Class Notes 15

Week 15 Principles of Intercession – Class Notes – January 1, 2017

“So what does God consider to be sin for believers?”  continued. This is not an exhaustive list. (See added note below.)

• “Victim” attitude. Something always goes wrong, you begin to expect that.
• Unforgiveness. This is a major hindrance to answers. See Mark 11:24-25, also verses following the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6.
• Intentional disobedience. “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17)
• Conflict between husbands / wives / others – I Pet. 3:7, “… that your prayers be not hindered.”
• “Hoarding up” unhealed wounds, hidden hurts or betrayals; or guilt and shame for something done in the past or present. When “hoarded up” these can become sin to you, like a bad habit or addiction you don’t want to give up.
• Pride. “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3) “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” (James 4:6)
• Wanting to always “have it all together,” not wanting anyone to know about your struggle, can be a form of pride.
• Selfishness (asking amiss). “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” (James 4:3) The entire chapter is good to read, slowly and prayerfully.
• Fear of the enemy; wrong type of fear of God. “But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.” (Luke 8:50), “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)
• Anxiety / worry. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;” (Philippians 4:6)
• Impatience. “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” (Heb. 10:36)
• Bad temper, anger, rage, aimed at your family in particular. It’s not “just the way you are built,” it’s not just an inherited trait. It is sin.
• Bad habits, misuse of your body, mind or soul. Note – while some things are not sinful in themselves, if they are taking time and thought away from what the Lord wants you to do, it’s wrong.

How do we get free from any of those? (This is usually an ongoing process, not an instant one.)

1. Ask the Holy Spirit to help us find it in ourselves. He is God’s searchlight, and the persuader / convincer.
2.  Acknowledge it and confess it as sin – even if you have a hard time thinking of it as sin.
3. Ask for forgiveness and receive it – whether you feel any different or not, you will be.
4. Allow the Holy Spirit / blood of Jesus to wash it away (I John 1:7-10).
5. Thank the Lord for doing it. Offer the sacrifices of praise.

Why are any of these attitudes / behaviors so bad? So harmful?

Because it interferes in your relationship with the Lord, like static when trying to tune in a radio. It creates a barrier to your closeness to Him, your belief, trust, faith.

(Added note: Demonic influences could be at work; discerning of spirits is essential, and counsel from a trusted, knowledgeable minister may be helpful.)