:17, Heb. 4:12)
- Spiritual food – better than physical food, “Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” (Job 23:12)
The gospel is good news, not bad news. It is the kindness (love) of God that draws men to repentance, not his condemnation and judgment. Testifying and sharing the gospel will make your faith contagious to others, as well as continuing its good effect on you yourself.
Esther's Petition 