by admin | Mar 18, 2016 | Foundational Truth's on Prayer
Worshipers Who Pray Through to a Completion
“Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:13-14)
If you have been a Christian for very long you are very much aware of this chapter in Israel’s history. Most people even if they are not Christians have heard something of what happened at the Red Sea. The vessel the Lord chose to work through in preparing a people to be freed from bondage was Moses. God enabled Moses to do many great things before the Lord, one was being an intercessor. A Biblical intercessor gets involved by first interceding in prayer by making petition or entreaty in favor of another. (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary) A Biblical intercessor hears the voice of God and then moves forward in faith and gives others opportunity to follow.
In Deuteronomy 5 we see Moses interceding with the people of God, reminding them to “…be careful to do what the Lord [their] God directed [him] to teach [them] to observe…” (Deuteronomy 5:1-33) In Numbers chapter fourteen we read of God going to strike the Israelite’s down with a plague because of the their grumbling and desire to rebel against the Lord. (Numbers 14:2,9) However, Moses intercedes for them by trusting in the Lord’s great strength and loving character. (Numbers 14:17) Moses speaks to the Lord saying, “The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet He does not leave the guilty unpunished… In accordance with your great love, forgive the sin of these people, just as you have pardoned them from the time they left Egypt until now.” (Numbers 14:18-19)
Moses was a worshiper who interceded for the Lord to God’s people giving them His instructions, he interceded for the Israelite’s urging them not to rebel, and he asking God not to strike the people with a plague, not because he had a hidden agenda, rather he had a zealous heart for the protection of God’s character among the nations. (Numbers 14:13-16) His response to Lord’s wrath against the Israelite’s was, “If you put these people to death all at one time, the nations who have heard this report about you will say, `The LORD was not able to bring these people into the land He promised them on oath; so He slaughtered them in the desert.’” (Number 14:15-16)
Just what made Moses the intercessor that enabled Him to enjoy the power of God? What is the character that enables the church of Jesus Christ to walk in step with the Holy Spirit and enjoy the power of God in her labors with the Lord? I would like to propose to you that Exodus chapter 14 and other Biblical records of the Lord working in and through the life of Moses present to us the foundation of making worshipers who pray through to the power of God in their lives and ministries.
What is in the heart of worshipers who have the ear of God
The first truth that the Holy Spirit wants you to grasp is what is in the heart of worshipers who have the ear of God. There is a heart attitude that must be present in the Body of Christ that shows all who see the Lord’s church that God listens when they pray. There needs to be that vessel who can allow people to see the power of God working in their lives. John 9:31 says, “We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does His will.” (John 9:31) The English Standard version gives us this wonderful translation with, “We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, God listens to him.”
In John chapter 9 we read of Jesus coming across a man who had been blind from his birth. (John 9:1) His disciples asked him why the man was born blind. Jesus’ answer was, “…this happened so that the power of God might be displayed in his life.” As we continue to read through John chapter 9 we read that the man was healed (John 9:7) and this drew a great amount of attention from the people who knew him and especially from the Pharisees. The Pharisees questioned the man who was healed and his parents. They hurled insults at him and put him out of the synagogue. They told the man that they were disciples of Moses, and “we do not even know where this fellow comes from.” (John 9:7-34)
From studying the prayer life of Jesus, we know that God always hears Him because He was fully submitted to His Fathers will. (John 11:41-42: Hebrews 5:7) Listen to the words of a man who was touched by Jesus, the Son of God who accomplished His father’s will. (John 9:35-38) The man said, “…Now that is remarkable! You don’t know where He comes from, yet He opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does His will. Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, He could do nothing.” (John 9:30-32) The Bible says, “[When] Jesus heard that they had thrown him out…” (John 9:35) He went and found the man and then led the man to believe in Him. (John 9:35-38) After their conversation the man who had been healed by Jesus said, “‘Lord, I believe’ and [then] he worshiped [Jesus].” (John 9:38)
The Pharisees mention that they were disciples of Moses. Moses occupied a unique place as God’s friend. Exodus 33:11 says, “The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.” (Exodus 33:11) Another worshiper of God, Abraham, was also called “friend.” James 2:23-24 says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.” (James 2:23-24: Isaiah 41:8) At least two other times in the Bible Abraham is referred to as being God’s friend, one of those being when the Lord was speaking to God’s people, reminding them that they were chosen for a purpose. (2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8) The term “he was called friend” in James 2:23 is another way of saying that he was right with God. It was not that Abraham earned favor with God by his obedience, rather through his obedience he was showing what a real friend to God is. (The Expositors Bible Commentary) In Isaiah 41:8 Abraham was referred to by God through the prophet Isaiah as being “my friend.” “My friend” literally means “loving Me.” (A Commentary, Critical and Explanatory) It was a special privilege of Abraham to be known as God’s friend. A truth that must be grasped by all who want to be intercessors and true worshipers of the Lord Jesus is, Abraham loved God, and he showed his love by his obedience. (The Pulpit Commentary)
Jesus called His disciples “friends.” He elevated the disciples above mere tools and made them partners in His work. Christian friendship with Christ is much more than casual acquaintance; it is a partnership of mutual esteem and affection. Jesus defined friendship in terms of obedience to His commands. John 15:14-16 says, “You are My friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from My Father I have made known to you. You 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.” (John 15:14-16) Warren Wiersbe was so correct when he wrote, “The first duty of every soul is to find not its freedom but its Master.” Mr. Wiersbe capitalized the letter “M” in Master, referring that true freedom is found in surrendering to the Lordship of Jesus Christ who is the only One who can teach you what truly liberty is.
