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THEINTERCESSORY

PRAYERMANUAL

Milford Assembly of God1301 State Route 131Milford, Ohio 45150

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MilfordAg.com

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mailto:[email protected]

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THE MINISTRY

OF

INTERCESSION

Milford Assembly of God1301 State Route 131Milford, Ohio [email protected]

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mailto:[email protected]

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Table of Contents 3

Preface 7

Introduction: “Foundation” 9

Introduction: “Characteristics Of The Intercessor” 15

Introduction: “Priesthood” 21

Introduction: “Altar of Incense” 29

Ways To Praise 33

Introduction: “Authority” 35

Introduction: “Kingdom Mentality” 43

Introduction: “Burden” 49

Introduction: “Travail” 55

Introduction: “Spiritual Warfare” 61

Introduction: “Weapons” - “Speaking in Tongues” 67

Part 2 71

Part 3 75

Weapons: “Fasting to Seek God” 79

“Fasting to Break Unbelief” 93

Introduction: “Seed Time And Harvest” 99

Introduction: “Practical Advice” 103

Intercessory Prayer Room Guide Lines 105

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PREFACE

The subject of intercessory prayer has often been misleading as to who is or who is not an intercessor. We have been harboring a myth that only a select few “super spiritual” individuals are called to intercession. The truth of the matter is, if we are a part of the priesthood of the believers according to 1 Peter 2:4,5) (4) “Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, (5) you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” And (1 Peter 2:9) “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (NKJV) then we are all called to intercede.

The subject of intercession is varied and diverse and the materials in this manual are in no wise exhaustive. We are not professing to be the last word, or that Milford has a corner on intercession, our goal is simply to share a few “truths” learned along the way. As revival increases and matures, our intercession will also increase and mature. Therefore these basics will be enlarged upon, commensurate with increased understanding. It is our prayer that these teaching outlines will be of some benefit to you. Feel free to use any or all of the “Intercession the Catalyst for Revival” teaching series.

Pastor Les SandersMilford Assembly of God

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INTRODUCTION: “FOUNDATION”

The foundation of any building is the most important part, if the base is defective the entire building will be weakened. Prayer and intercession is not only the foundation, but the building blocks to revival and the continuing move of the Holy Spirit. Jesus himself quoted the prophet Isaiah (Matthew 21:13) and He said unto them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’” (NKJV)

In this section we cover, What is intercession? Who is an intercessor? The need for intercession. Can intercessors be trained? Etc. This is not exhaustive - only an introduction - hopefully the Holy Spirit will enlarge upon this base and enlighten you in areas we have not touched upon.

At this present moment, Jesus is interceding on our behalf as a pattern for the church (Romans 8:33,34) “(33) Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. (34) Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” (NKJV).

INTERCESSION, THE CATALYST FOR REVIVAL

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#1

Intercession:

1. Definitions: Prayer for will to be done in the earth, to mediate, intervene, to work with God.

2. Examples: Isa 53:12 (NIV) 12Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

INTERCESSION Hebrew “Pa-ga” paw-gah' = to impinge with violence Impinge = to collide with

to encroach uponto drive in to strike up againstbe violent againstto invade

to come betweento meet with to pray

Greek “Huperentugehano” huper = above, beyond, across, more than, instead of, exceedingly above

entugehano = confer with, deal with, a meeting between, make intercession meet on behalf, for someone’s sake, in someone’s stead

Greek “Entuxus” to get the ear of the King on behalf of others

Websters to recognize their differences or points of contention

1. What is an ?One who makes their self available to be a channel unto the Lord, to

pray for His burden and His concern, through our spirit by the Holy Spirit, we work with Him.

2. Are all believers called ?1 Tim 2:1 (NIV) 1I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—

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1 Tim 2:8 (NIV) 8I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.

Matt 21:13 (NIV) 13“It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a ‘den of robbers.’”

Jesus counted intercession so important and vital that He is

Heb 7:25 (NIV) 25Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

Rom 8:33 - 34 (NIV) 33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

If you are with the Holy Spirit, you are an intercessor Rom 8:26 - 27 (NIV) 26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.

3. Is there really a for intercessors? Job 9:32 - 33 (NIV) 32“He is not a man like me that I might answer him, that we might confront each other in court. 33If only there were someone to arbitrate between us, to lay his hand upon us both,

Ezek 22:30 - 31 (NIV) 30“I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none. 31So I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger, bringing down on their own heads all they have done, declares the Sovereign LORD.”

Isa 59:16 (NIV) 16He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm worked salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him.

Intercession belongs to the and this is a vital ministry.4. Can intercessors ? Jer 9:17 - 24 (NIV) 17This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Consider now! Call for the wailing women to come; send for the most skillful of them. 18Let them come quickly and wail over us till our eyes overflow with tears and water streams from our eyelids. 19The sound of wailing is heard from Zion: ‘How ruined we are! How great is our shame! We must leave our land because our houses are in ruins.’” 20Now, O women, hear the word of the LORD; open your ears to the words of his mouth. Teach your daughters how to wail; teach one another a lament. 21Death has climbed in through our windows and has entered our fortresses; it has cut off the children from the streets and the young men from the public squares. 22Say, “This is what the LORD declares: “‘The dead bodies of men will lie like refuse on the open field, like cut grain behind the reaper, with no one to gather them.’” 23This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, 24but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD.

5. God’s provision to assist us,

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Jesus is in heaven Rom 8:34 (NIV) 34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

Holy Spirit is on the earth praying Rom 8:26 – 27 (NIV) 26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.

o Both praying the will of the Father. , Paraclete

John 14:16 - 17 (NIV) 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— 17the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

par-ak'-lay-tos = An intercessor, consoler:—advocate, comforter.

6. to pray is sin1 Sam 12:23 (NIV) 23As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.

7. God is those that intercedeEzek 9:3 - 4 (NIV) 3Now the glory of the God of Israel went up from above the cherubim, where it had been, and moved to the threshold of the temple. Then the LORD called to the man clothed in linen who had the writing kit at his side 4and said to him, “Go throughout the city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over all the detestable things that are done in it.”

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INTERCESSION - Word Study

Strong’s ConcordanceHebrew = 6293 paga’ (paw-gah’);a primitive root; to impinge, by accident or violence, or (figuratively) by importunity:KJV – come (betwixt), cause to entreat, fall (upon), make intercession, intercessor, entreat, lay, light (upon), meet (together), pray, reach, run

Brown-Driver-Briggs6293 paga’ - to encounter, to meet, to reach, to entreat, to make intercessiona) (Qal)

1) to meet, to light upon, to join2) to meet (used of kindness)3) to encounter, to fall upon (used of hostility)4) to encounter, to entreat (used of a request)5) to strike, to touch (used of boundary)

b) (Hiphil)1) to cause to light upon2) to cause to entreat3) to make entreaty, to interpose4) to make attack5) to reach the mark

Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical WordsIntercessions Greek

A. Nounenteuxis ^1783^ primarily denotes “a lighting upon, meeting with” (akin to B); then, “a

conversation”; hence, “a petition,” a meaning frequent in the papyri; it is a technical term for approaching a king, and so for approaching God in “intercession”; it is rendered “prayer” ion <1 Timothy 4:5>; in the plural in <2:1> (i.e., seeking the presence and hearing of God on behalf of others. #For the synonymous words, proseuche, deesis, see

Prayer GreekB. Verbs

1. entunchano ^1793^, primarily “to fall in with, meet with in order to converse”; then, “to make petition,” especially “to make intercession, plead with a person, “either for or against others; (a) against, <Acts 25:24>, “made suit to (me),” RV [KJV, “have dealt with (me)”], i.e., against Paul; in <Romans 11:2>, of Elijah in “pleading” with God, RV (KJV, “maketh intercession to”), against Israel; (b) for, in <Romans 8:27>, of the intercessory work of the Holy Spirit for the saints; <v. 34>, of the similar intercessory work of Christ; so <Hebrews 7:25>. See DEAL WITH, PLEAD, SUIT.

2. huperentunchano ^5241^, “to make a petition: or “intercede on behalf of another” (huper, “on behalf of,” and No., 1), is used in <Romans 8:26> of the work of the Holy Spirit in making “intercession” (see No. 1, <v. 27>). #

(from Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright (C) 1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

Nelson’s Illustrated Bible DictionaryThe act of petitioning God or praying on behalf of another person or group. The sinful nature of

this world separates human beings from God. It has always been necessary, therefore, for righteous individuals to go before God to seek reconciliation between Him and His fallen creation.

One of the earliest and best examples of intercession of this type occurs in <Genesis 18>, where Abraham speaks to God on behalf of Sodom. His plea is compassionate; it is concerned with the well-being of others rather than with his own needs. Such selfless concern is the mark of all true intercession.

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Another good example is the intercessory prayers of Moses. The leader of a nation and a righteous man, Moses successfully petitioned God on behalf of the Hebrew people <Exodus 15:25>. Even the Pharaoh asked Moses to intercede for him <Exodus 8:28>. But just as righteous men often succeeded in reconciling Creator and creation, the Bible also reminds us that the ongoing sinfulness of a people can hinder the effects of intercession <1 Samuel 2:25; Jeremiah 7:16>.

The sacrifices and prayers of Old Testament priests <Exodus 29:42; 30:7> were acts of intercession which point forward to the work of Christ. Christ is, of course, the greatest intercessor. He prayed on behalf o Peter <Luke 22:32> and His disciples <John 17>. Then in the most selfless intercession of all; He petitioned God on behalf of those who crucified Him <Luke 23:34>.

But Christ’s intercessory work did not cease when He returned to heaven. In heaven He intercedes for His church <Hebrews 7:25>. His Holy Spirit pleads on behalf of the individual Christian <Romans 8:26-27>. Finally, because of their unique relationship to God through Christ, Christians are urged to intercede for all people <1 Timothy 2:1>.

(from Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (C) 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

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INTRODUCTION: “CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INTERCESSOR”

There are some prerequisites for our intercession team/teams. The emphasis is not on the “gifts” or “manifestations” of the Holy Spirit, although these will develop and mature. If the intercessor prayer group is not walking in unity, unconditional love, forgiveness, humility, integrity and submission to pastoral authority it will be reflected in your entire congregation. Intercession sets a fertile atmosphere for the Holy Spirit to do His work, producing a heightened level of praise, worship, conviction for the sinner and saint, healing and deliverance.

The primary theme of intercession is seeding, watering and harvesting/birthing, and we “reproduce after our own kind”. The intercessory prayer group of necessity must be fully committed to Christ with the evidence of the fruit of the Spirit in their lives. The love described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (4) Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; (5) does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; (6) does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; (7) bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (NKJV)

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#2 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INTERCESSOR

John 3:16 (NIV) 16“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,£ that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

1 John 4:7 (NIV) 7Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

God our love for each other with our love for Him 1 John 4:20 - 21 (NIV) 20If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. 21And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.

Strong’s definition: Hebrew157 ‘ahab (aw-hab’); or ‘aheb (aw-habe’); a primitive root; to have affection for (sexually or otherwise): KJV – (b-) love (-3, -ly, -4), like, friend

Strong’s: Greek25 agapao (ag-ap-ah’-o); From Notes on Thessalonians, by Hogg and Vine, p. 105

In respect of agapao as used of God, it expresses the deep and constant “love” and interest of a perfect Being towards entirely unworthy objects, producing and fostering a reverential “love” in them towards the Giver, and a practical “love” towards those who are partakers of the same, and a desire to help others to seek the Giver.

25 agapao (ag-ap-ah’-o); perhaps from agan (much) [or compare 5689]; to love (in a social or moral sense):

Strong’s and Thayer: Greek5689 endomesis (en-dom’-ay-sees);from 1722 and domesis; (compare 1430); found only in Revelation 21:18: foundation, interior structure, material (for building)Revelation 21:18 and the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.

***This Greek word was not included in the original Strong’s Dictionary but is found in other Greek lexicons. Alphabetically it belongs between Strong’s number 1746 and 1747.

Webster = Love; admire passionately, warm etc.

1. love is the opposite of

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1 John 4:18 (NIV) 18There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

when we are secure in God, then we’ll not be threatened2. love 1 Pet 4:8 (NIV) 8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

3. love is the opposite of 1 John 3:17 (NIV) 17If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?

4. love is Gal 5:22 (NIV) 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

not an emotion but a 5. love can be received through prayer Eph 3:14 - 19 (NIV) 14For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15from whom his whole family£ in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

= themelioo; lay a foundation = cause to take root, a sense of being firmly planted

6. love comes through the Holy Spirit Rom 5:5 (NIV) 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

7. love in brings revelation Col 2:1 - 3 (NIV) 1I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Intercession makes love a ministry and not an outflow of personality. A ministry of love is to love the unlovely, don’t kill the wounded. In intercession you will see the very best and the very worst of the same person. It takes maturity and the love of God to refrain from sharing with others. Holy Spirit only allows us to see so we can love and pray for pastors, people etc. . Unless we can treat God’s people the way He treats them, He .

LOVE - Word Study

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Strong’s ConcordanceHebrew = 157 ‘ahab (aw-hab’); or ‘aheb (aw-habe’); a primitive root; to have affection for (sexually or otherwise): KJV – (be-) love (-d, -ly -r), like, friend

Brown, Driver, Briggs157 ‘ahab or ‘aheb-1) to love

a) (in the Qal)2) human love for another, includes love for family and sexual love3) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom4) human love for God or toward God5) the act of being a friend

a) lover (a participle)b) friend (a participle)

6) God’s love toward mankinda) toward individual menb) toward people Israelc) to righteousnessd) (in the Niphal)

7) lovely (a participle)8) lovable (a participle)

a) (in the Piel)9) friends10) lovers (figuratively, used of adulterers)11) to like

Strong’s ConcordanceGreek = 25 agapao (ag-ap-ah’-o); perhaps from agan (much) [or compare 5689]; to love (in a social or moral sense): KJV – (be-) love(-ed). Compare 5368.

Strong’s & ThayerGreek = 5689 endomesis (en-dom’-ay-sees); from 1722 and domesis; (compare 1430); found only in Revelation 21:18: foundation, interior structure, material (for building). (Revelation 21:18) And the building of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. (KJV) *** . This Greek word was not included in the original Strong’s Dictionary but is found in other Greek lexicons. Alphabetically it belongs between Strong’s number 1746 and 1747.

Strong’sGreek = 5368 phileo (fil-eh’-o); from 5384; to be a friend to (fond of [an individual or an object]), i.e. having affect ion for (denoting personal attachment, as a matter of sentiment or feeling; while 25 is wider, embracing especially the judgment and the deliberate assent of the will as a matter of principle, duty and propriety: the two thus stand related very much as 2309 and 1014, or as 2372 and 3563 respectively; the former being chiefly of the heart and the latter of the head); specifically, to kiss (as a mark of tenderness):

(Noun & Verbs)A. Verbs.

1. agapao ^25^ and the corresponding noun (B, No. 1 below) present “the characteristic word of Christianity, and since the Spirit of revelation has used it to express idea previously unknown, inquiry into its use, whether in Greek literature or in the Septuagint, throws but little light upon its distinctive meaning in the NT. Cf., however, <Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 6:5>.

“Agape and agapao are used in the NT

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(a) to describe the attitude of God toward His Son, <John 17:16>; the human race, generally, <John 3:16; Romans 5:8>, and to such as believe on the Lord Jesus Christ particularly <John 14:21>

(b) to convey His will to His children concerning their attitude one toward another, <John 13:34>, and toward all men, <1 Thessalonians 3:12; 1 Corinthians 16:14; 2 Peter 1:7>

(c) to express the essential nature of God, <1 John 4:8>“Love can be known only from the actions it prompts. God’s love is seen in

thegift of His Son, <1 John 4:9, 10>. But obviously this is not the love of complacency, or affection, that is, it was not drawn out by any excellency of

its objects, <Romans 5:8>. It was an exercise of the divine will in deliberate choice, made without assignable cause save that which lies in the nature of

God Himself. Cf. <Deuteronomy 7:7, 8>.

“Love had it’s perfect expression among men in the Lord Jesus Christ, <2 Corinthians 5:14; Ephesians 2:4; 3:19; 5:2>; Christian love is the fruit of His Spirit in the Christian, <Galatians 5:22>.

Christian love has God for it’s primary object, and expresses itself first of all in implicit obedience to His commandments, <John 14:15, 21, 23; 15:10; 1 John 2:5; 5:3; 2 John 6>. Self-will, that is, self-pleasing, is the negation of love to God.

