Prayer (2)

Course:  Different Forms of Prayer

Lesson 4

Lesson Title:    Intercessions (Enteuxis)

 

Text: 1 Timothy 2:1

 

Theme:   Being an Intercessor

 

Introduction:  An intercessor approaches God on behalf of others.  It is to seek to be in the presence of God in order to be heard by Him concerning another. 

  • Intercession (enteuxis) is the term used for approaching a King and is used in the context of approaching God. 
  • An intercessor is one who goes in between two parties to act on another's behalf. 
  • He or she stands in the gap for others, 'I looked for a man to stand in the gap' Isaiah 59:16.  

 

Introductory illustration:  Standing in the gap on behalf of another. 

·        Story of the Welsh revival.  During the Welsh Revival it was known for a worldly man to get wonderfully saved and then continue on his knees to intercede for his unsaved family.

 

Exposition:

1.      An intercessor has the character of Jesus; John 17:11.

  • Intercession is the present ministry of Jesus on our behalf Heb. 7:25, Romans 8:34.

·        When we become like Jesus we will become intercessors.  Jesus stood in the gap for us The great intercessory prayer of Jesus in John 17 was for the body of Christ.  John 17:20-22  'Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that you have sent me.  And the glory which you gave me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:' 

 

2.      An intercessor is willing to put him or herself in danger on the behalf of another.

  • Consider Esther – interceded for the Jews, Esther 4:16, “If I perish, I perish” – she disregarded her own interest. 
  • Paul could say, 'I wish I could be accursed for my people', Romans 9:1-3. 
  • Moses said 'blot me out of your book', Exodus 32:32.

 

3.      An intercessor must know the character of God.  Exodus 33:13  'Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in thy sight, show me now thy way, that I may know you, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is your people.'   When Moses saw the glory of God and the character of God was revealed to him, he interceded for the people of Israel.  Exodus 34:9  'And he said, If now I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray you, go among us; for it is a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for your inheritance.'

  • We can intercede because He is merciful, gracious, and righteous;  Hebrews 7:25-27.
  • We can intercede before God in great boldness and without fear because of the atoning blood of Christ; Hebrews 4:16 ('come boldly'). 
  • Abraham appealed to the character of God.  'Shall not the judge of all the earth do right', Genesis 18:25.

·        Intercession begins with knowing the character of God,

 

4.      An intercessor must have a close relationship with the Lord.

  • Abraham could intercede on behalf of Sodom because he was the 'friend of God'.  Genesis 18:22-33. 
  • Moses could intercede because of his relationship with God.  He appealed to the word that He had sworn to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob',  Exodus 32:13.  The intercession of Moses, see Psalm 106:23.         

 

5.      An intercessor must be a watchman (Heb. Shamar), Isaiah 62:6-7.

  • An intercessor is a watchman who reminds God of His word.  ‘Give Him no rest’.  God's word is central in intercession.   Solomon's intercessory prayer reminded God of His promises,  1 Kings 8:26, ‘And now, O God of Israel, let thy word, I pray thee, be verified, which thou spakest unto thy servant David my father.’  'Be verified', Heb. Aman means confirm, make firm.
  • An intercessor is a watchman who guards.  It means 'to keep, to guard'. 
  • An intercessor seeks to understand God’s plan and purpose.  Daniel’s intercessory prayer - Daniel 9:4-19 (Understood God's word, 70 years desolation). 

 

                       

Summary: 

1           The ministry of intercession reveals the character of Jesus.

2           An intercessor has no regard to his or her own interests.  An intercessor is willing to be in danger on behalf of another.

3           An intercessor appeals to the nature and character of God knowing that He delights in mercy.

4           An intercessor must remain in close relationship with the Lord.

5           An intercessor is a watchman who reminds God of His word and is aware of the plan and purpose of God.

 

 

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