Another truth the Holy Spirit wants you to grasp is that an intercessor who has the ear of the Lord is a worshiper who wants to be taught of God and live in His presence
A foundational step to becoming intercessors who have the ear of God is to walk in the type of obedience that reflects we are His friends. Another truth the Holy Spirit wants you to grasp is that an intercessor who has the ear of the Lord is a worshiper who wants to be taught of God and live in His presence. The heart of the great intercessor Moses is so revealed to us in Exodus 33:12-13, “Moses said to the LORD, ‘You have been telling me, lead these people, but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, I know you by name and you have found favor with me. If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you.’” (Exodus 33:12-13) Here we read of Moses’ prayer and the Lord’s answer. Every great intercessor for the Lord has this heart. This was the cry of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 3:10, “…I want to know Christ… I press on to the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
The Lord God had called Moses to lead the people, however, we read in Exodus 33:1-3 that God said He would not go with Moses to the land of promise. His reason for not going with Moses to the promised land was that the people of God were so stiff-necked that He might destroy them. (Exodus 33:1-3) God said that He would send an angel ahead of them to drive out the people who lived in the land. This angel is different from the angel of His presence. A church that is going to have fellowship with God and give the true worship that enables them to enjoy His presence must understand that sin will exclude them from enjoying the presence of God’s Spirit. A true church will recognize when she begins to replace worship in spirit and truth with traditionalism, legalism, and denominationalism, and is worshiping the Lord in faddism. A true church has leaders who are led by the Holy Spirit and who do not look at the church through rose colored classes.
Moses does not argue with the Lord about the church of his time being stiff-necked. He relies upon what God told Him. Moses becomes that worshiper who knows and then clings to the promises of God. He speaks to the Lord saying “It is you who has called me to lead these people.” Moses is a bold intercessor here and he stands upon what God had already made known to him. His prayer is, “[Lord] You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’” “Know you by name” means that Moses belonged to God. The Lord had singled him out for a purpose and the Lord would see His purpose accomplished through Moses. “You have found favor with me,” meant that Moses had acceptance, enjoyed a special standing, or was given a privileged position to serve the Lord and be an intercessor for God’s people. Moses was to point and lead a people of God to the promised land, a land of abundance. (Bible Knowledge Commentary; The Expositors Bible Commentary; Commentary on the Old Testament; The Complete Word Study of the Old Testament)
The Holy Spirit moved through the Apostle Peter to write to God’s elect, those who are strangers in this world. (1 Peter 1::2) 1 Peter 2:9 says, “But 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.” (1 Peter 2:9) True worshipers are chosen people, property of God, the blood purchased church singled out for the purpose of proclaiming the great work of God and declaring the praises of Jesus Christ to a stiff-necked people who want only their own way in life. (Easton Bible Dictionary) Through the blood of Jesus Christ Christians have favor with God, enjoy a special standing and have all the privileges that come with knowing and serving the Lord Jesus. Their standing is under the authority of Christ to go and make disciples and the privilege is enjoying the abundant life promised in Christ.