Christian love, whether exercised toward the brethren, or toward men generally, is not an impulse from the feelings, it does not always run with the natural inclinations, nor does it spend itself only upon those for whom some affinity is discovered. Love seeks the welfare of all, <Romans 15:2>, and works no ill to any, <13:8-10>; love seeks opportunity to do good to ‘all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of faith,’ <Galatians 6:10>. See further <1 Corinthians 13> and <Colossians 3:12-14>.”

From Notes on Thessalonians, by Hogg and Vine, p. 105.

In respect of agapao as used of God, it expresses the deep and constant “love” and interest of a perfect Being towards entirely unworthy objects, producing and fostering a reverential “love” in them towards the Giver, and a practical “love” towards those who are partakers of the same, and a desire to help others to seek the Giver ...

2. phileo ^5368^ is to be distinguished from agapao in this, that phileo more nearly represents “tender affection”. The two words are used for the “love” of the Father for the Son, <John 3:35> (No. 1), and <5:20> (No. 2); for the believer, <14:21> (No. 1) and <16:27> (No. 2); both, of Christ’s “love” for a certain disciple, <13:23> (No. 1), and <20:2> (No. 2). Yet the distinction between the two verbs remains, and they are never used indiscriminately in the same passage; if each is used with reference to the same objects, as just mentioned, each word retains its distinctive and essential character.

Phileo is never used in a command to men to “love” God; it is, however, used as a warning in <1 Corinthians 16:22>; agapao is used instead, e.g., <Matthew 22:37: Luke 10:27; Romans 8:29; 1 Corinthians 8:3; 1 Peter 1:8; 1 John 4:21>. The distinction between the two verbs finds a conspicuous instance in the narrative of <John 21:15-17>. The context itself indicates that agapao in the first two questions suggests the “love” that values and esteems (cf. <Revelation 12:11>). It is an unselfish “love,” ready to serve. The use of phileo in Peter’s answers and the Lord’s third question conveys the thought of cherishing the Object above all else, of manifesting an affection characterized by constancy, from the motive of the highest veneration. See also Trench, Syn., Sec. XII.

Again, to “love” (phileo) life, from an undue desire to preserve it, forgetful of the real object of living, meets with the Lord’s reproof, <John 12:25>. On the contrary, to “love” life (agapao) as used in <1 Peter 3:10>, is to consult the true interests of living. Here the word phileo would be quite inappropriate.

NOTE: In , KJV, thelo, “to wish”, is translated “love” (RV, “desire”).

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B. Nouns

1. agape ^26^, the significance of which has been pointed out in connection with A, No. 1, is always rendered “love” in the RV where the KJV has “charity,” as rendering nowhere used in the RV; in <Romans 14:15>, where the KJV has “charitably,” the RV, adhering to the translation of the noun, has “in love”.

NOTE: In the two statements in <1 John 4:8> and <16>, “God is love,” both are used to enjoin the exercise of “love” on the part of believers. While the former introduces a declaration of the mode in which God’s love has been manifested <vv. 9, 10>, the second introduces a statement of the identification of believers with God in character, and the issue at the Judgment Seat hereafter <v. 17>, an identification represented ideally in the sentence “as He is, so are we in this world.”

2. philanthropia ^5363^ denotes, lit., “love for man” (phileo and anthropos, “man”); hence, “kindness,” <Acts 28:2>, in <Titus 3:4>, “(His) love toward man.” # Cf. The adverb philanthropos, “humanely, kindly,” <Acts 27:3>.#

Nelson’s Dictionary

The high esteem which God has for His human children and the high regard which they, in turn, should have for Him and other people. Because of the hundreds of references to love in the Bible, it is certainly the most remarkable book of love in the world. It records the greatest love story ever written – God’s unconditional love for us that sent His Son to die on the cross <John 3:16; 1 John 4:10>.

Love is not only one of God’s attributes; it is also an essential part of His nature. “God is love,” the Bible declares < 1 John 4:8, 16> -- the personification of perfect love. Such love surpasses our powers of understanding <Ephesians 3:19>. Love like this is everlasting <Jeremiah 31:3>, free <Hosea 14:4>, sacrificial <John 3:16>, and enduring to the end <John 13:1>.

Two distinct Greek words for love appear in the Bible. The word phileo means “to have ardent affection and feeling” – a type of impulsive love. The other word agapao means “to have esteem” or “high regard.” In the memorable conversation between Jesus and Peter, there is a play upon these two words <John 21:15-17>, Jesus asked, “Simon, do you love [esteem] me?” But Peter replied “You know that I love [have ardent affection for] You.” Then Jesus asked, “Simon, do you love [have ardent affection for} Me?” And Peter responded that his love was agape love – a love that held Jesus in high esteem and which was more than a fleeting feeling.

The warm word agape is the characteristic term of Christianity. This word for love is used several different ways in the Bible.

1. Agape love indicates the nature of the love of God toward His beloved Son <John 17:26>, toward the human race generally <John 3:16; Romans 5:8> , and toward those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ <John 14:21>.

2. Agape love conveys God’s will to His children about their attitude toward one another. Love for one another was a proof to the world of true discipleship <John 13:34-35>.

3. Agape love also expresses the essential nature of God <1 John 4:8>. Love can be known only from the actions it prompts, as seen in God’s love in the gift of His Son <1 John 4:9-10>. Love found its perfect expression in the Lord Jesus. Christian love is the fruit of the Spirit of Jesus in the believer <Galatians 5:22>.

Love is like oil to the wheels of obedience. It enables us to run the way of God’s commandments <Psalms 119:32>. Without such love, we are as nothing <1 Corinthians 13:3>. Such Spirit-inspired love never fails <1 Corinthians 13:8> but always flourishes.


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INTRODUCTION: “PRIESTHOOD”

Jesus is our “Great High priest”, “The Intercessor” between God and man (Hebrews 7:24-28) (24) but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. (25) Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them. (26) Such a high priest meets our need – one who is holy, blameless, puree, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. (27) Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. (28) For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever. (NIV).

The “Church” has become a nation of priests after His new order, (1 Peter 2:5, 9) (5) you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (9) But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; (NKJV).

With this knowledge we must pattern our lives after His example, paralleling much of our priesthood with intercession.

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#3 THE PATTERN OLD TESTAMENT AND NEW TESTAMENT

PRIESTHOOD

The church is in because we have not followed the Old Testament or New Testament pattern.

1. Priesthood after the order of AaronEx 19:5 - 6 (NIV) 5Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6you£ will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” Isa 61:3 - 6 (NIV) 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. 4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. 5 Aliens will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards. 6 And you will be called priests of the LORD, you will be named ministers of our God. You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast. 1 Pet 2:5 (NIV) 5you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Pet 2:9 (NIV) 9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 2. Aaron’s garments, ephod, breastplate, Urim & Thummin Ex 28:6 - 9 (NIV) 6“Make the ephod of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen—the work of a skilled craftsman. 7It is to have two shoulder pieces attached to two of its corners, so it can be fastened. 8Its skillfully woven waistband is to be like it—of one piece with the ephod and made with gold, and with blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and with finely twisted linen. 9“Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel Ex 28:29 - 30 (NIV) 29“Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of decision as a continuing memorial before the LORD. 30Also put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece, so they may be over Aaron’s heart whenever he enters the presence of the LORD. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the LORD. 3. Changing of garment Lev 16:4 (NIV) 4He is to put on the sacred linen tunic, with linen undergarments next to his body; he is to tie the linen sash around him and put on the linen turban. These are sacred garments; so he must bathe himself with water before he puts them on. Lev 16:23 (NIV) 23“Then Aaron is to go into the Tent of Meeting and take off the linen garments he put on before he entered the Most Holy Place, and he is to leave them there. 4. Priesthood of the , after the order of

Melchizidek / Melchesdec Gen 14:18 - 20 (NIV) 18Then Melchizedek king of Salem£ brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, 19and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator£ of heaven and earth. 20 And blessed be£ God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.

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Heb 6:19 - 20 (NIV) 19We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.Hebrews 7, 8, 95. Believers as priests of = Web: to recognize their

differences or points of contention James 3:18 (NIV) 18Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.Num 25:11 - 13 (NIV) 11“Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, the priest, has turned my anger away from the Israelites; for he was as zealous as I am for my honor among them, so that in my zeal I did not put an end to them. 12Therefore tell him I am making my covenant of peace with him. 13He and his descendants will have a covenant of a lasting priesthood, because he was zealous for the honor of his God and made atonement for the Israelites.” Psa 106:19 - 31 (NIV) 19 At Horeb they made a calf and worshiped an idol cast from metal. 20 They exchanged their Glory for an image of a bull, which eats grass. 21 They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things in Egypt, 22 miracles in the land of Ham and awesome deeds by the Red Sea. 23 So he said he would destroy them— had not Moses, his chosen one, stood in the breach before him to keep his wrath from destroying them. 24 Then they despised the pleasant land; they did not believe his promise. 25 They grumbled in their tents and did not obey the LORD. 26 So he swore to them with uplifted hand that he would make them fall in the desert, 27 make their descendants fall among the nations and scatter them throughout the lands. 28 They yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor and ate sacrifices offered to lifeless gods; 29 they provoked the LORD to anger by their wicked deeds, and a plague broke out among them. 30 But Phinehas stood up and intervened, and the plague was checked. 31 This was credited to him as righteousness for endless generations to come.

NOTES:

PRIEST, PRIESTHOOD - Word Study

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Vine’s Expository = HebrewA. Noun, kohen ^3548^, “priest.” This word is found 741 times in the Old Testament. More

than one-third of the references to the “priests” are found in the Pentateuch. Leviticus, which has about 185 references is called the “manual of the priests.”

The term kohen was used to refer not only to the Hebrew priesthood but to Egyptian “priests” <Genesis 41:5; 46:20; 47:26>, the Philistine “priests” <1 Samuel 6:2>, the “priests” of Dagon <1 Samuel 5:5>, “priests” of Baal <2 Kings 10:19<, “priests” of Chemosh <Jeremiah 48:7>, and “priests” of the Baalim and Asherim <2 Chronicles 34:5>.

Joseph married the daughter of the “priest” of On <Genesis 41:45>, and she bore him two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh < Genesis 46:20>. Joseph did not purchase the land of the “priests” of Egypt, because the Egyptian “:priests” received regular allotments from Pharaoh <Genesis 47:22>.

A “priest” is an authorized minister of deity who officiates at the altar and in other cultic rites. A “priest” performs sacrificial, ritualistic, and mediatorial duties; he represents the people before God. By contrast, a “prophet” is an intermediary between God and the people.

The Jewish priestly office was established by the Lord in the days of Moses. But prior to the institution of the high priesthood and the priestly office, we read of the priesthood of Melchizedek <Genesis 14:18> and of Midianite “priests” <Exodus 2:16; 3:1; 18:1>. In <Exodus 19:24>, other “priests” are mentioned: these may have been either Midianite “priests” or “priests” in Israel prior to the official establishment of the Levitical priesthood. No doubt priestly functions were performed in pre-Mosaic times by the head of the family, such as Noah, Abraham, and Job. After the Flood, for example, Noah built an altar to the Lord <Genesis 8:20-21>. At Bethel, Mamre, and Moriah, Abraham built altars. In <Genesis 22:12-13>, we read that Abraham was willing to offer his son as a sacrifice. Job offered up sacrifices for his sinning children <Job 1:5>.

The priesthood constituted one of the central characteristics of Old Testament religion. A passage showing the importance of the priesthood is <Numbers `16:5-7>: “And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even tomorrow the Lord will show who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him. This do; Take you censers, Korah, and all his company; and put fire therein, and put incense in them before the Lord ... the man whom the Lord doth choose, he shall be holy ....”

God established Moses, Aaron, and Aaron’s sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar as “priests” in Israel M<Exodus 28:1, 41; 29:9, 29-30>. Because Nadab and Abihu were killed when they “offered strange fire before the Lord,” the priesthood was limited to the lines of Eleazar and Ithamar <Leviticus 10:1-2; Numbers 3:4; 1 Chronicles 24:2>.

However, not all individual born i the family of Aaron could serve as “priest”. Certain physical deformities excluded a man from that perfection of holiness which a “priest” should manifest before Yahweh <Leviticus 21:17-23>. A “priest” who was ceremonially unclean was not permitted to perform his priestly duties. <Leviticus 21:1-15> gives a list of ceremonial prohibitions that forbade a “priest” from carrying out his duties.

<Exodus 29:1-37> and <Leviticus 8> describe the seven day consecration ceremony of Aaron and his sons. Both the high priest (kohen haggadol) and his sons were washed in water <Exodus 29:4). Then Aaron the high priest dressed in holy garments with a breastplate over his heart, and there was placed on his head a holy crown – the mitre or turban <Exodus 29:5-6>. After that, Aaron was anointed with oil on his head <Exodus 29:7>; cf. <Psalms 133:2>. Finally, the blood of a sacrificial offering was applied to Aaron and his sons <Exodus 29:20-21>. The consecrating bloodmark was placed upon the tip of the right ear, on the thumb of the right hand, and on the great toe of the right foot.

The duties of the priesthood were very clearly defined by the Mosaic law. These duties were assumed on the eighth day fo the service of consecration <Leviticus 9:1>. The Lord told Aaron: “Therefore thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priest’s office for every thing of the altar, and within the veil; and ye shall serve .....<Numbers 18:7>.

The “priests” were to act as teachers of the Law <Leviticus 10:10-11; Deuteronomy 33:10; 2 Chronicles 5:3; 17:7-9; Ezekiel 44:23; Malachi 2:6-9>, a duty they did not always carry out <Micah 3;11; Malachi 2:8>. In certain areas of health and jurisprudence, “priests” served as limited revelators of God’s will. For example, it was the duty of the “priest” to discern the existence of leprosy and to

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perform the rites of cleansing <Leviticus 13-14>. Priests determined punishments for murder and other civil matters <Deuteronomy 21:5; 2 Chronicles 19:8-11>.

B. Verb. Kahan ^3547^, “to act as priest.” This verb, which appears 23 times in biblical Hebrew, is derived from the noun kohen. The verb appears only in the intensive stem. One occurrence is in <Exodus 28:1>: “And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office...”

Vine’s Expository - Greek1. hiereus ^2409^, “one who offers sacrifice and has the charge of things pertaining thereto,” is used

a) of a “priest” of the pagan god Zeus, <Acts 14:13>b) of Jewish “priests,” e.g., <Matthew 8:4; 12:4,5; Luke 1:5>, where allusion is made

to the 24 courses of “priests” appointed for service in the Temple (cf. <1 Chronicles 24:4 ff.>)

c) of believers, <Revelation 1:6; 5:10; 20:6>. Israel was primarily designed as a nation to be a kingdom of “priests,” offering service to God, e.g., <Exodus 19:6>, the Israelites having renounced their obligations, <Exodus 20:19>, the Aaronic priesthood was selected for the purpose, till Christ came to fulfill His ministry in offering up Himself; since then the Jewish priesthood has been abrogated, to be resumed nationally, on behalf of Gentiles, in the millennial kingdom, <Isaiah 61:6; 66:21>. Meanwhile all believers, from Jews and Gentiles, are constituted “a kingdom of priests,” <Revelation 1:6> (see above), “a holy priesthood,” <1 Peter 2:5>, and “royal,” <v. 9>. The NT knows nothing of a sacerdotal class in contrast to the laity; all believers are commanded to offer the sacrifices mentioned in <Romans 12:1; Philemon 2:17; 4:18; Hebrews 13:15,16; 1 Peter 2:5>

d) of Christ, <Hebrews 5:6; 7:11, 15, 17, 21; 8:4> (Negatively)e) of Melchizedek, as the foreshadower of Christ <Hebrews 7:1, 3>

2. archiereus ^749^ designates (a) “the high priests” of the Levitical order, frequently called “chief priests” in the NT, and including “ex-high priests” and members of “high priestly” families, e.g., <Matthew 2:4; 16:21; 20:18; 21:15>, in the singular, a “high priest,” e.g., Abiathar, ; Annas and Caiaphas, <Luke 3:2>, where the RV rightly has “in the high priesthood of A. and C.” (cf. <Acts 4:6>). As to the combination of the two in this respect, Annas was the “highpriest” from A.D. 7-14, and, by the time referred to, had been deposed for some years; his son-in-law, Caiaphas, the fourth “high priest” since his deposition was appointed about A.D. 24. That Annas was still called the “high priest” is explained by the facts

(1) that by the Mosaic law the high priesthood was held for life, <Numbers 35:25>; his deposition was the capricious act of the Roman procurator, but he would still be regarded legally and religiously as “high priest” by the Jews

(2) that he probably still held the office of deputy-president of the Sanhedrin (cf. <2 Kings 25:18>)

(3) That he was a man whose age, wealth and family connections gave him a preponderant influence, by which he held the real sacerdotal power; indeed at this time the high priesthood was in the hands of a clique of some half dozen families; the language of the writers of the gospels is in accordance with this, in attributing the high priesthood rather to a caste than a person

(4) the “high priests” were at that period mere puppets of Roman authorities who deposed them at will, with the result that the title was used more loosely than in former days.

