Class Notes 13

Week 13 Principles of Intercession – Class Notes – 12-11-16

WORDS – continued

How seriously does God take our use of words?

It’s how we are born again; it’s how the lost are won to Christ:

• “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)
• “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

More examples:

(1) Romans 4:17 – Abraham (along with God) called those things which were not as though they were. Remember, God changed his name from Abram (exalted father) to Abraham (father of a multitude). Afterwards every time someone spoke his new name, it confirmed God’s promise – no matter how ridiculous a name it seemed to be.

(2) II Kings 4:8-37 – Elisha and the Shunammite woman. Verse 23, 26 – Elisha told his servant, “Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child? And she answered, It is well.”

Who was Elisha? Disciple of prophet Elijah, received his mantle, double portion of his spirit. HQ was in city of Samaria (a capital of Israel, the northern kingdom), but traveled back and forth around whole nation, esp. to Mt. Carmel. Went through Shunem and was known there.

Who was she? A little background on her and the town of Shunem in Galilee, in the Valley of Jezreel. In the section assigned to the tribe of Issachar. Social custom, not to look in face of a prophet, always be respectful.

Her husband was older, they had no children, she was wealthy, honored Elisha by building him a room, feeding him. Elisha prophesied she would have a son, as a sign of thanksgiving for her kindness to him, and she did.

Then one day her son died. And even though he had died, she spoke “It is well” to her husband, to Gehazi and to Elisha.

She called those things which were not as though they were, even before going to seek Elisha on Mt. Carmel. Elisha accompanied her back to her home and raised her son from the dead. It was indeed well.

After we have prayed what we truly believe to be God’s will, we need to speak as if it has been done / given. Our words need to express faith, gratitude and thanks, not doubt and uncertainty.

Note: The apostle Paul’s letters to the churches always included giving thanks for them, even before his prayers for them.

• I Thess. 5:18, IN everything – before, during and after the answer comes – give thanks. This will help keep your use of words right.
• Eph. 5:20, giving thanks FOR all things… including for what the enemy does? Yes, not for the problem, but for God overcoming the enemy’s work and thus glorifying himself through the answers to our prayers for victory.