Moses sets the example of the heart that is to be found in the life of a worshiper who has the ear of God, Moses’ petition was “If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you.” (Exodus 33:13) Intercessors who see the power of God working in their lives and their ministries are those who have a teachable spirit. These intercessors have the heart of the Psalmist who knew the application of being taught of God. Their song of praise is a life drawn out from the control of sin, to that which proclaims, “Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are they who keep His statutes and seek Him with all their heart. They do nothing wrong; they walk in His ways. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.” (Psalm 119:1-4)
Ed Wood told the story about a woman who had read the Bible and stated that it was the dullest book she had ever read. When she became a born again Christian and fell in love with the author, she found the Word of God to be life giving. Those who have hard cold hearts to the Lord can care less about a relationship with Jesus Christ. They find the Word of God and the things of God dull. Worshipers who fall in love with Christ and listen to His teaching find the Bible inspiring, life giving and full of information on how to live for the glory of Christ.
In his prayer of intercession for the people of God, Moses prayed, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” (Exodus 33:15-16) The church who has the ear of the Lord open to their prayers is the church that knows unless the Lord is working in and through them they might as well as shut their doors. If He is not going to lead, protect and give empowerment to their labors done for Him they might as well as not do anything. There is nothing wrong with asking the Lord to show that He is pleased with His church and to work through her in a way that shows clearly that Holy Spirit is working in and through the church of Jesus Christ.
Worshipers who are taught of God and are hungry for the Lord Jesus’ presence in their lives and ministry are told what God told Moses about his ordained task, “My Presence will go with you.” (Exodus 33:14) “…I will do everything you have asked, because I am pleased with you and know you by name.” (Exodus 33:17) The church that worships in spirit and truth has the promise of God’s Word, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Her proclamation is, “So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.’ What can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5-6) Moses, on many occasions, had stood before an army that desired to destroy the people and the work of God. As God’s people called upon Him in the heart of a true worshiper the Lord brought deliverance and victory. The church who is expressing a life of true worship will find that the Lord’s presence is with them.
Jesus’ promise in the giving of the “Great Commission” is “And surely I am with you always…” (Matthew 28:20) “Always” (pasa tas hemeras) means “all the days,” or “day in and day out” or rather “the whole of the day.” The application is that the presence of Christ is with His church through the Holy Spirit as Companion, Friend, and Guide. He is with them in private and public prayer meetings, during the giving of exhortation, while applying disciplines, in trials of persecution and affliction, and in the administration of our Christian duties. Literally the Lord Jesus’ presence will never be withdrawn for us for a single moment. (Word Meanings; The Pulpit Commentary; Vines; Word Pictures in the New Testament)
Worshipers pray through to completion what the Lord calls them to do
True worshipers enjoy the Lord Jesus’ presence and pray through to completion what the Lord calls them to do. The Bible says, “…my servant Moses; he is faithful in all my house.” (Numbers 12:7)
In Exodus chapter 3 we read of God seeing the misery of His people in Egypt. The Lord said to Moses, “…I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. …I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelite’s out of Egypt.” (Exodus 3:7,10) Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” (John 8:34) A true worshiper of Christ has the same calling as Moses. They are to take a message of freedom that Christ can bring (John 8:36) to a people in the world who are held captive to the slavery of the flesh, the world, and the lies of the devil. Worshipers will make every effort to be interceding for those in bondage of sin, petitioning God to send the Spirit of Christ to bring deliverance to family members, friends and co-workers. They will be faithful to their call no matter how powerful their adversaries are and no matter how much the people of God grumble, complain and or lose faith.
In Exodus 14 we see this faithful intercessor, Moses, praying and following through to a healthy completion what God told him to do. As they are encamped at the Red Sea God tells Moses all about what is to take place. God is going to bring glory to Himself. (Exodus 14:4) He is going to harden Pharaoh’s heart and Moses is going to have to suffer the results of an unbelieving people who see Pharaoh’s army coming after them. This is where Moses shows himself a worshiper who prays a plan through and can hear the voice of God to get clear direction. Moses authenticity is shown forth at the edge of the Red Sea. True worshipers are found authentic in the heat of battle only as they prayerfully trust in the Lord and walk in obedience to Him.
Exodus 14:10-12 says, “As Pharaoh approached, the Israelite’s looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the LORD. They said to Moses, ‘Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, `Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians’? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!” (Exodus 14:10-12) From Exodus chapter 7-11 we read of God showing the Egyptians and the people of God that He is greater than any of the gods the Egyptians worshiped. In Exodus chapter 12 we read that Israel did not get guns and blast themselves out of Egypt in battle. As a matter of fact they were summoned to leave by Pharaoh. (Exodus 12:31) The Egyptians urged them to leave (Exodus 12:33) and as they were leaving, “The Lord had made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and they gave [the Israelite’s] what they asked for, so they plundered the Egyptians.” (Exodus 12:36) Now here at the Red Sea the unfaithful are making faithful Moses’ life difficult.