The divine institution of the priesthood culminated in the “high priest,” it being his duty to represent the whole people, e.g., <Leviticus 4:15, 16; ch. 16>. The characteristics of the Aaronic “high priests” are enumerated in <Hebrews 5:1-4; 8:3; 9:7, 25>; in some mss., <10:11> (TV, marg.); <13:11>.

Christ is set forth i this respect in the Epistle to the Hebrews, where He is spoken of as “a high priest,” <4:15; 5:5, 10; 6:20; 7:26; 8:1, 3> (TV); <9:11>; “a great high priest,” <10:21>; “a merciful and faithful high priest,” <2:17>; “the Apostle and high priest of our confession,” <3:1>, RV; “a high priest after the order of Melchizedek,: <5:10>. One of the great objects of this Epistle is to set forth the superiority of Christ’s High Priesthood as being of an order different from and higher than the Aaronic, in that He is the

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Son of God (see especially <7:28>), with a priesthood of the Melchizedek order. Seven outstanding features of His priesthood are stressed,

1) its character <5:6, 10>2) His commission <5:4, 5>3) His preparation <2:17; 10:5>4) His sacrifice <8:3; 9:12, 14, 27, 28; 10:4-12>5) His sanctuary <4:14, 8:2; 9:11, 12, 24; 10:12, 19>6) His ministry <2:18; 4:15; 7:25; 8:6; 9:15, 24>7) its effects <2:15; 4:16; 6:19, 20; 7:16, 25; 9:14, 28; 10:14-17, 22, 39; 12:1; 13:13-

17>NOTE: In <Acts 4:6> the adjective hieratikos, “high priestly,” is translated

“of the high priest.(from Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright (C) 1985,

Thomas Nelson Publishers)Nelson’s Dictionary

Official ministers or worship leaders in the nation of Israel who represented the people before God and conducted various rituals to atone for their sins. This function was carried out by the father of a family <Job 1:5> or the head of a tribe in the days before Moses and his brother Aaron. But with the appointment of Aaron by God as the first High Priest, the priesthood was formally established. Aaron’s descendants were established as the priestly line in Israel. They carried out their important duties from generation to generation as a special class devoted to God’s service.

The Bible often speaks of priests and Levites as if these two offices were practically the same <1 Chronicles 23:2; 24:6, 31>. They are closely related, in that both priests and Levites sprang from a common ancestor. They traced their lineage back to Levi, head of one of the original twelve tribes of Israel. But these two offices were different, in that priests (a specific branch of Levites descended through Aaron) and Levites (all descendants of Levi in general) performed different duties.

Priest officiated at worship by offering various offerings on behalf of the nation and by leading the people to confess their sins. The Levites were assistants to the priests. They took care of the tabernacle and the Temple and performed other menial tasks, such as providing music, serving as doorkeepers, and preparing sacrifices for offering by the priests.

In their function of offering sacrifices at the altar, the priests acted as mediators between man and God, offering sacrifices so that sin might be forgiven <Leviticus 4:20, 26, 31>. Each sacrifice was a demonstration that the penalty of sin is death <Ezekiel 18:4, 20>, and that there can be no forgiveness of sin without the shedding of BLOOD <Hebrews 9:22>.

The first priest mentioned in the Bible was Melchizedek, “king of Salem” and “the priest of God Most High” <Genesis 14:18>. Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek and was blessed <Genesis 14;18-20>. Next mentioned was Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law and the priest of Midian, who joined Moses, Aaron and the elders of Israel for a sacrificial meal <Exodus 18:1, 12>.

But true priesthood began many years before their time in the Garden of Eden. After Adam and Eve sinned against God, He made them tunics of skin and clothed them. Thus, the death of animals became a symbol of the removal of man’s guilt <Genesis 3:21>.

After this event, Abel offered a sacrifice that pleased God <Genesis 4:4>. Still later Noah <8:20>, Abraham <12:7-8>, Isaac <26:26>, Jacob <35:1-7>, and Job <Job 1:5> all acted as priests, offering sacrifices to God. In fact, each family in Israel killed the PASSOVER lamb, offering it as sacrifice to God <Exodus 12:6; 34:25>. But when God established Israel as His Chosen People at Mount Sinai after their deliverance from slavery in Egypt <Exodus 6:7; 19:5-6>, He established a formal priesthood through Aaron and his descendants. As descendants of Levi, they were to represent the nation of Israel in service to God at the tabernacle and altar <Numbers 8:9-18>.

The priesthood was given to Aaron and his descendants “as a gift for service” <Numbers 18:7> and as “an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations” <Exodus 40:15>. Since the office was hereditary, the descendants of Aaron were obligated to accept the responsibility and meet the qualification. No person with a physical defect or disqualifying disease could serve as a priest <Leviticus 21:16-21>. Bodily perfection was to symbolize the priest’s spiritual wholeness and holiness of heart. Even the priest’s home life and relationship with his wife were to show his consecration to God <Leviticus 21:7>.

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Aaron and his sons were consecrated for the priesthood in an elaborate seven-day ceremony <Exodus 29:30, 35, 37>. Their bodies were bathed to symbolize the purifying of their souls from sin. Then they were clothed in their priestly garments and anointed with oil as sacrifices were made on their behalf. The entire dedication procedure was as an outward sign of their SANCTIFICATION in God’s service <Exodus 29:9>.

The clothes which the priests wore also carried great significance. Their white linen garments symbolized holiness and glory. J They also wore a coat woven in one piece without a seam to indicate their spiritual integrity, wholeness, and righteousness. The four-cornered cloth of the coat signified that the priest belonged to the kingdom of God. The cap, resembling an opening flower, symbolized the fresh, vigorous life the one who wore it. The girdle, or sash, a belt which encircled the priest’s body, was the priestly sign of service. It showed that the wearer was an office bearer and administrator in the kingdom of God <Exodus 39>.

The priests had several responsibilities as mediators between the sinful people and their holy God. They lit the incense and cleaned, trimmed, and lit the lamps. Ministering before God at the altar, the priests had to make sure the offerings of the people were correct and that the sacrificial rituals were carried out correctly. Otherwise, the people could not be cleansed of their sin until the priests had made atonement for the error <Numbers 18:1>.

As “messengers of the Lord” <Malachi 2:7>, the priests also were to teach the Law to the people of Israel. In addition to instructing the Law year by year, they were also responsible for reading the Law at the Feast of Tabernacles every seventh year <Deuteronomy 31:9-13>.

By their example, the priests also taught the people how to “distinguish between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean” <Leviticus 10:10>. Living in cities scattered throughout the nation of Israel, the priests were in a good position to fulfill this function <Joshua 21>. In addition, the priests served as judges, acting as a kind of supreme court for Israel <Deuteronomy 17:8-13>. In special cases, the high priests declared the will or judgment of God through the URIM AND THUMMIN, the medium through which God sometimes communicated His divine will <Exodus 28:30; Leviticus 8:8; Deuteronomy 33:8>.

When the land of Canaan was conquered and divided among the tribes of Israel, 13 cities with their surrounding land were allocated to the priests as residences for their families and pasturelands for their flocks <Joshua 21:10-19>. Across the centuries, the priests increased to a numerous body. King David divided them into 24 groups <1 Chronicles 24:1-19>. Except for the great festivals when all the groups served at the tabernacle at the same time, each group of priests officiated for a week at a time on a rotating basis.

As long as the king and the people of Israel remained loyal to God and His Law, the priests were highly respected and exercised a healthy influence i the land. But the priests eventually sank to immorality, departed from God, and worshipped idols, along with the rest of the people <Ezekiel 22:26>.

In the final book of the Old Testament, the prophet Malachi pointed to the neglect, corruption and false teaching of the priests. According to Malachi, this was the reason why the people began to neglect the offerings and festivals of the Temple. They lost their respect for the persons who held the office, and finally the office itself <Malachi 1:6; 2:7-9>. Thus, the Old Testament closes with the announcement that God in His judgment “will suddenly come to His temple.. . like a refiner’s fire” to purify the priests <Malachi 3:1-3>. God was determined to preserve His human priests until the appearance of his true Priest, Jesus Christ.

By the New Testament period, the position of priests in the nation of Israel had changed considerably. The Temple functions were taken over by the “chief priests.” Rank-and-file priests were also overshadowed by the SCRIBES and PHARISEES, two special groups that arose to present the Law and interpret its meaning for the people. But in spite of the diminished role of priests, Jesus respected the office and called upon the priests to witness His healing of lepers in keeping with the Law of Moses . But the priests themselves were some of the most zealous opponents of Jesus. As leaders of the SANHEDRIN, the Jewish high court, they bore much of the responsibility for His crucifixion. They also led the opposition tot he apostles and the early church.

The office of priest was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The Son of God became a man <Hebrews 21:9-14> so that He might offer Himself as sacrifice “once to bear the sins of many” <Hebrews 9:28>. Hence, there is no longer a need for priests to offer a sacrifice to atone for man’s sin. A permanent sacrifice has been made by Jesus Christ through His death on the Cross.

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Priesthood and holiness were meant to be inseparable. But the sinful nature of the priests allowed corruption to enter the God-ordained office. However, the priesthood to which the nation of Israel was called at Mount Sinai continues today in the church. “You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” <1 Peter 2:9>.


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INTRODUCTION: “ALTAR OF INCENSE”

Intercession in the pattern of priesthood will include much praise and worship. According tot he old testament within the Tabernacle of Moses there was an altar sitting in the sanctuary, called the “altar of incense or the golden altar”. (Exodus 30:1-8) (1) "You shall make an altar to burn incense on; you shall make it of acacia wood. (2) "A cubit shall be its length and a cubit its width; it shall be square; and two cubits shall be its height. Its horns shall be of one piece with it. (3) "And you shall overlay its top, its sides all around, and its horns with pure gold; and you shall make for it a molding of gold all around. (4) "Two gold rings you shall make for it, under the molding on both its sides. You shall place them on its two sides, and they will be holders for the poles with which to bear it. (5) "You shall make the poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold. (6) "And you shall put it before the veil that is before the ark of the Testimony, before the mercy seat that is over the Testimony, where I will meet with you. (7) "Aaron shall burn on it sweet incense every morning; when he tends the lamps, he shall burn incense on it. (8) "And when Aaron lights the lamps at twilight, he shall burn incense on it, a perpetual incense before the LORD throughout your generations. (NKJV)

In spiritual type and shadow this depicts the place of praise and worship for the priest. All effective intercession will be salted with high levels of praise and worship, to release the pleasing fragrance “incense” offering unto the Lord.


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#4 THE PATTERN OLD TESTAMENT AND NEW TESTAMENT - ALTAR OF INCENSE

1. Ex 30:1 (NIV) 1“Make an altar of acacia wood for burning incense. Ex 30:6 - 10 (NIV) 6Put the altar in front of the curtain that is before the ark of the Testimony—before the atonement cover that is over the Testimony—where I will meet with you. 7“Aaron must burn fragrant incense on the altar every morning when he tends the lamps. 8He must burn incense again when he lights the lamps at twilight so incense will burn regularly before the LORD for the generations to come. 9Do not offer on this altar any other incense or any burnt offering or grain offering, and do not pour a drink offering on it. 10Once a year Aaron shall make atonement on its horns. This annual atonement must be made with the blood of the atoning sin offering for the generations to come. It is most holy to the LORD.” 2. Purpose for Ex 30:6 (NIV) 6Put the altar in front of the curtain that is before the ark of the Testimony—before the atonement cover that is over the Testimony—where I will meet with you.

“ ... where I will meet with you.” Isa 6:1 - 8 (NIV) 1In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” 4At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. 5“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.” 6Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.” 8Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Isaiah had a vision and his life changed.3. What was accomplished at morning and evening sacrificeActs 2:15 - 16 (NIV) 15These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

a. was poured out, morning1 Kin 18:36 - 38 (NIV) 36At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. 37Answer me, O LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” 38Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.

b. Elijah , eveningDan 9:21 (NIV) 21while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice.

c. Daniel visited by , eveningLuke 1:8 - 11 (NIV) 8Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10And when the time for the burning of incense came, all

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the assembled worshipers were praying outside. 11Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.

d. Zecharias visited by , eveningActs 10:3 (NIV) 3One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!” Acts 10:30 - 33 (NIV) 30Cornelius answered: “Four days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me 31and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. 32Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’ 33So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”

e. Cornelius visited by , Peter had vision, eveningActs 3:1 (NIV) 1One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon.

f. Peter and John the lame man, eveningMatt 27:45 - 51 (NIV) 45From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. 46About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi,£ lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”£ 47When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.” 48Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.” 50And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. 51At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split.

g. offered up the supreme sacrifice, evening4. What does that have to do with the Church?

a. The altar is still in heaven (Revelation 8:3, 4; Revelation 5:8)b. The incense fumigates

Psalms 141:2 Let my prayers be set forth as incense before you, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

NOTES:

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ALTAR OF INCENSE - Word Study

IncenseStrong’s ConcordanceHebrew = 7004 qetoreth (ket-o’-reth); from 6999; a fumigation:KJB – (sweet) incense, perfume.Brown-Driver-Briggs7004 qetoreth-incense, smoke, the odor of (burning) sacrificea) the sweet smoke of sacrificeb) incensec) perfumeNelson’s Dictionary

The altar of incense <Exodus 30:1-10> stood just before the veil inside the tabernacle that separated the most holy place from the rest of the worship area <Exodus 40;26-27>. Priests burned incense on this altar every day so its fragrance would fill the tabernacle when the sacrificial blood was sprinkled on the altar of burnt offering.(from Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (C) 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)New Unger’s Bible Dictionary

Altar of Incense (Heb. Mizbeah miqtar qetoret, “altar of incensing of incense,” cf. <Exodus 30:1>; called also the “golden altar,” mizbah hazzahab, cf. <Exodus 39:38; Numbers 4:11>).

In the Tabernacle. This would seem to be the “altar ... of wood,” further described as “the table that is before the Lord.” <Ezekiel 41:22>. It was made of acacia wood overlaid with gold, and was one cubit square, with a height of two cubits having horns of the same materials <Leviticus 4:7>. Running around the sides near the top was a border of gold, beneath which were rings for the staves of acacia wood covered with gold, “with which to carry it” <Exodus 30;1-5>. Its place was in front of the veil, midway between the walls <Leviticus 16:12; Exodus 30:6>. In <Exodus 40:5> Moses was commanded to place this altar “before the ark fo the testimony,” and in <Hebrews 9:4> it is enumerated among the articles within teh second veil, i.e., in the Holy of Holies. The meaning, probably, is that the great typical and symbolical importance of this altar associated it with the Holy of Holies.(from New Unger’s Bible Dictionary)(originally published by Moody Press of Chicago, Illinois. Copyright (C) 1988.)

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WAYS TO PRAISE

: Definition: Shaback means “to address in a loud tone, to command,

to triumph, glory, shout.” Example: “One generation shall praise (SHABACH) thy works to another and declare thy

mighty deeds.” Psalms 145:4

: Definition: Barak means “to kneel down, to bless God as an act of

adoration.” When used in the scripture it implies “expecting to receive a blessing from the Lord.”

Example: “O come let us worship and bow down; let us kneel (BARAK) before the Lord our maker.” Psalms 95:6

: Definition: Yadah is a verb with a root meaning, “the extended

hand, to throw out, therefore to worship with extended hand.” According to the Lexicon, the opposite meaning is “to bemoan, the wringing of hands.”

Example: “Thus will I bless Thee while I live, I will (YADAH) lift up my hands in Thy name.” Psalms 63:4

: Definition: Towdah comes with the same principle root word as

Yadah but is used more specifically. Towdah literally means “an extension of the hand in adoration, avowal or acceptance.” By way of application it is apparent in the Psalms and elsewhere that it is used for thanking God for “things not yet received” as well as things already at hand.

Example: “Offer unto God praise (TOWDAH) and pay thy vows unto the Most High.” Psalms 50:14

(Taqua): Definition: Taqa means “to clap your hands” Example: “O (TAQA) clap your hands all ye people ...” Psalms 47:1

:

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Definition: Tehillah simply means “to sing, to laud.” This is the kind of praise that God dwells in.

Example: “Rejoice in the Lord, o ye righteous; for praise (TEHILLAH) is comely for the upright.” Psalms 33:1

: Definition: Halal is a primary root word for praise. Our word

“hallelujah” comes from this base. It means “to be clear, to shine, to boast, show, to rave, celebrate, to be clamorously foolish.”

Example: “Praise (HALAL) ye the Lord, Praise (HALAL) o ye servants of the Lord, praise (HALAL) the name of the Lord.” Psalms 113:1

: Definition: Karar means “to dance”. Example: “.and saw King David leaping and (KARAR) dancing before the Lord..” 2

Samuel 6:16

: Definition: Zamar means “to touch the strings” and is used

concordantly with instrumental worship. Example: “Be Thou exalted O Lord, in Thine own strength, so we

will sing and praise (ZAMAR) Thy power.” Psalms 21:13

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INTRODUCTION: “AUTHORITY”

The authority given to the intercessor must be realized, before they attempt to make inroads into Satans territory. (Luke 10:19) "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (NKJV)

With this knowledge working in their spirit, the intercessor will have confidence, not in their own authority and power, but that delegated through Christ. When offensively attacking “powers and principalities”, we set ourselves up for retaliation. Therefore it is imperative that we know what is available to us for our defense.

It must be noted that the intercessors authority rests only over the powers of darkness. They are not called to “rule/have authority” over people, but to serve them. Submission to our delegated authority of leadership is a must for all intercessors, it is for our protection not for restriction.

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#5 Luke 10:19 (NIV) 19I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. We are not called to over people, but to them,

o we must never attempt to control or pray our own will. o We exercise authority over , not

in the physical realm. is a must for all intercessors,

o It is for our not restriction. Definition:

o = to stand in the name and authorityo Web.; the power or right to act or command with dominion, or

a person exercising power of commando Vines grk.; exousia; the ability or strength with which one is

endued, then the right to exercise that power Without exercising this authority and power a Christian will be

. Intercessors are not called to the shepherds,

o you can’t submit to God until you .1. How to spiritual authority

a. relationship with God John 15:4 - 5 (NIV) 4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

b. and John 13:4 - 6 (NIV) 4so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” John 14:1 - 31 (NIV) 1

John 15:1 - 27 (NIV) c. know the of your God

Isa 40:12 - 15 (NIV) 12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? 13 Who has understood the mind£ of the LORD, or instructed him as his counselor? 14 Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge or showed him the path of understanding? 15 Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust.

d. in righteousness 2 Cor 5:21 (NIV) 21God made him who had no sin to be sin£ for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

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e. in faith Gal 3:9 (NIV) 9So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

f. be 1 Pet 1:2 (NIV) 2who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

g. abide in the Isa 61:1 - 2 (NIV) 1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,£ 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’S favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 2. Principles of

a. know who Matt 5:14 (NIV) 14“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Isa 60:1 (NIV) 1 “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.

b. realize who is you up Rom 8:31 (NIV) 31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?

c. realize your spiritual in Christ Isa 61:1 (NIV) 1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,£

d. become Matt 11:12 (NIV) 12From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. 3. of authority Eph 6:10 - 17 (NIV) 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

The whole armor represents over Satanic forces not one another.a. armor

1. when the truth of God arrives, authority arrives

John 8:31 - 32 (NIV) 31To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

truth brings wisdom and revelation Psa 51:6 (NIV) 6Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

be transparent and open (a must for intercessors)

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Eph 4:25 (NIV) 25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

2. imputed righteousness = through receiving Jesus Rom 5:8 (NIV) 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

outward and practical = works, action, fruit of righteousness, integrity, etc.

2 Cor 6:6 - 7 (NIV) 6in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;

for our protection 2 Sam 22:3 - 4 (NIV) 3 my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn£ of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior— from violent men you save me. 4 I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. Psa 28:7 - 8 (NIV) 7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. 8 The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.

3. to light our path

Psa 119:105 (NIV) 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. God needs the gospel taken outside the church,

through intercession Isa 52:7 (NIV) 7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

4. using the word, having your mind girded, many only

live behind the shield to protect themselves.5.

to protect the mind, when the mind is injured or distracted the rest of the body cannot function.

b. weapons1.

praying the scriptures, praying prophetically, praying the revelation word

Isa 55:11 (NIV) 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

praying the promises of God 2 Kin 18:1 (NIV) 1In the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, Hezekiah son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign. Isa 62:6 - 7 (NIV) 6 I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest, 7 and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.

praying for individuals

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Rom 8:26 - 27 (NIV) 26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.

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AUTHORITY - Word Study

Strong’s ConcordanceGreek = 1849 exousia (ex-oo-see’-ah); from 1832 (in the sense of ability); privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence:KJV – authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.Brown-Driver-Briggs1849 exousia-1) power of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases, permission2) physical and mental power, the ability or strength with which one is endued, which he either

possesses or exercises3) the power of authority (influence) and of right (privilege)4) the power of rule or government (the power of him whose will and commands must be submitted to

by others and obeyed)a) universally, authority over mankindb) specifically,

1. the power of judicial decisions2. of authority to manage domestic affairs

c) metonymically,1. a thing subject to authority or rule jurisdiction2. one who possesses authority

(a) a ruler, a human magistrate(b) the leading and more powerful among created beings superior to man,

spiritual potentates(c) a sign of the husband’s authority over his wife, the veil with which

propriety required a woman to cover herself(d) the sign of regal authority, a crown

Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical WordsA. Nouns. Greek.

1. exousia ^1849^ denotes “authority” (from the impersonal verb exesti, “it is lawful”). From the meaning of “leave or permission”, or liberty of doing as one pleases, it passed to that of “the ability or strength with which one is endued,” then to that of “power of authority,” the right to exercise poser, e.g., Matthew 9:6; 21:23; 2 Corinthians 10:8>; or “the power of rule or government,” the power of one whose will and commands must be obeyed by others, e.g., <Matthew 28:18; John 17:2; Jude 25: Revelation 12:10; 17:13>; more specifically of apostolic “authority,” <2 Corinthians 10:8; 13:10>; the “power” of judicial decision, <John 19:10>; of “managing domestic affairs,” . By metonymy, or name-change (the substitution of a suggestive word for the name of the thing meant), it stands for “that which is subject to authority or rule,” <Luke 4:6> (RV, “authority”, for the KJV “power”); or, as with the English “authority,” “one who possesses authority, a ruler, magistrate,” <Romans 13:1-3; Luke 12:11; Titus 3:1>; or “a spiritual potentate,” e.g., <Ephesians 3:10; 6:12; Colossians 1:16; 2:10, 15; 1 Peter 3:22>. The RV usually translates it “authority”.

In <1 Corinthians 11:10> it si used of the veil with which a woman is required to cover herself in an assembly or church, as a sign of the Lord’s “authority” over the church.

See JURISDICTION, LIBERTY, POWER, RIGHT, STRENGTH.

2. epitage ^2003^, an injunction (from ei, “upon”, tasso, “to order”), is once rendered “authority,” <Titus 2:15> (RV, marg. “commandment”). See COMMANDMENT

NOTE: The corresponding verb is epitasso, “to command.” See COMMAND3. huperoche ^5247^, primarily, “a projection, eminence,” as a mountain peak, hence,

metaphorically, “pre-eminence, superiority, excellency,” is once rendered “authority,” <1 Timothy>, KJV (marg., “eminent place”), RV, “high place,” of the position of magistrates; in <1 Corinthians 2:1>, “excellency” (of speech). Df. Huperecho, “to surpass.” See EXCELLENCY.

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4. dunastes ^1413^, akin to dunamis, “power,” (Eng., “dynasty,”) signifies “a potentate, a high officer”; in <Acts 8:27>, of a high officer, it is rendered “of great authority”; in <Luke 1:52>, RV, “princes,” (KJV, “the mighty”); in <1 Timothy 6:15> it is said of God (“Potentate”), See MIGHTY, POTENTATE. #

B. Verbs.exousiazo ^1850^, akin to A, No. 1, signifies “to exercise power”,<Luke 22:25; 1 Corinthians

6:12; 7:4> (twice). See POWER. #2. katexousiazo ^2175^, kata, “down,” intensive, and No. 1, “to exercise authority upon,” is

used in <Matthew 20:25> and . #3. authenteo ^831^, fro autos, “self,” and a lost noun hentes, probably signifying working

(Eng., “authentic”). “to exercise authority on one’s own account, to domineer over,” is used in <1 Timothy 2:12>, KJV, “to usurp authority,” RV, “to have dominion,.” In the earlier usage of the word it signified one who with his own hand killed either others or himself. Later it came to denote one who acts on his own “authority”; hence, “to exercise authority, dominion.” See DOMINION, Note. #

(from Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright (C) 1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

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INTRODUCTION: “KINGDOM MENTALITY”

Without kingdom mentality, the ministry of intercession will be confined to me, mine and ours. We must become people of vision (Proverbs 29:18) “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; (NKJV) In a more expanded sense “Where there is no vision, the people go unbridled and lawless” This will be the plight of the intercessor, they will be without direction or restraint. Confining their energies to self and family without seeing the bigger picture. Not only can we take our churches and cities for God, but we can take the world, and this will include our families.

Israel was given instruction that whatever territory their feet tread upon, belonged to them if they would fight for it. So it is with grafted Israel, the Church, we can establish His kingdom where ever we go through prayer. (Matthew 11:12) “.. the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.” (NKJV) This enables us to circle the globe without leaving our homes or communities.

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#6 MENTALITY

We must have Kingdom rather than slave mentality Num 11:5 - 6 (NIV) 5We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. 6But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!”

o it causes us to see the bigger picture Matt 6:33 (NIV) 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

= basiliea; a sphere or state of being ruled with sovereign, royal power or dominion

How do we things in the Kingdom of God? Rom 14:17 (NIV) 17For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, Luke 17:20 - 21 (NIV) 20Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, 21nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within£ you.” Mark 4:11 (NIV) 11He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables

A must be understood by the Spirit 1 Cor 2:14 (NIV) 14The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.

= determining the excellence or defects of a person or thing, the ability to know if something is of God or not

We are not just discerning evil spirits for deliverance, o but discerning to keep us on track, very valuable in

intercession. o Rely heavily on the “check” you receive in your spirit. o He can show you the people who have come in the service to

purposely disturb or disrupt, or even send evil spirits into your midst.

Intercession is ministry Ex 17:8 - 13 (NIV) 8The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. 9Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.” 10So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword. Acts 2:14 (NIV) 14Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. Acts 3:4 (NIV) 4Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!”

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Judg 4:8 (NIV) 8Barak said to her, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.” Judg 5:9 (NIV) 9 My heart is with Israel’s princes, with the willing volunteers among the people. Praise the LORD! 1 Sam 11:11 (NIV) 11The next day Saul separated his men into three divisions; during the last watch of the night they broke into the camp of the Ammonites and slaughtered them until the heat of the day. Those who survived were scattered, so that no two of them were left together.

Intercession walls Ezek 22:30 (NIV) 30“I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none. Neh 4:16 - 17 (NIV) 16From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah 17who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other,

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KINGDOM - Word Study

(Romans 14:17) “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” (KJV)Strong’s ConcordanceGreek = 932 basileia (bas-il-i’-ah); from 935; properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively):KJV – kingdom, + reign.Thayer’s932 basileia1) royal power, kingship, dominion, rule

a) not to be confused with an actual kingdom but rather the right or authority to rule over a kingdom

b) used of the royal power of Jesus as the triumphant Messiahc) used of the royal power and dignity conferred on Christians in the Messiah’s kingdom

2) a kingdom the territory subject to the rule of a king3) used in the New Testament to refer to the reign of the MessiahVine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words

basileia ^932^ is primarily an abstract noun, denoting “sovereignty, royal power, dominion,” e.g., <Revelation 17;18>, translated (“which reigneth,” lit., “hath a kingdom”: (RV marg.); then, by metonymy, a concrete noun, denoting the territory or people over whom a king rules, e.g., <Matthew 4:8; Mark 324>. It is used especially of the “kingdom” of God and of Christ.

“The Kingdom of God is (a) the sphere of God’s rule, <Psalms 22:28; 145:13; Daniel 4:25; Luke 1:52; Romans

13:1, 2>. Since, however, this earth is the scene of universal rebellion against God, e.g., <Luke 4:5, 6; 1 John 5:19; Revelation 11:150-18>, the “kingdom” of God is

(b) the sphere in which, at any given time, His rule is acknowledged. God has not relinquished His sovereignty in the face of rebellion, demoniac and human, but has declared His purpose to establish it, <Daniel 2:44; 7:14; 1 Corinthians 15:24, 25>. Meantime, seeking willing obedience, He gave His law to a nation and appointed kings to administer His “kingdom” over it, <1 Chronicles 28:5>. Israel, however, though declaring still a nominal allegiance shared in the common rebellion, <Isaiah 1:2-4>, and, after they had rejected the Son of God, <John 1:11> (cf. <Matthew 21:33-43>), were “cast away,” <Romans 11:15, 20, 25>. Henceforth God calls upon men everywhere, without distinction of race or nationality, to submit voluntarily to His rule. Thus the “kingdom” is said to be “in mystery” now, , that is, it does not come within the range of teh natural powers of observation, <Luke 17:20>, but is spiritually discerned, <John 3:3> (cf. <1 Corinthians 2:14>). When, hereafter, God asserts His rule universally, then the “Kingdom” will be in glory, that is, it will be manifest to all; cf. <Matthew 25:31-34; Philemon 2:9-11; 2 Timothy 4:1, 18>.

“Thus, speaking generally, references to the Kingdom fall into two classes, the first, in which it is viewed as present and involving suffering for those who enter it, <2 Thessalonians 1:5>; the second, in which it is viewed as future and is associated with reward, <Matthew 25:34>, and glory, <13:43>. See also <Acts 14:22>.

The fundamental principle of the Kingdom is declared in the words of the Lord spoken in the midst of a company of Pharisees, “the Kingdom of God is in the midst of you,” <Luke 17:21>, marg., that is, where the King is, there is the Kingdom. Thus at the present time and so far as this earth is concerned, where the King is and where His rule is acknowledged, is, first, in the heart of the individual believer, <Acts 4:19; Ephesians 3:17; 1 Peter 3:15>; and then in the churches of God, <1 Corinthians 12:3, 5, 11; 14:37>; cf. <Colossians 1:25>, where for “in” read “among.”

“Now, the King and His rule being refused, those who enter the Kingdom of God are brought into conflict with all who disown its allegiance, as well as with the desire for ease, and the dislike of suffering and unpopularity, natural to all. On the other hand, subjects of the Kingdom are the objects of the care of God, <Matthew 6:33>, and of the rejected King, <Hebrews 13:5>.

“Entrance into the Kingdom of God is by the new birth, <Matthew 18:3; John 3:5>, for nothing that a man may be by nature, or can attain to by any form of self-culture, avails in the spiritual realm. And as the new nature, received in the new birth, is made evident by obedience, it is further said that only

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such as do the will of God shall enter into his Kingdom, <Matthew 7:21>, where, however, the context shows that the reference is to the future, as in <2 Peter 1:10, 11>, Cf. Also <1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Galatians 5:21; Ephesians 5:5>.

“The expression ‘Kingdom of God’ occurs four times in Matthew, ‘Kingdom of the Heavens’ usually taking its place. The latter (cf. <Daniel 4:26>) does not occur elsewhere in NT, but see <2 Timothy 4:18>, “His heavenly Kingdom.” ... This Kingdom is identical with the Kingdom of the Father (cf. <Matthew 26:29: with), and with the Kingdom of the Son (cf. <Luke 22:30>). Thus there is but one Kingdom, variously described: of the Son of Man, <Matthew 13:42>; of Jesus, <Revelations 1:9>; of Christ Jesus, <2 Timothy 4:1>; “of Christ and God,” <Ephesians 5:5>; “of our Lord, and of His Christ”, <Revelation 11:15>; “of our God, and the authority of His Christ,” <12:10>; “of the Son of His love,” <Colossians 1:13>.