How often has the church seen the Lord show Himself faithful and as soon as Satan, the great big adversary of the church raises up a force against the work of God, the people begin to grumble, begin to complain, and show lack of faith. Not only was Moses’ character being exposed at the Red Sea but that of the people of God as well. Too many churches and pastors are being exposed in the heat of battle today and being found to have Israel’s faith. True worshipers are found genuine in the heat of the battle of the Lord. They have the heart of Moses who interceded for God, giving the Word of the Lord, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. …The Lord will fight for you…” (Exodus 14:13-14)
As we continue to read we notice that a true intercessor for the Lord has ears to hear and a heart obey the Lord’s instructions. The Lord tells Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelite’s to get up and move on.” (Exodus 14:15) The rest of the story is that God fought for Israel and brought them through the Red Sea on dry ground and when it was all over “…the Israelite’s saw the great power the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, they feared the Lord and put their trust in Him and in Moses His servant.” (Exodus 14:31) True worshipers pray through to completion what the Lord has told them to do, just as Moses did. The end results are that they enjoy the power of God in their lives and ministries before the Lord. The people of God walk in a reverent fear of the Lord and see God’s hand doing a work in their families, friends and co-workers. Trust is established in the church of Jesus Christ.
Worshipers are like
Worshipers are Christians who have the ear of God because He knows they are His friend, they long to be taught of the Lord and enjoy His presence, and they pray through to a healthy completion of what they are told to do. Worshipers are like, “Moses, faithful… [servants] in… God’s house, testifying to all that Christ has and will do “in the future.” Their trust is in, “Christ [who] is faithful as a Son over God’s house. [They] are His house, [if they] hold on to [their] courage and the hope of which we boast.” (Hebrews 3:5-6) They are worshipers because of what Christ did on the Cross of Calvary. Jesus’ death on the Cross tore open the curtain in the temple, symbolizing that all who have faith in Christ may enter into the presence of God. Thus the prayer of Christians is, Holy Spirit, “Make Us Worshipers.”
by admin | Mar 18, 2016 | Foundational Truth's on Prayer
Principles to Enjoying the Grace of God
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14-16)
Today’s passage of Scripture lays the foundation for the confidence Christians may have in approaching the “Throne of Grace.” Christ being in heaven and without sin builds a full trust in the child of God. Christians who have Holy Spirit revelation and illumination on the truths found in today’s message have the blessings of assistance in overcoming sin and guidance throughout their entire Christian walk. (The Expositors Bible Commentary)
I would propose to you that true prayer is spiritual business from beginning to end, and when offered in Jesus’ Name, according to God’s will prayer is powerful and effective. (James 5:16; Barnes Notes)
What are three principles to enjoying the “Throne of Grace?” It is imperative that we understand that 1.) The Throne is of a holy God. 2.) The Throne is of a Sovereign God and 3.) Know what the Throne of Grace is.
Throne of a holy God
In approaching the Courts of God one must remember that it is the Throne of a holy God. It should be approached in reverence. There are several passages of Scripture that show the response of great men who received a divine grace from God. In the year king Uzziah died, Isaiah saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Angels were flying above Him and calling one to another, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord Almighty…” (Isaiah 6:4)
In this Biblical record of the angels calling to one another we read of the prophet Isaiah getting a vision of God and receiving the commission of proclaiming a message to the Lord’s people. Isaiah’s work was about to grow. Perhaps the Lord saw fit to renew Isaiah’s commission through a vision because, like most prophets, he had seen very little of what man calls success in his ministry. Maybe he had considered giving up so God saw fit to renew his commission through a vision.
Whatever was in the heart of the prophet Isaiah was overridden by what God wanted proclaimed about Himself, God is “Holy, holy, holy. When something is mentioned in the Word of God three times the people of God had better take note of it.
Isaiah’s response while standing before the throne was, “Woe to me!… I am ruined!” (Isaiah 6:5) Isaiah began to confess his sin and the sins of his people. (Isaiah 6:5) Standing in God’s light allowed Isaiah to see himself and the Israelites for who they really were. (Matthew Henry’s Commentary)
I have noticed Christians who spend a great deal of time in the light of God’s Word. The Holy Spirit just comes upon them and reveals to them what is in their hearts. They confess and they receive a special grace from God as well as becoming broken hearted over what they see in their communities.