“Concerning the future, the Lord taught His disciples to pray, “Thy Kingdom come,” <Matthew 6:10>, where the verb is in the point tense, precluding the notion of gradual progress and development, and implying a sudden catastrophe as declared in <2 Thessalonians 2:8>.

“Concerning the present, that a man is of the Kingdom of God is not shown in the punctilious observance of ordinances, which are external and material, but in the deeper matters of the heart, which are spiritual and essential, viz., “righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit,” <Romans 14:17>.”

From Notes on Thessalonians by Hogg and Vine, pp. 68, 70.“With regard to the expressions “the Kingdom of God” and the “Kingdom of the Heavens,”

while they are often used interchangeably, it does not follow that in every case they mean exactly the same and are quite identical.

“The Apostle Paul often speaks of the Kingdom of God, not dispensationally but morally, e.g., in >Romans 14:17; 1 Corinthians 4:20>, but never so of the Kingdom of Heaven. ‘God’ is not the equivalent of ‘the heavens’. He is everywhere and above all dispensations, whereas ‘the heavens’ are distinguished form the earth, until the Kingdom comes in judgment and power and glory <Revelations 11:15>, RV when rule in heaven and on earth will be one.

“While, then, the sphere of the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven are at times identical, yet the one term cannot be used indiscriminately for the other. In the ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ (32 times in Matthew), heaven is in antithesis to earth, and the phrase is limited to the Kingdom in its earthly aspect for the time being, and is used on dispensationally and in connection with Israel. In the ‘Kingdom of God’, in its broader aspect, God is in antithesis to ‘man’ or ‘the world,’ and the term signifies the entire sphere of God’s rule and action in relation to the world. It has a moral and spiritual force and is a general term for the Kingdom at any time. The Kingdom of Heaven is always the Kingdom of God, but the Kingdom of God is not limited to the Kingdom of Heaven, until in their final form, they become identical, e.g., <Revelation 11:15; RV; <John 3:5; Revelation 12:10>.” (An Extract). (from Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright (C) 1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers.

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INTRODUCTION: “BURDEN”

The terms used for intercession such as “burden, travail, praying through” etc., sometimes need clarification. In this segment we have endeavored to put a little light on the subject of burden. A burden will come before a breakthrough, sometimes we will know what it is about and sometimes we won’t, it will not be relative to the outcome, for it is not our burden but His. (Romans 8:26, 27) (26) Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (27) Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (NKJV).

There are many ways an intercessor can receive a burden, they may see a face in their spirit, receive a name, hear a news report, have a dream etc. The means through which we receive a burden, is of no consequence tot he effectiveness in results. Major burdens can be impulse or long term, but must be worked through. (Galatians 6:2) Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (NKJV).

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#7

1. What is a burden? Definition:

o Web. = burden; to lay a heavy load on, responsibilityo Greek = baros (vine’s demands a weight, anything pressing

on one, physically, materially or spiritually

Gal 6:2 (NIV) 2Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Rom 15:1 - 3 (NIV) 1We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”

A burden is to of Satan (to block an attack) not behind him.

o We are to be the head and not the tail, o but we spend most of our time at the tail cleaning up after

the enemy. A burden will come before a ,

o sometimes you will know what it’s about and sometimes you won’t,

o it doesn’t make any difference Rom 8:26 - 27 (NIV) 26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.

o You may see a face (in your spirit), get a name, see a magazine picture, news report, a concern, a travail, etc. there is no formula.

o Make yourself available as a channel to work with God. are one avenue for God to speak a

warning or prophetically.2. burdens

a. burden = sudden, needs immediate attention, spiritual emergency continue until you receive peace or a release comes, when you have an impulse burden don’t wait, pray on the spot, it can leave as suddenly as it comes.

Luke 19:41 (NIV) 41As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it o Jesus spoke over Jerusalem the Fathers burden.

b. Long term burden = will return again, and again

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Gal 4:19 (NIV) 19My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, Isa 62:10 (NIV) 10 Pass through, pass through the gates! Prepare the way for the people. Build up, build up the highway! Remove the stones. Raise a banner for the nations.

c. praying = joy, freedom and peace will accompany, when you have a breakthrough but do not see it yet, hold it in worship and praise until completion

Isa 10:27 (NIV) 27 In that day their burden will be lifted from your shoulders, their yoke from your neck; the yoke will be broken because you have grown so fat.£ :

o As intercessors we must learn to identify with pastors, leaders etc.

o Identification is empathy (your pain is my pain), not sympathy.

o Identification is also being a channel and be willing to be a part of the answer.

Ex 32:31 - 32 (NIV) 31So Moses went back to the LORD and said, “Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made themselves gods of gold. 32But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.” Luke 23:34 (NIV) 34Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. Philem 1:5 - 7 (NIV) 5because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. 6I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. 7Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.

o Identification is being a shareholder, as we pray for others ministries we share with them

1. come before the Lord in humility2. ask Holy Spirit to help you3. think about the matter4. let it become a part of your spirit (identify with it)5. get more information about the city, nation, etc., this will help

to give you greater accuracy in prayer

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BURDEN - Word StudyStrong’s ConcordanceHebrew = 5448 cobel (so’-bel); [only in the form cubbal (soob-bawl’); from 5445; a load (figuratively):KJV - burden.Brown-Driver-Briggs5448 cobel [only in the form cubbal] - a burden, a loadStrong’s ConcordanceGreek = 922 baros (bar’-os); probably from the same as 939 (through the notion of going down; compare 899); weight; in the NT only figuratively, a load, abundance, authority:KJV – burden (-some), weightThayer’s922 baros - heaviness, weight, burden, troubleVine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical WordsA. Nouns

1. baros ^922^ denotes “a weight, anything pressing on one physically,” <Matthew 10:12>, or “that makes a demand on one’s resources,” whether material, <1 Thessalonians 2:6> (to be burdensome), or spiritual, <Galatians 6:2; Revelation 2:24>, or religious, <Acts 15:28>. In one place it metaphorically describes the future state of believers as “an eternal weight of glory,” <2 Corinthians 4:17>. See WEIGHT. #

2. phortion ^5413^, lit., “something carried” ()from phero, “to bear”), is always used metaphorically (except in <Acts 27:10>, of the lading of a ship); of that which, through “light,” is involved in discipleship of Christ, <Matthew 11:30>; of tasks imposed by the scribes, Pharisees and lawyers, <Matthew 23:4; Luke 11:46>; of that which will be the result, at the judgment-seat of Christ, of each believer’s work, <Galatians 6:5>.#

NOTE: The difference between phortion and baros is, that phortion is simply “something to be borne,” without reference to its weight, but baros always suggests what is “heavy or burdensome.” Thus Christ speaks of his “burden” (phortion) as “light”; there baros would be inappropriate; but the ”burden” of a transgressor is baros, “heavy.” Contrast baros in <Galatians 6:2>, with phortion in <v.5>.

3. gomos ^1117^, from a root gemsignifying “full, or heavy,” seen in gemo, “to be full,” gemizo, “to fill,” Lat. Gemo, “to groan,” denotes “the lading of freight of a ship,” <Acts 21:3>, or “merchandise conveyed in a ship,” and so “merchandise in general,” <Revelation 18:11-12>. See MERCHANDISE. #

B. Verbs.1. bareo ^916^, akin to A, No. 1, is used of the effect of drowsiness, “were heavy,” <Matthew

26:43; Mark 14:40; Luke 9:32>; of the effects of gluttony, <Luke 21:34> (“overcharged”); of the believer’s present physical state in the body, <2 Corinthians 5:4>; of persecution, <2 Corinthians 1:8>; of a charge upon material resources, <1 Timothy 5:16> (RV). See CHARGE, HEAVY, PRESS. #

2. epibareo ^1912^, epi, “upon” (intensive), “to burden heavily,” is said of material resources, <1 Thessalonians 2:9> (RV); <2 Thessalonians 3:8>, RV, “burden,” KJV, “be chargeable to”, of the effect of spiritual admonition and discipline, <2 Corinthians 2:5>, RV, “press heavily,” KJV, “overcharge. See CHARGEABLE, PRESS. #

3. katabareo ^2599^, “to weigh down” (kata, “down”), “overload,” is used of material charges, in <2 Corinthians 12:16>. #

4. katanarkao ^2655^, “to be a burden, to be burdensome,” primarily signifies “to be numbed or torpid, to grow stiff” (narke is the “torpedo or cramp fish,” which benumbs anyone who touches it); hence, to be idle to the detriment of another person” (like a useless limb), <2 Corinthians 11:9; 12:13-14>. See CHARGEABLE. #

NOTE: For thlipsis, “distress, affliction,” “burdened (KJV of <2 Corinthians 8:13>), see AFFLICTION, B. No. 4.C. Adjective.

Abares ^4^, “without weight” (a,) negative, and baros, “see” A, No. 1), is used in <2 Corinthians 11:9>, lit. “I kept myself burdensomeless.” #(from Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright (C) 1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers)Nelson’s Bible Dictionary

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A heavy load or weight. This weight can be a literal burden <Exodus 23:5> or a figurative burden <Numbers 11:11, 17>. The prophets frequently spoke of their messages as burdens. A prophetic utterance or oracle usually was ominous and foreboding, a denouncing of evil and a pronouncing of judgment against a place or a people <Isaiah 13:1; Ezekiel 12:10; Hosea 8:10>.(from Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright (C) 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

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INTRODUCTION: “TRAVAIL”

Travail and burden are very closely linked, burden is receiving the concern from God, travail is bringing it to birth. Often travail will be characterized by weeping, groaning, pleading, etc. (Hebrews 5:6-10) (6) As He also says in another place: “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek”; (7) who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, (8) though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. (9) And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, (10) called by God as High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek,” (NKJV)

Travail is the prayer of compassion directed to God, the word compassion is a Latin word meaning “to suffer with”. Often identification will accompany travail, Jesus our Great Intercessor set our example by coming to earth in human form to identify with us. Empathy rather than sympathy is the position of the intercessor. Travail is creative prayer and needs to be “worked through” to it’s conclusion.

INTERCESSION: THE CATALYST FOR REVIVAL

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#8

Is addressing (warfare is addressing )1. What is the difference between a and travail?

a. a burden is receiving the concern from Godb. travail is the act of bringing the burden to birth, characterized

by sweeping, groaning and pleading2. What is the difference between travail and ?

a. warfare is the act of working the burden through, which is characterized by binding, loosing, demanding, claiming, rebuking, etc.

b. travail is the prayer of compassioncompassion = Latin com-pati; com = tegether; pati = to

suffer with (identification)

Travail is addressed to God, it’s specific and personal, holy and with the fear of God travail Gen 38:27 (NIV) 27When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb.

o = yalad Heb.; to bear, to beget, to act as mid-wife, bring forth a child

Ex 18:18 (NIV) 18You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.

o = telaah Heb.; distress, trouble, travel Isa 53:11 (NIV) 11 After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life£ and be satisfied£; by his knowledge£ my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.

o = amal Heb.; toil, a burden, effort, sorrow, travail, travelJer 4:31 (NIV) 31 I hear a cry as of a woman in labor, a groan as of one bearing her first child— the cry of the Daughter of Zion gasping for breath, stretching out her hands and saying, “Alas! I am fainting; my life is given over to murderers.”

o = chalah Heb.; be grieved, put to pain, be sorry, make prayer

Gal 4:19 (NIV) 19My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,

o = odino grk.; to experience the pain of parturition, travail in birth.

Rom 8:22 (NIV) 22We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.

o = sunodino grk.; to have parturition pangs in company with, to sympathize, to travail in pain together.

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was creating life with the groaning for Lazarus. When we groan and weep we are giving birth. We pray life into a situation through travail, accompanied by praying in the Spirit.

Heb 5:7 (NIV) 7During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. John 11:33 - 35 (NIV) 33When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34“Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. 35Jesus wept. 3. of travail

a. we do not box in the Holy Spirit, let Him control youb. travail is often noisy (the maternity ward is not quiet)c. travail may be just a moment, o but we are creating and it can be anywhere at anytime, a

channel flowing to God.d. do not stop until the burden lifts 2 min., 5 min., 5 hours. o If you stop half way through, it will be a still birth. o Sometimes it comes fast, sometimes it leaves fast,

sometimes it lingers.4. for travail

a. for the Psa 119:136 (NIV) 136 Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed.

b. Ezek 9:4 (NIV) 4and said to him, “Go throughout the city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over all the detestable things that are done in it.” 5. We need to bring to

a. for Christ to be Gal 4:19 (NIV) 19My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,

b. for Acts 7:34 (NIV) 34I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.’£

c. for national Isa 66:8 (NIV) 8 Who has ever heard of such a thing? Who has ever seen such things? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment? Yet no sooner is Zion in labor than she gives birth to her children.

d. , there are no unconditional prophecies, they must be birthed

1 Kin 18:1 (NIV) 1After a long time, in the third year, the word of the LORD came to Elijah: “Go and present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the land.”

1 Kin 18:41 - 45 (NIV) 41And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain.” 42So Ahab went off to eat and drink, but Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees. 43“Go and look toward the sea,” he told his servant. And he went up and looked. “There is nothing there,” he said. Seven times Elijah

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said, “Go back.” 44The seventh time the servant reported, “A cloud as small as a man’s hand is rising from the sea.” So Elijah said, “Go and tell Ahab, ‘Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.’” 45Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain came on and Ahab rode off to Jezreel.

As the burden of God comes, it’s like an overshadowing of our spirit (like Mary).

o Our spirit becomes the womb of God and we carry that life. o As it is in the natural you might be the birther or the

midwife. o If you are the midwife, pray at a discrete distance in tongues

with the one travailing until they get a release, the birther does not need any distractions.

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TRAVAIL - Word Study

Strong’s Concordance (Genesis 28:27)Hebrew = 3205 yalad (yaw-lad’); a primitive root; to bear young, causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage;KJV - bear, beget, birth ([-day]), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail (-eth, -ing woman).Brown-Driver-Briggs3205 yalad - to bear, to bring forth, to beget, to gender, to travail

a) (Qal)1) to bear, to bring forth

a. used of child birthb. used of distress (simile)c. used of wicked (behavior)

2) to begetb) (Niphal) to be bornc) (Piel)

1) to cause or to help to bring forth2) to assist or to tend as a midwife3) midwife (participle)

d) (Pual) to be borne) (Hiphil)

1) to beget (a child)2) to bear (figurative, used of the wicked bringing forth iniquity)

f) (Hophal) a day of birth, a birthday (infinitive)g) (Hithpael) to declare one’s birth (pedigree)

Strong’s Concordance (Exodus 18:8)Hebrew = 8513 tela’ah (tel-aw-aw’); from 3811; distress:KJV – travail, travel, troubleBrown-Driver-Briggs5999 ‘amal-toil, trouble, labor

a) troubleb) trouble, mischiefc) toil, labor

Strong’s Concordance (Jeremiah 4:31)Hebrew = 2470 chalah (khaw-law’); a primitive root [compare 2342, 2470, 2490]; properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to be weak, sick, afflicted; or (causatively) to greive, make sick; also to stroke (in flatteirng), entreat: KJV – beseech (be) diseased, (put to) grief, be grieved, (be) grievous, infirmity, intreat, lay to, put to pain, X pray, make prayer, be (fall, make) sick, sore, be sorry, make suit (X supplication), woman in travail, be (become) weak, be woundedBrown-Driver-Briggs2470 chalah - to be or become weak, to be sick or to become sick, to be diseased or to become diseased, to be grieved or to become grieved, to be sorry or become sorry

a) (Qal) to be weak, to be sickb) (Piel)

1) to be weak or to become weak, to feel weak2) to become sick, to become ill3) (CLBL) to entreat, to pray, to beg

c) (Niphal)1) to make oneself sick2) to be made sick3) to be tired

d) (Pual) to be made weak, to become weak

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e) (Hithpael) to maek oneself sidkf) (Hiphil)

1) to make sore2) to make sick3) to show signs of sickness, to become sidk4) to griefe

g) (Hophal)1) to be made sick2) to be wounded

Strong’s Concordance (Galatians 4:19)Greek = odino (o-dee’-no); from 5604; to experience the pains of parturition (literally or figuratively):KJV – travail in (birth).Thayer’s5605 odino (o-dee’-no); from 5604; to experience the pains of parturition (literally or figuratively):KJV – travail in (birth).Strong’s Concordance (Romans 8:22)Greek = 4944 sunodino (soon-o-dee’-no); from 4862 and 5605; to have (parturition) pangs in company (concert, simultaneously) with, i.e. (figuratively) to sympathize (in expectation of relief from suffering):KJV – travail in pain togetherThayer’s4944 sunodino -1) to feel the pains of travail with to be in travail together2) metaphorically, to undergo agony (like a woman in childbirth) along wihtStrong’s Concordance (2 Thessalonians 3:8)Greek = 3449 mochthos (mokh’-thos); from the base of 3425; toil, i.e. (by implication) sadness:KJV – painfulness, travailThayer’s3449 mochthos - a hard and difficult labor, toil, travail, hardship, distress

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INTRODUCTION: “SPIRITUAL WARFARE”

The subject of spiritual warfare has almost become a “catch phrase” among Christians int he last couple of decades, to include just about everything. Many books have been written by far better qualified people than me, but I would be remiss to exclude this part. The ministry of intercession will be filled with spiritual battles, therefore our most valuable asset, is to be educated and prepared. We must first have victory on a personal level, (2 Corinthians 10:3-6) (3) For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. (4) For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for the pulling down strongholds, (5) casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, (6) and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. (NKJV)

We must recognize our enemy and his tactics. Making use of our armor and weapons daily, that have been provided for us.


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#9

1. of warfare on a personal levelo War is occurring 24 hours a day whether you are

aware of it or not. o Even if you ignore it you are still in warfare. o Jesus has conquered, but the enemy is exercising

guerrilla warfare to undermine the victory. Col 2:15 (NIV) 15And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. 2 Cor 2:14 (NIV) 14But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.

o Sometimes you need a special type of anointing, but do not wait for the feeling

Acts 17:28 (NIV) 28‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’

o when you see Satan attacking, counter it with prayer.2. warfare on a personal level

a. recognize your enemyb. do not focus on the person or channel being used by Satan, but

the spirit behind it 2 Cor 10:3 (NIV) 3For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. Eph 6:12 (NIV) 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

1. bind Matt 12:29 (NIV) 29“Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can rob his house.

2. loose Matt 18:18 (NIV) 18“I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be£ bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be£ loosed in heaven.

3. pull down strongholds 2 Cor 10:4 (NIV) 4The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

4. cast down imaginations 2 Cor 10:5 (NIV) 5We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

5. taking thoughts captive 2 Cor 10:5 (NIV) 5We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

6. pray on target, you can pray and warfare but you can’t control the person’s will

c. Know your and Eph 6:11 - 18 (NIV) 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against

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the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

1. prepares the way for warfare 2 Chr 20:21 - 22 (NIV) 21After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his£ holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever.” 22As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.

2. armor = girdle, breastplate, sandals, shield, helmet3. weapons = sword, prayer and supplication in the Spirit

o When Jesus was under attack by Satan, He used the Word (sword).

o The Word of God will not return void.d. = 95% of warfare is proceeded by worship and

praise, when worship is offered we minister to God and get into the flow of the Spirit, to apply the word.

3. the principalities over your city Dan 10:12 - 13 (NIV) 12Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. 13But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. Dan 10:20 - 21 (NIV) 20So he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? Soon I will return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I go, the prince of Greece will come; 21but first I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. (No one supports me against them except Michael, your prince.

a. discerning the gates of your city Neh 2:13 (NIV) 13By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal£ Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire.

o prayer walkingb. looking at the history with discernment

Ezra 4:15 (NIV) 15so that a search may be made in the archives of your predecessors. In these records you will find that this city is a rebellious city, troublesome to kings and provinces, a place of rebellion from ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed. 4. Discerning the over the churches

a. the history of God’s people/covenants Ezra 10:3 (NIV) 3Now let us make a covenant before our God to send away all these women and their children, in accordance with the counsel of my lord and of those who fear the commands of our God. Let it be done according to the Law. 2 Chr 34:19 - 21 (NIV) 19When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his robes. 20He gave these orders to Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Abdon son of Micah,£ Shaphan the secretary

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and Asaiah the king’s attendant: 21“Go and inquire of the LORD for me and for the remnant in Israel and Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the LORD’S anger that is poured out on us because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written in this book.”

b. know the history of the churches in your cityc. know the history of your denominationd. know the history of your individual church and it’s ministry

strengths and failures.e. know the prophecies over your city and churches

Revelation 2, 35. Find the God has deposited in the prophets, intercessors

and spiritual fathers in your city Prov 24:6 (NIV) 6 for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers. Isa 62:6 - 7 (NIV) 6 I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest, 7 and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth. 6. Plan your to combat territorial spirits

a. worship Psa 149:6 (NIV) 6 May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands,

b. on the Lord for insight Psa 81:13 - 14 (NIV) 13 “If my people would but listen to me, if Israel would follow my ways, 14 how quickly would I subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes!

c. identifying with the sins of the city and leaders Neh 1:6 (NIV) 6let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s house, have committed against you. 2 Sam 21:1 (NIV) 1During the reign of David, there was a famine for three successive years; so David sought the face of the LORD. The LORD said, “It is on account of Saul and his blood-stained house; it is because he put the Gibeonites to death.”

d. corporate repentance 2 Chr 7:14 (NIV) 14if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

e. evil with good Rev 12:11 (NIV) 11 They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

f. and prayer Neh 1:4 (NIV) 4When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.

g. unite with other churches if possible Psa 133:1 - 3 (NIV) 1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! 2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes. 3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

h. dispatch the angels Heb 1:14 (NIV) 14Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

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i. don’t Josh 1:9 (NIV) 9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

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INTRODUCTION: “WEAPONS FOR THE INTERCESSOR”SPEAKING IN TONGUES - PART 1

This part of the series on tongues has to do with the old testament feast days, and the new testament fulfilling of spiritual types and shadows (Leviticus 23:15, 16) (15) And you shall count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed. (16) ‘Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath; then you shall offer a new grain offering to the Lord. (NKJV)

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#10 WEAPONS FOR THE INTERCESSOR: , PART 1

Lesson #1 History/Old Testament parallelGlossalalia (grk.) = tongue speakingCharismatic (grk.) = grace giftedPentecost (grk.) = 50 a Hebrew feast day Lev 23:15 - 21 (NIV) 15“‘From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. 16Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the LORD. 17From wherever you live, bring two loaves made of two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour, baked with yeast, as a wave offering of firstfruits to the LORD. 18Present with this bread seven male lambs, each a year old and without defect, one young bull and two rams. They will be a burnt offering to the LORD, together with their grain offerings and drink offerings—an offering made by fire, an aroma pleasing to the LORD. 19Then sacrifice one male goat for a sin offering and two lambs, each a year old, for a fellowship offering.£ 20The priest is to wave the two lambs before the LORD as a wave offering, together with the bread of the firstfruits. They are a sacred offering to the LORD for the priest. 21On that same day you are to proclaim a sacred assembly and do no regular work. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come, wherever you live. Acts 1:2 - 5 (NIV) 2until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5For John baptized with£ water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” – Gen 11:1 - 9 (NIV) 1Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. 2As men moved eastward,£ they found a plain in Shinar£ and settled there. 3They said to each other, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. 4Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” 5But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower that the men were building. 6The LORD said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. 7Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.” 8So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. 9That is why it was called Babel£—because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth.

- Cloven tongues Acts 2:4 (NIV) 4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues£ as the Spirit enabled them.

Location -

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Acts 1:13 (NIV) 13When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.

o living quarters- Temple meeting

Acts 1:14 - 15 (NIV) 14They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. 15In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty)

- Meeting on Pentecost morning in Temple Acts 2:1 (NIV) 1When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Acts 2:15 (NIV) 15These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! Birth of Church - of Temple

1. Acts 1:15 (NIV) 15In those days Peter stood up among the believers£ (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 2 Chr 5:12 (NIV) 12All the Levites who were musicians—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun and their sons and relatives—stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps and lyres. They were accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets.

2. accord Acts 2:1 (NIV) 1When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Chr 5:13 (NIV) 13The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: “He is good; his love endures forever.” Then the temple of the LORD was filled with a cloud,

3. Acts 2:2 (NIV) 2Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 2 Chr 5:13 - 14 (NIV) 13The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: “He is good; his love endures forever.” Then the temple of the LORD was filled with a cloud, 14and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God.

4. Witnessed by Acts 2:3 (NIV) 3They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 2 Chr 7:1 - 3 (NIV) 1When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. 2The priests could not enter the temple of the LORD because the glory of the LORD filled it. 3When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the LORD above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD, saying, “He is good; his love endures forever.”

NOTES:

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INTRODUCTION: “WEAPONS FOR THE INTERCESSOR:SPEAKING IN TONGUES” - PART 2

The Holy Spirit’s activity in the life of the believer, the baptism of the Holy Spirit as a separate experience form conversion (although all believers possess the Holy Spirit). Recorded evidence in the new testament of believers receiving tongues as a sign of having been “filled” with the Holy Spirit.

Receiving the Holy Spirit Baptism, who is the baptizer? Who can receive? What is the purpose? Why people fear tongues, how to receive. These are covered in this section of teaching outline.

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#11 WEAPONS FOR THE INTERCESSOR: SPEAKING IN TONGUES, PART 2

Lesson #2 Holy Spirit Activity in the Believer

1. At conversion: o He

John 16:8 (NIV) 8When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:

o He initiates 1 Cor 12:3 (NIV) 3Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

o He causes us to be John 3:5 (NIV) 5Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit

o He brings us into the Gal 4:6 (NIV) 6Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,£ Father.” Rom 8:9 (NIV) 9You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. ALL BELIEVERS HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT Baptise = (grk.) whelm (webster) whelm = to turn over, overwhelm,

engulf, overpower (grk.) fully wet The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a separate experience from

conversion: Types:

Lev 23:5 (NIV) 5The LORD’S Passover begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month.

Jesus in Holy Spirit Luke 3:21 - 22 (NIV) 21When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened 22and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Apostles conversion John 20:22 (NIV) 22And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

baptized in Holy Spirit Acts 2:4 (NIV) 4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues£ as the Spirit enabled them. Jesus desires for believers to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit: Luke 24:45 - 49 (NIV) 45Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations,

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beginning at Jerusalem. 48You are witnesses of these things. 49I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Acts 1:4 (NIV) 4On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. Acts 1:7 - 8 (NIV) 7He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Three times recorded speaking in tongues as evidence :

Jerusalem = apostlesActs 2:1 - 5 (NIV) 1When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues£ as the Spirit enabled them. 5Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven.

Samaria = conversion

Acts 8:5 - 13 (NIV) 5Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ£ there. 6When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. 7With shrieks, evil£ spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. 8So there was great joy in that city. 9Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, 10and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is the divine power known as the Great Power.” 11They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his magic. 12But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.

Baptism of Holy Spirit Acts 8:14 - 18 (NIV) 14When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into£ the name of the Lord Jesus. 17Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money

Judea = conversion and Baptism of Holy Spirit Acts 10:44 - 47 (NIV) 44While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. 46For they heard them speaking in tongues£ and praising God. Then Peter said, 47“Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.”

Asia Minor (Ephesus) = Baptism of Holy SpiritActs 19:1 - 6 (NIV) 1While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when£ you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied. 4Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5On hearing this, they were baptized into£ the name of the Lord Jesus. 6When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues£ and prophesied.

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Paul = conversion,

Acts 9:1 - 6 (NIV) 1Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6“Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

Baptism of Holy Spirit (it doesn’t say Paul spoke in tongues at this time, however he indicates he did speak in tongues

Acts 9:17 - 18 (NIV) 17Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and 1 Cor 14:18 (NIV) 18I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.

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#11 WEAPONS FOR THE INTERCESSOR: SPEAKING IN TONGUES, PART 3

Lesson # 3 Receiving the Holy Spirit Baptism1. ? Jesus Matt 3:11 (NIV) 11“I baptize you with£ water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Luke 24:49 (NIV) 49I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” 2. ? Jesus commanded it Acts 1:4 (NIV) 4On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. Paul commanded it Eph 5:18 (NIV) 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

for Christian service and Christian living John 14:17 (NIV) 17the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be£ in you.

power to be a witness Acts 1:8 (NIV) 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

(note the transformation of the Apostles), greater revelation of Christ

John 16:13 (NIV) 13But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

to be taught John 14:26 (NIV) 26But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

for comfort John 14:16 (NIV) 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—

to glorify Christ John 16:14 (NIV) 14He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you.

to gain victory over carnality Rom 8:13 (NIV) 13For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, 3. ? The same ones who were candidates for salvation Eph 2:8 (NIV) 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—

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Acts 2:38 - 39 (NIV) 38Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” 4. ?

a. To be a Acts 1:8 (NIV) 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

b. 1 Cor 14:14 - 15 (NIV) 14For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.

c. ourselves 1 Cor 14:4 (NIV) 4He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. Jude 1:20 (NIV) 20But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.

d. and with God in mysteries 1 Cor 14:2 (NIV) 2For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.

e. the mysteries of Godf. Give and

Eph 5:19 (NIV) 19Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,

g. A reminder of joint heirs with Christ Rom 8:18 (NIV) 18I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

h. Help our infirmities (weaknesses)Rom 8:26 (NIV) 26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

i. Help us to pray Rom 8:26 (NIV) 26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

j. Make with God for us as individuals Rom 8:26 - 27 (NIV) 26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.

k. Make intercession with God Rom 8:27 (NIV) 27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.

l. Strengthen the Eph 3:16 (NIV) 16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,

m. Spiritual Eph 6:18 (NIV) 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

n. As a sign to 1 Cor 14:22 (NIV) 22Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.

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5. Reasons people receiving tongues:a. They are going to ask for something only special people

(Apostles) are entitled to Heb 13:8 (NIV) 8Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Acts 2:38 (NIV) 38Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

b. Fear of receiving a or something from Satan Luke 11:11 - 13 (NIV) 11“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for£ a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

c. Not Acts 2:38 (NIV) 38Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

o a gift like salvationd. They will do something

1 Cor 14:32 (NIV) 32The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. 6. How to :

a. You must be Acts 2:38 (NIV) 38Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

b. By and (an act of the will) John 7:38 - 39 (NIV) 38Whoever believes in me, as£ the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” 39By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.

c. By speaking Acts 2:4 (NIV) 4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

o using your lips, tongue and voice through your own actions (the Holy Spirit will not force)

o “I pray ....1 Cor 14:15 (NIV) 15So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.

o we can start and stop at will 1 Cor 14:32 (NIV) 32The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets.

o we have control over the mechanics of tongues but not jurisdiction over the language.

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INTRODUCTION: “WEAPONS FOR THE INTERCESSOR”FASTING TO SEEK GOD”

The avenue of fasting to seek God has been exercised by men and women throughout history and we have outlined from scripture some of the results.

The purpose of fasting as recorded in scripture was to humble ourselves, to repent and seek God, for His presence, to receive spiritual direction, spiritual enlightenment, as part of our Christian ministry, for demonic deliverance, to spare a life or lives, to spare armies, nations and for revival.

I have also included some practical advice for the person desiring to fast, also how to break fast properly.

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#12 WEAPONS FOR THE INTERCESSOR: FASTING TO SEEK GOD

What is fasting? Hebrew word for fasting = tsosm: To cover the mouth Greek word for fasting = nestis: Abstinent from food, not to eat

-nesteia: Abstinence from lack of food, voluntarily, religiously. (Specifically the “Day of Atonement”)

What is the purpose of fasting?1. To ourselves (overcome the flesh) Psa 35:13 (NIV) 13 Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered, Psa 69:10 (NIV) 10 When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn; 2. To the Lord 1 Sam 7:2 - 6 (NIV) 2It was a long time, twenty years in all, that the ark remained at Kiriath Jearim, and all the people of Israel mourned and sought after the LORD. 3And Samuel said to the whole house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” 4So the Israelites put away their Baals and Ashtoreths, and served the LORD only. 5Then Samuel said, “Assemble all Israel at Mizpah and I will intercede with the LORD for you.” 6When they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the LORD. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the LORD.” And Samuel was leader£ of Israel at Mizpah. 1 Kin 21:27 - 29 (NIV) 27When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and fasted. He lay in sackcloth and went around meekly. 28Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite: 29“Have you noticed how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself, I will not bring this disaster in his day, but I will bring it on his house in the days of his son.”Ezra 8:21 - 23 (NIV) 21There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. 22I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.” 23So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer. Neh 1:4 (NIV) 4When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Dan 9:3 - 19 (NIV) Joel 2:12 - 14 (NIV) 12 “Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” 13 Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. 14 Who knows? He may turn and have pity and leave behind a blessing— grain offerings and drink offerings for the LORD your God. 3. For his Matt 9:14 - 15 (NIV) 14Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” 15Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.