They have Holy Spirit Illumination of was written by the beloved John, “But if we walk in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1: 7) The Greek word for purifies (kathoriza) means in a spiritual sense to purify from the pollution of and the guilt of sin.
That is exactly what happened to Isaiah in his vision and commission from God. After Isaiah’s confession an angel took a live coal, which came from the altar where sin had been dealt with, which is symbolic of Christ’s death. The angel touched the mouth of Isaiah and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.” (Isaiah 6:7) Isaiah understood that the throne of God, the temple, representing the place of God presence was to be entered in reverence. God’s response to Isaiah’s heart was a cleansing that comes not because of what Isaiah had accomplished, but from that which represented the work of Christ.
The angel of God touched the lips of Isaiah with a “live coal” from the altar which symbolized the place where the penalty of sin was paid by a substitute offered in the sinner’s place. Dr. Kay suggests that this fire is “the Divine love.” The greatest love ever shown to mankind was when God sent His Son and Jesus came willingly to pay the ultimate price for sinners.
John the Baptist has great news for us. In Matthew 3:11 he speaks of the future work of Christ to His church, “[Jesus] will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” To the believer, the Holy Spirit as fire ministers warmth to the spiritual heart, bringing illumination and revelation that enable the child of God to obey. He purifies and cleanses the soul. Because the carnal nature of mankind survives the baptism of water, it takes the continued work of the Holy Spirit to assure a personal life of holiness. (The Holy Spirit, L.Thomas Holdcrat)
While attending the North American Conference for Itinerant Evangelists in Louisville, Kentucky, Bonnie and I attended a very large prayer meeting. Nearly 2,500 evangelists and their spouses were seeking the Lord in true heartfelt prayer. As we were praying the Holy Spirit came powerfully upon that service. We were able to get past denominationalism, legalism, and traditionalism. One man who was sitting not far in front of me went running to the front, fell on his face and began to weep and cry out to God. This visitation of the Holy Spirit came on a day when had spent the whole day on the messenger of the gospel and his need for the holiness of God in his life.
Men from the Billy Graham organization went and put their hands upon him and prayed with him. It was very evident the Lord was doing a cleansing. Wonderful things happen when you seek the Throne of Grace and are willing to just let the Holy Spirit into the sanctuary of the heart to do the work of God.
Charles Spurgeon wrote it well: “In prayer we are to come to the Throne of Grace in reverence. Rebels with unrepented sin in their hearts and those who will not leave their pride should not come before the Throne.”
The Body of Christ is to approach the Throne of Grace with the heart of the Psalmist who wrote; “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offense way in me, and lead me in the way of everlasting.” (Psalm 139:24) Walking in this foundational truth allows Christians to enjoy the Throne of Grace and enables them to walk in reverent fear of the Lord, knowing that He is holy.
Christians need to grasp the truth revealed to the Apostle Peter as the Holy Spirit moved him to write to God’s elect. “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” (1 Peter 1:13-16)
Throne of a Sovereign God
The second principle to enjoying the Throne of Grace is to rest on the fact that it is the throne of a Sovereign God. Psalm 103:19 in the New American Standard Bible says, “The Lord has established His throne in the heavens; And His sovereignty rules over all.”
Sovereignty is a prerogative arising out of the perfection of the Supreme Being. God is Spirit (John 4:24) and therefore a person, infinite, eternal, and immutable in His being. He is perfect as Creator and the Preserver of the universe and everything in it.
The Spirit of the Living God reveals to us in Psalm 115:3, “Our God is in heaven; He does whatever pleases Him.” Let the Holy Spirit place this truth in your heart as you approach the Throne of God, “…His dominion is an eternal dominion; His kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as He pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back His hand or say to Him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4:34-35)
In other words, the child of God who enjoys the Throne of Grace understands that He does not approach God saying, “What are you doing! Why don’t you do it this way?” But rather saying, “Father, you are loving and you know best, therefore, give me the will to want your will and pray accordingly.
A Holy Spirit led prayer warrior prays as King David prayed, “Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.” (1 Chronicles 29:11) When Christians fully have a Biblical view of God’s love and sovereign control they express a life that says, “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; (Psalm 24:1)
From these passages of Scripture and many more we see what is plain. 1.) The sovereignty of God is universal. It extends over all His creatures from the highest to the lowest. 2.) God’s sovereignty is absolute. There is no limit to be placed to His authority. 3.) It is immutable. It can neither be ignored nor rejected. It binds all creatures as inexorable. This means that prayers cannot bind God to our will, but we should desire to pray His that will be done.