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Mark 2:18 - 20 (NIV) 18Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, “How is it that John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?” 19Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. 20But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast. Luke 5:33 - 35 (NIV) 33They said to him, “John’s disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking.” 34Jesus answered, “Can you make the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? 35But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.” 4. To receive spiritual Judg 20:26 - 28 (NIV) 26Then the Israelites, all the people, went up to Bethel, and there they sat weeping before the LORD. They fasted that day until evening and presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings£ to the LORD. 27And the Israelites inquired of the LORD. (In those days the ark of the covenant of God was there, 28with Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, ministering before it.) They asked, “Shall we go up again to battle with Benjamin our brother, or not?” The LORD responded, “Go, for tomorrow I will give them into your hands.” Acts 13:2 - 3 (NIV) 2While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. Acts 14:23 (NIV) 23Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. 5. Spiritual Daniel 9:3-27Daniel 10:2-21Acts 10:30 - 33 (NIV) 30Cornelius answered: “Four days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me 31and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. 32Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’ 33So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.” Acts 27:9 (NIV) 9Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Fast. So Paul warned them, 6. As part of our Christian 2 Cor 6:4 - 10 (NIV) 4Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 6in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; 9known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything. 2 Cor 11:1 - 30 (NIV) 7. For demonic Matt 17:14 - 21 (NIV) 14When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. 15“Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. 16I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.” 17“O unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” 18Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment. 19Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 20He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.£” 20He

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replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.Mark 9:16-298. To spare a Dan 6:18 (NIV) 18Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep. Acts 27:20 - 24 (NIV) 20When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved. 21After the men had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. 22But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. 23Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me 24and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ 9. To spare 2 Chronicles 20:3-30 Esth 4:3 (NIV) 3In every province to which the edict and order of the king came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping and wailing. Many lay in sackcloth and ashes. Esth 4:16 (NIV) 16“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” Esth 9:30 (NIV) 30And Mordecai sent letters to all the Jews in the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Xerxes—words of goodwill and assurance— Joel 1:14 (NIV) 14 Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD. Joel 2:15 (NIV) 15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly. Jon 3:1 - 10 (NIV) 1Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: 2“Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” 3Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city—a visit required three days. 4On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned.” 5The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. 6When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. 7Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let any man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. 8But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. 9Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.” 10When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.10. For Zech 8:16 - 23 (NIV) 16These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; 17do not plot evil against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the LORD. 18Again the word of the LORD Almighty came to me. 19This is what the LORD Almighty says: “The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months will become joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah. Therefore love truth and peace.” 20This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Many peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will yet come, 21and the inhabitants of one city will go to another and say, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the LORD and seek the LORD Almighty. I myself am going.’ 22And many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the LORD Almighty and to entreat him.” 23This is what the LORD Almighty says: “In those days ten men from all

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languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.’” Different types of fasts.1. : In all of the above no food was consumed and

in most only water was taken. The exception is the miraculous fast where neither food nor water is taken.

2. fast: We refer to these fasts as miraculous because in the natural we cannot survive without water.

Ex 34:28 (NIV) 28Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments. 1 Kin 19:8 (NIV) 8So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. 3. : In very extreme cases of

emergency no water was received. In most cases these were national emergencies. This is not recommended.

Esth 4:3 (NIV) 3In every province to which the edict and order of the king came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping and wailing. Many lay in sackcloth and ashes. Jon 3:1 - 10 (NIV) 1Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: 2“Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” 3Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very important city—a visit required three days. 4On the first day, Jonah started into the city. He proclaimed: “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned.” 5The Ninevites believed God. They declared a fast, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. 6When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. 7Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let any man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. 8But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. 9Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.” 10When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.Acts 9:9 (NIV) 9For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. 4. fast: This technically is not a fast (abstaining

from food) but is blessed of God. Daniel and his friends abstained from all pleasant food and only vegetables and water were consumed

Dan 1:12 - 17 (NIV) 12“Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” 14So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days. 15At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. 16So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead. 17To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.

o in other words a restriction to certain foods for a designated period of time as unto the Lord, (example: juices, soups, broth, etc.).

o Some fast by limiting their consumption to juices or liquids.

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o Since fasting must never become a legalistic form, we should expect benefits anytime we deny our appetites and seek the Lord with an open heart.

o However in the purest biblical sense fasting is abstaining from food.

Practical tips.1. Do not fast if there are medical or dietary reasons which prohibit, or

if you are pregnant or a nursing mother. o If you have any questions about your ability to fast consult your

physician.2. If you have chosen a water fast be sure to drink a minimum of two

quarts of water (room temperature) daily.3. If this is your first attempt at fasting, I would suggest you start on a

smaller scale, perhaps a single meal or a 24 hour period (from sundown to sundown was the Jewish fast). o When you receive direction from the Lord or desire to fast longer

periods it will be much easier if you have successfully completed short fasts.

o Remember it is not the length of the fast but the quality. o Fasting in and of itself is nothing more than denying food to the

body and practiced by many for various reasons unrelated to Christianity.

o Fasting with prayer and seeking God has great benefits. o If we spend the time we ordinarily use eating to pray, it will

enable even the busiest person to fast.4. We must have a proper : Matt 6:16 - 18 (NIV) 16“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Jer 14:10 - 12 (NIV) 10This is what the LORD says about this people: “They greatly love to wander; they do not restrain their feet. So the LORD does not accept them; he will now remember their wickedness and punish them for their sins.” 11Then the LORD said to me, “Do not pray for the well-being of this people. 12Although they fast, I will not listen to their cry; though they offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Instead, I will destroy them with the sword, famine and plague.” Luke 18:11 - 14 (NIV) 11The Pharisee stood up and prayed about£ himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 13“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ 14“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” 5. Fasting should be mixed with the :

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Jer 36:6 (NIV) 6So you go to the house of the LORD on a day of fasting and read to the people from the scroll the words of the LORD that you wrote as I dictated. Read them to all the people of Judah who come in from their towns. 6. If you experience headaches, nausea, weakness or dizziness (esp. If

you are a coffee drinker) this is normal and will decrease as your fast progresses. o You might consider abstaining from coffee or tea for a few days

prior to entering a fast. o Another reason for these discomforts are the toxins in our body

are being flushed, fasting is a wonderful means of cleansing the body.

o There will also be a house cleaning in the spiritual if we fast properly and we will be able to gain control over our appetites, many addictions can be broken through fasting (food, nicotine, alcohol, drugs, lust, etc.) and seeking our Father.

7. Bad breath unfortunately cannot be avoided and is caused by the coating of the tongue. o The body is on the lookout for food and begins to digest waste

material and deposits of fat resulting in bad breath. o It’s not advisable to rely on breath mints, etc., a drop of breath

fresheners (health food store, no sugar) or breath assure capsules may be of some benefit.

Breaking fast. A word of caution, this can be a crucial test to the benefit of your

fast. Discipline exercised on breaking fast is just as important as the

fast itself, physically as well as spiritually. The word breakfast = breaking fast and a simple rule of thumb

is whatever the duration of your fast, is the length of time you should carefully govern your diet.

However this would mainly apply to fasts over 3 days. 1-3 days

Break fast with juice, breakfast fare, soup etc. (drink plenty of water).

3-6 days 1st day; 3 meals of choice fresh citrus fruit 2nd day; light soup, yogurt, fresh fruit, vegetables, green salad

(no dressing) 7-14 days

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First two days; after breaking the fast on any fresh fruit juice (6 oz.) eat your next meal of fresh citrus fruit moderately.

For the balance of the next two days, eat three or four meals of fresh citrus fruit only, approximately four and one half hours apart consisting of 6-8 ounces.

Third day, light soups or skimmed, whole or buttermilk, or yogurt at each meal.

Fourth day: green salad (no dressing), cooked light vegetables chewed well.

Fifth day and after; three small meals of fresh fruit, green salad or sweet fruit and yogurt, milk or buttermilk (buttermilk is easier to digest than sweet milk), cheese products or some nuts may be eaten. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER.

In closing, we want it to be noted that there is no formula to “move God’s hand”, we are not suggesting that some outstanding supernatural experience will be received. However, I believe that any effort on our part to seek God and his will, will be to our advantage spiritually, for God looks upon the heart and if our heart is to “do thy will O Lord”, he will meet us. Fasting is only another means of discipline and not intended to be anything more, but it also must not be neglected.

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INTRODUCTION: “WEAPONS FOR THE INTERCESSOR:FASTING TO BREAK UNBELIEF”

This section is dedicated to the intercessor who finds themselves at an impasse of unbelief. We can fast to break unbelief in our lives, to do the works that Christ has commissioned us to fulfill. The disciples had failed to cast demons out of a boy, therefore Jesus himself had to release the child (Matthew 17:19-21) (19) Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast him out?” (20) So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. (21) “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” (NKJV)

There are some mountains and demons in our lives, that will take extraordinary amounts of faith to overcome, and fasting on our part will heal our unbelief.

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#13 WEAPONS FOR THE INTERCESSOR: FASTING TO BREAK UNBELIEF

Fasting was practiced by the Jews a week Luke 18:11 - 12 (NIV) 11The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

History records the church also continued to fast twice a week but on different days.

Hebrew = 6685 tsowm (tsome); or tsom (tsome); from 6684; a fast: 6684 tsuwm (tsoom); a primitive root; to cover over (the

mouth), i.e., To fast: Greek = 3521 nesteia (nace-ti’-ah); from 3522; abstinence (from

lack of food, or voluntary and religious); specifically, the fast of the Day of Atonement

lost the Kingdom, when they succumbed to Satan through eating

Gen 3:6 (NIV) 6When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. gained the lost Kingdom through fasting Matt 4:2 - 4 (NIV) 2After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” lost his birthright through eating Gen 25:30 - 34 (NIV) 30He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom.£ ) 31Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.” 32“Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?” 33But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. 34Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright. Israel got into lusting through eating food Num 11:4 - 9 (NIV) 4The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, “If only we had meat to eat! 5We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. 6But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!” 7The manna was like coriander seed and looked like resin. 8The people went around gathering it, and then ground it in a handmill or crushed it in a mortar. They cooked it in a pot or made it into cakes. And it tasted like something made with olive oil. 9When the dew settled on the camp at night, the manna also came down. Num 11:18 - 20 (NIV) 18“Tell the people: ‘Consecrate yourselves in preparation for tomorrow, when you will eat meat. The LORD heard you when you wailed, “If only we had meat to eat! We were better off in Egypt!” Now the LORD will give you meat, and you will eat it. 19You will not eat it for just one day, or two days, or five, ten or twenty days, 20but for a whole month—until it comes out of your nostrils and you loathe it—because you have rejected the LORD, who is among you, and have wailed before him, saying, “Why did we ever leave Egypt?”’”

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Num 11:31 - 33 (NIV) 31Now a wind went out from the LORD and drove quail in from the sea. It brought them down all around the camp to about three feet above the ground, as far as a day’s walk in any direction. 32All that day and night and all the next day the people went out and gathered quail. No one gathered less than ten homers. Then they spread them out all around the camp. 33But while the meat was still between their teeth and before it could be consumed, the anger of the LORD burned against the people, and he struck them with a severe plague. got them out of trouble through fastingDeut 9:18 - 19 (NIV) 18Then once again I fell prostrate before the LORD for forty days and forty nights; I ate no bread and drank no water, because of all the sin you had committed, doing what was evil in the LORD’S sight and so provoking him to anger. 19I feared the anger and wrath of the LORD, for he was angry enough with you to destroy you. But again the LORD listened to me. - days of eating and drinking Matt 24:37 - 38 (NIV) 37As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; Matt 17:14 - 21 (NIV) 14When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. 15“Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. 16I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.” 17“O unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” 18Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment. 19Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 20He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” 20He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Mark 9:17 - 29 (NIV) 17A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” 19“O unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” 20So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22“It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” 24Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” 25When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. 28After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 29He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.” Don’t focus on casting out demons, but on Matt 17:20 - 21 (NIV) 20He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” 20He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” The apostles had not been fasting

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Matt 9:14 - 15 (NIV) 14Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” 15Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.

bridegroom - dryness in our souls 1 Sam 7:1 - 6 (NIV) 7:1 So the men of Kiriath Jearim came and took up the ark of the LORD. They took it to Abinadab’s house on the hill and consecrated Eleazar his son to guard the ark of the LORD. 7:2 It was a long time, twenty years in all, that the ark remained at Kiriath Jearim, and all the people of Israel mourned and sought after the LORD. 3And Samuel said to the whole house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” 4So the Israelites put away their Baals and Ashtoreths, and served the LORD only. 5Then Samuel said, “Assemble all Israel at Mizpah and I will intercede with the LORD for you.” 6When they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the LORD. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the LORD.” And Samuel was leader£ of Israel at Mizpah.

The Ark had been returned but the enemy still ruled their minds (v. 5) Samuel intercedes for them. After they fasted even though they were afraid, they believed the

prayer of intercession would prevail for them (vv. 6, 7). Their enemies were defeated (vv. 13, 14). We are desiring to bring forth (birth) a new realm, part of which

will be a quick maturing of the saints and the return of ChristRom 8:18 - 27 (NIV) 18I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21that£ the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. 22We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. 26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. Luke 2:36 - 38 (NIV) 36There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.£ She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

With fastings and prayer the new realm of covenant was witnessed by Ann and the first coming of Christ.

NOTES:

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FASTING - Word Study

Strong’s ConcordanceGreek = 3521 nesteia (nace-ti’ah); from 3522; abstinence (from lack of food, or voluntary and religious); specifically the fast of the Day of Atonement: KJV – fast (-ing)Thayer’s3521 nesteia - a fasting, fast

a) a voluntary, as a religious exercise1) used of private fasting2) the public fast as prescribed by the Mosaic Law and kept yearly on the great day of

atonement, the tenth of the month of Tisri (the month Tisri comprises a part of our September and October); the fast accordingly, occurred in the autumn when navigation was usually dangerous on account of storms.

b) a fasting caused by want or povertyVine’s Dictionary of Biblical WordsA. Nouns

1. nesteia ^3521^, “a fasting, fast” (from ne, a negative prefix, and esthio, “to eat”), is useda) of voluntary abstinence from food, <Luke 2:37; Acts 14:23> (some mss. Have it in

<Matthew 17:21> and ); “fasting had become a common practice among Jews, and was continued among Christians; in <Acts 27:9>, “the Fast” refers to the Day of Atonement, <Leviticus 16:29>; that time of year would be one of dangerous sailing;

b) of involuntary abstinence (perhaps voluntary is included), consequent upon trying circumstances, <2 Corinthians 6:5; 11:27>. #

2. nestis ^3523^, “not eating” (see No. 1), “fasting,” is used of lack of food, <Matthew 15:32; Mark 8:3>. #

NOTE: Asitia, <Acts 27:27>, means “without food” (Not through lack of supplies), i.e.,

abstinence from food. See ABSTINENCE, and cf. C, below.B. Verb.

Nesteuo ^3522^, “to fast, to abstain from eating” (akin to A, Nos. 1 and 2), is used of voluntary “fasting,” <Matthew 4;2; 6:16-18; 9:14,15; Mark 2:18-20; Luke 5:33-35; 18:32; Acts 13:2, 3>. Some of these passages show that teachers to whom scholars or disciples were attached gave them special instructions as to “fasting.” Christ taught the need of purity and simplicity of motive.

The answers of Christ to the questions of the disciples of John and of the Pharisees reveal His whole purpsoe and method. No doubt He and His followers observed such a fast as that on the Day of Atonement, but He imposed no frequent “fasts” in addition. What He taught was suitable to the change of character and purpose which he designed for His disciples. His claim to be the Bridegroom, <Matthew 9:15>, and the reference there to the absence of “fasting,” virtually involved a claim to be the Messiah (cf. <Zechariah 8:19). # Some mss. Have the verb in <Acts 10:30>.C. Adjective.

Asitos ^777%, “without food” (a, negative, sitos, “corn, food”), is used in <Acts 27:33>, “fasting.” Cf. Asitia, Note under A, No. 2. #(from Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words Copyright (C) 1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

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INTRODUCTION: “SEED TIME AND HARVEST”

The life of the intercessor is planting, tending and harvesting seed for the Kingdom of God (Genesis 8:22) “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease.” (NKJV)

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# 14 SEED TIME AND HARVEST

Gen 8:22 (NIV) 22“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.” Seed time and harvest shall never , for the saved and the

unsaved = a universal law The Feast of Harvest (firstfruits) and the Feast of Ingathering Ex 23:16 (NIV) 16“Celebrate the Feast of Harvest with the firstfruits of the crops you sow in your field. “Celebrate the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather in your crops from the field. Jesus taught the parable of the Mark 4:14 (NIV) 14The farmer sows the word. the seed:

up the fallow ground (Hosea 10:12) “Sow with a view to righteousness, reap in accordance with kindness; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the LORD until He comes to rain righteousness on you.” (NAS)

fallow: dormant, idle, neglected, uncultivated, untilled, unsown, unplowed, unseeded, unplanted, unproductive

He the “seed” Gal 3:16 (NIV) 16The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,”£ meaning one person, who is Christ.

gives “seed to the sower” Isa 55:6 - 12 (NIV) 6Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. 7Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. 8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. 9“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. 12You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

Sow no seed Lev 19:19 (NIV) 19“‘Keep my decrees. “‘Do not mate different kinds of animals. “‘Do not plant your field with two kinds of seed. “‘Do not wear clothing woven of two kinds of material. Deut 22:9 (NIV) 9Do not plant two kinds of seed in your vineyard; if you do, not only the crops you plant but also the fruit of the vineyard will be defiled.£

Sowing to the Hos 2:21 - 23 (NIV) 21 “In that day I will respond,” declares the LORD— “I will respond to the skies, and they will respond to the earth; 22 and the earth will respond to the grain, the new wine and oil, and they will respond to Jezreel.£ 23 I will plant her for myself in the land; I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my loved one.£’ I will say to those called ‘Not my people,£ ‘‘You are my people’; and they will say, ‘You are my God.’”

Sowing in

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Psa 126:4 - 6 (NIV) 4 Restore our fortunes,£ O LORD, like streams in the Negev. 5 Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. 6 He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.

What we as a harvest will depend on how much we sow 2 Cor 9:6 (NIV) 6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Luke 6:38 (NIV) 38Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

What we sow, we will James 3:18 (NIV) 18Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

peacemakers - sow peace the seed: Through repentance, rain is provided Isa 30:19 - 23 (NIV) 19O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. 20Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. 21Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” 22Then you will defile your idols overlaid with silver and your images covered with gold; you will throw them away like a menstrual cloth and say to them, “Away with you!” 23He will also send you rain for the seed you sow in the ground, and the food that comes from the land will be rich and plentiful. In that day your cattle will graze in broad meadows. the seed: Amos 9:13 (NIV) 13“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when the reaper will be overtaken by the plowman and the planter by the one treading grapes. New wine will drip from the mountains and flow from all the hills.

Harvesting (bringing to birth) = see word study Strong’s 2342 chuwl (khool)1. shaketh

Psa 29:8 - 9 (NIV) 8 The voice of the LORD shakes the desert; the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh. 9 The voice of the LORD twists the oaks£ and strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry, “Glory!”

2. travail Isa 66:7 - 9 (NIV) 7 “Before she goes into labor, she gives birth; before the pains come upon her, she delivers a son. 8 Who has ever heard of such a thing? Who has ever seen such things? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment? Yet no sooner is Zion in labor than she gives birth to her children. 9 Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?” says the LORD. “Do I close up the womb when I bring to delivery?” says your God.

3. dance Judg 21:21 (NIV) 21and watch. When the girls of Shiloh come out to join in the dancing, then rush from the vineyards and each of you seize a wife from the girls of Shiloh and go to the land of Benjamin.

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HARVESTING = TRAVAIL - Word Study

Strong’s ConcordanceHebrew = 2342 chuwl (khool); or chiyl (kheel); a primitive root; properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; figuratively, to wait, to pervert:KJV – bear, (make to) bring forth, (make to) calve, dance, drive away, fall grievously (with pain), fear, form, great, grieve, (be) grievous, hope look, make, be in pain, be much (sore) pained, rest, shake, shapen, (be) sorrow (-ful), stay, tarry, travail (with pain), tremble, trust, wait carefully (patiently), be wounded.Brown-Driver-Briggs2342 chuwl or chiyl- to twist, to whirl, to dance, to writhe, to fear, to tremble, to travail, to be in anguish, to be pained.a) (Qual)

1. to dance2. to twist, to writhe3. tow whirl, to whirl about

b) (Polel)1. to dance2. to write (in travail with), to bear, to bring forth3. to wait anxiously

c) (Pulal)1. to be made to write, to be made to bear2. to be brought forth

d) (Hophal) to be borne) (Hithpolel)

1. whirling (participle)2. writhing, suffering torture (participle)3. to wait longingly

f) (Hithpalpel) to be distressedTheological Wordbook of the Old Testament623 = Strongs’ 2342I, travail, be in anguish, be pained, dance, whirl, writhe, fear, tremble

The verb contains two basic ideas:1) whilrling around in circular movements (reflected in the derivatives mahole and

mehola) and2) writhing in labor pains (reflected in hil and hila).

These may be taken as two distinct roots of similar form (KB) or as two emphases of the same root (BDB). This article adopts the latter point of view. Like several other verbs of movement (e.g., harad and pahad) its meaning may also include those emotions and attitudes associated with the movements. (Note: Englishman’s Hebrew and Chaldee Concordance erroneously lists forms from hul II and yahal under this word.)

Physical movements of various sorts are in mind in referring to dancing (Judges 21:21), quaking movements of mountains (Habakkuk 3:10), and, perhaps the whirling (?) movements of a sword (Hosea 11:6; RSV “rage” reflects this interpretation). Twice abstract quantities are figuratively viewed as physical entities which move or whirl about until they land on their targets: the curse on Joab is thus viewed (2 Samuel 3:29; “May it whirl around,” writer’s translation) as in God’s anger, Jeremiah 23:19; “swirl” (NASB). Another example of such figurative representation of an abstract quantity as a real, concrete, entity is the “sin” which crouched at the door for Cain (Genesis 4:7).

This verb expresses the writhing movements of labor contraction (Isaiah 45:10) though it may recall the joys of bearing denied to the barren (Isaiah 54:1) as well as pain. Several times it describes those who are in anguish in witness of God’s judgment (Isaiah 23:5; Ezekiel 30:16; Joel 2:6; Micah 4:10). In such cases the idea of inner mental anguish may displace the idea of writhing in pain as when Egypt in anguish at the news of Tyre’s fall (Isaiah 23:5). Jeremiah’s complaint that those who have been

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judged have not felt anguish (Jeremiah 5:3) refers to mental anguish or remorse. It also describes the anguish of the good man oppressed by the wicked (Psalms 55:4 [H 5]).

Contextual parallels show that it can refer to writhing or trembling in terror (Psalms 77:16 [H 17]; Jeremiah 5:22). The same idiom underlies poetic similes in which the earth writhes or trembles (Psalms 97:4; 114:7).

Several difficult passages must be noted. The interpretation that Saul was “wounded” by the Philistine archers (1 Samuel 31:3; RSV, KJV has not support from other usages of “hul”; it’s best support is the possibility of repointing the text so as to read the Hebrew word halal “to pierce” (wayyahol). As the text is pointed, “be terrified” or “harassed” (i.e., “Put into anguish”) is preferable. Two passages command the earth to “tremble” (RSV, ASV) or “fear” (KJV) before God (1 Chronicles 16:30; Psalms 96:9). However, unlike the two contexts in which the earth trembled above, these contexts are completely filled with positive acts of worship (1 Chronicles 16:28, 29, 31; Psalms 96:7, 8, 10). For this reason, it is better in these contexts to interpret hul with a term of positive worship, either as “dance” (i.e., the mehola as a religious dance) or a joyful “trembling” in worship. The usage of this term in (Lamentations 4:6) (RSV “laid”) remains unclear.

The Hiphil is causative, “to make to write: or “to cause to be in anguish” (BDB; Psalms 29:8, note: other possible Hiphils are better derived from yahel: Genesis 8:10, Judges 3:25; Lamentations 3:29). The Hophal is passive, “to be born” (Isaiah 66:8, ASV, RSV).

Most Polels are best taken as intensive in meaning rather than causative. Giving birth (Job 39:1), the writhing of “shades: (RSV) or of the “deceased” (KJV; Job 26:5), and dancing (Judges 21:23) are all thus expressed in an intensive form. In the intensive form “giving birth” is broadened into “forming” or “creating” (Psalms 90:2; cf. Also Proverbs 26:10 as translated in the KJV). In a similar idiom, the north wind “brings forth” rain (Proverbs 25:23). A single Polel seems to be causative; Psalms 29:9 in which the text as pointed is translated, :maketh the hinds to calve: (ASV) although the RSV translation (“makes the oaks to whirl”, NIV “twist the oaks”) demands only a minor change in pointing and gives a better poetic parallel.

The Pulal is the passive of the Polel, “to be born” (Job 15:7; Psalms 51:5 [H 7]). This idiom may be used to refer to creation or origins on a cosmic scale. (Proverbs 8:24, 25).

The Hithpolel occurs twice describing the whirling tempest (Jeremiah 3:19) and the writhing of a man in pain (Job 25:20). These are more easily taken as intensive, though they could be construed as reflexive with some ingenuity. Similarly the Hithpalpel is intensive when it describes the great agitation or writhing of Esther upon learning of the decree against her people (Esther 4:4).

Hil. Pain, agony, sorrow. Used four times before impending disaster to describe pain or agony such as that experienced by a woman in labor (Jeremiah 6:24, 22:23, 50:43; Micah 4:9). In two passages, contextual parallels indicate a meaning of writing in terror (Exodus 15:14; Psalms 48:6 [H 7]). In both cases, the physical writhing expresses the inner terror aroused by knowledge of God’s great deeds. Hila. Pain (?), agony (?) (KJV “sorrow). Apparently a feminine form of the preceding word and thus similar in meaning. Used in an unclear context from which no distinct meaning can be derived (Job 6:10).

halhala. Writhing, agony, terror. Writhing either in anguish (Isaiah 21:3) or in terror (Ezekiel 30:9).

mahol. Dance, dancing. The dance may symbolize joy; joy as contrasted with mourning (Psalms 20:22[H 12]; Lamentation 5:15) and the joys which will come with God’s future blessing (Jeremiah 31:4, 13). The dance, also is an acceptable means of praise (Psalms 149:3; 150:4).

mehola. Dance, dancing. No clear distinction in meaning from mahol. It expresses joy and celebration of military victories (Exodus 15:20; Judges 11:34; 1 Samuel 18:6). Or a purely religious dance may be referred to (Exodus 32:19; Judges 21:21). Evidence does not permit a clear interpretation of the “dance of the two camps”: (Song of Solomon 6:13 [H 7:1]).

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INTRODUCTION: “PRACTICAL ADVICE”

This section is an attempt to help you with the practical mechanics of organizing your intercessory prayer team/teams. We are not advocating you replicate our methods, there are no set rules of the right way or wrong way to organize your people. We only want to share with you what we have found to be helpful. All intercession groups will be different as each church is different from one another. These are some simple guidelines if you have not formed your group yet, perhaps these will be of some use to you. Most of all our desire is to see each church launching out in intercession, to prepare the reapers for His mighty harvest.

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# 15 PRACTICAL ADVICE

Seven Methods of = be very clear in your group what your goals are so no one will be offended

1. Cleanse your Psa 24:3 - 5 (NIV) 3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.£ 5 He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior.

2. Minister unto the Lord in Psa 100:1 - 5 (NIV) 1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his£; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

3. Stay in agreement = Psa 133:1 - 3 (NIV) 1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! 2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes. 3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.John 17:17 - 24 (NIV) 17Sanctify£ them by the truth; your word is truth. 18As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. 20“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

4. Be open to Holy Spirits’ John 17:13 - 15 (NIV) 13“I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.

5. prayer (one target at a time)6. Keep the 7. Take

of an Intercessor:1. Living in

John 15:16 - 17 (NIV) 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17This is my command: Love each other.

2. Living in Matt 6:14 - 15 (NIV) 14For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

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3. Living in James 4:6 - 7 (NIV) 6But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”£ 7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

4. Living in 1 Pet 5:4 - 6 (NIV) 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 5Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

5. Living in 1 Cor 15:57 - 58 (NIV) 57But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. What is the Pastor’s ?

1. Support his vision2. Get scripture, revelation (prophetic) word, etc., to seed, water

or birth General :

1. Submission2. “Spiritual” gossip

Practical advise for the intercessor:1. Protect your own spirit2. Feed on God’s Word3. Live a life of worship, praise and thanksgiving4. Beware of how you share your words

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INTERCESSORY PRAYER ROOM GUIDE LINES

1. CLEANSE YOUR HEART AND MIND. Psa 25:3 - 5 (NIV) 3 No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse. 4 Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; 5 guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. 2. COME PREPARED TO MINISTER TO THE LORD IN PRAISE

AND WORSHIP. Psa 100:1 - 5 (NIV) 1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his£; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.3. LIVING IN LOVE John 15:16 - 17 (NIV) 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17This is my command: Love each other. HUMILITY James 4:6 - 7 (NIV) 6But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”£ 7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. FORGIVENESS Matt 6:14 - 15 (NIV) 14For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. SUBMISSION 1 Pet 5:5 - 6 (NIV) 5Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”£ 6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. VICTORY 1 Cor 15:57 - 58 (NIV) 57But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.4. BE IN UNITY Psa 133:1 - 3 (NIV) 1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! 2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes. 3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.John 17:17 - 24 (NIV) 17Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. 20“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. 5. BE OPEN TO THE HOLY SPIRIT’S LEADING

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John 16:13 - 15 (NIV) 13But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. 15All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.

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INTERCESSORY PRAYER CAPTAINS

1. COME PREPARED PERSONALLY2. BE PROMPT 15 MINUTES EARLY TO BEGIN MEETING3. PUT ON PRAISE MUSIC4. LEAD THE GROUP IN A QUIET TIME OF CLEANING THEIR

HEART AND MIND5. EXPLAIN OUR GOAL “UNITY”6. SHARE A SCRIPTURE AND WHATEVER HOLY SPIRIT HAS

GIVEN YOU FOR THIS NIGHT7. PRAISE AND WORSHIP TO THE TAPED MUSIC OR

SPONTANEOUSLY8. BE OPEN TO HOLY SPIRIT GIVING ADDITIONAL

KNOWLEDGE THROUGH THE OTHER INTERCESSORS9. PRAY FOR THE SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP, EMERGENCY

PRAYER REQUEST THAT HAVE BEEN SENT TO US AT THE END OR HOWEVER HOLY SPIRIT LEADS, BUT STAY ON TARGET IN UNITY, IF TIME DOES NOT PERMIT TO COVER THE PRAYER REQUESTS GIVE THEM TO THE COORDINATOR AND WE WILL HAVE PRAYER AT THE DAYTIME PRAYER MEETINGS. (YOU JUDGE THE URGENCY).

10. DISCOURAGE PERSONAL PRAYING FOR ONE ANOTHER OR “DROP IN’s”, ENCOURAGE THEM TO RECEIVE PRAYER IN THE SANCTUARY, THIS TYPE PRAYER WILL SIDE TRACK THE GROUP.

11. LOVINGLY REMAIN IN CONTROL12. (KEEP THE FLOW) WHEN IN DOUBT WORSHIP13. BEWARE OF “SPIRITUAL GOSSIP”14. KEEP COORDINATOR UPDATED15. PRAY OVER YOUR TEAM BEFORE THEY LEAVE TO

INTERCEDE IN THE SERVICE

THESE ARE GIVEN NOT TO BE LAW, BUT AS A GUIDELINE. YOU, AS LEADERS, WILL BE MAKING THE CALLS. WE KNOW THE HOLY SPIRIT IS OUR GUIDE AND HE MAY TAKE A DIFFERENT COURSE. WE DO NOT WANT BONDAGE BUT WE MUST HAVE UNITY.

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