The Word of God as a whole teaches us that His sovereignty is exercised, 1.) In establishing the laws, physical and moral, by which all creatures are to be governed. 2.) In determining the nature and powers of the different orders of created beings, and in assigning each its appropriate sphere. 3.) In appointing each individual his position and lot. It is the Lord who boxes the bounds of our habitation. Our times are in His hands. He determines when, where, and under what circumstances each individual of our race is to be born, live, and die. Nations, no less than individuals, are thus in the hands of God, who assigns them their heritage in the earth, controls their destiny. 4.) God does what He wills with His own. He gives to some riches, to others, honor; to others, health; while others are poor, unknown, or victims of disease. To some, the light of the gospel is sent; others are left in darkness. Some are brought through faith unto salvation; others perish in unbelief. (Systematic Theology, Hodge)
There are some people frightened by the sovereignty of God and other protest. Holy Spirit illuminated Christians rejoice with the apostle Paul who wrote about our spiritual blessings in Christ, “In Him we were chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will.” (Ephesians 1: 11)
The child of God who allows the Holy Spirit to place a trust of God’s sovereignty in his heart establishes the same relationship with God in prayer that Christ had on this earth. Our best Biblical example of submission to the sovereignty of God in prayer is found in Gethsemane. In Matthew 26:36-46 we read some very key passages of Scripture that teach us a key truth to accepting God’s sovereignty and enabling us to pray, “Your will be done.”
This key truth is found in observing our greatest example in prayer, Jesus. In Matthew’s account we read of Jesus being overwhelmed with sorrow, even to the point of death. (Matthew 26:38) Our Lord struggled in those hours and Luke tells us that Jesus was in anguish… and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” (Luke 22:44) Jesus was not a man in anguish because of dreading the results of sin that He had committed, but we read here the language of innocent dread of suffering over that which was about to be laid upon Him.
Between those prayers of, “…if you are willing, take this cup from Me;” and “Yet not My will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42) our Lord came to understand that the way of the Cross was the only way to atone for the sins of the world. (Hebrews 9:22) Jesus clearly understood the sovereignty of His Father and submitted to God’s perfect will. The Bible says that Jesus’ prayers were “…heard because of His reverent submission.” (Hebrews 5:7) “Heard” (eiskakouo) means to have prayers heard favorably, to have the petitions granted or answered yes to.
Knowing that God is in full control and able to do all things according to His will, enables the child of God to run to the Throne of Grace and enjoy the sovereignty of God in His life. The Lord knows what is best for us and He will clean our hearts and prepare us for service to accomplish His will.
The Throne is a place where Christians find grace
The Throne in heaven is where a holy God reigns and His sovereignty rules over all and 3.) It is a place where Christians find grace.
Our text says, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Grace (charis) used in Hebrews 4:16 means “through the graces counsel of God.” (Spiros Zodhiates)
Dr. Jim Berg has a definition of grace that will help us apply God’s grace in our lives. He writes, “God’s grace is revealing His will to you and then enabling you to achieve it.”
How does a child of God enjoy the counsel of God? Psalm 119:105 says, “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Not only does the Word of God inform us of His will, but also serves as light on a path in darkness. The Word of God tells how to live a life of righteousness in a sin dark world system. The lamp of the spiritual heart is fed with the oil of the Holy Spirit. The Book of Ephesians tells us that the sword of the Holy Spirit is the Word of God. (Ephesians)
Let me give you some examples. The first grace God offers sinners is the revelation of their need to know Christ. Then He draws sinners to Christ. Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Jesus said, “No one comes to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him.” (John 6:44)
The Father draws sinners through the Holy Spirit by bringing revelation of God’s Word to a hard heart. (The Bible Exposition Commentary) Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, whoever hears My words and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” (John 5:24) Jesus also taught this about the Holy Spirit’s work, “When He comes, He will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment.” (John 16:8)
If you know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, it is not because of the work of man, it is God drawing and enabling you to receive the Son of God into your spiritual heart and life. Accepting Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord opens the curtains to the Holy of holies, allowing you to have fellowship with a loving father. You may go before His Throne of Grace and give heartfelt petitions for the souls of family members, friends, and co-workers. God’s Word gives this counsel, “…[He is] not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
A second blessing of walking in the counsel of God’s Word is to enjoy the promises of having all our needs met by Him. Matthew 6:33 tell us the blessings of not putting off God’s will for us. Jesus said, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) If a person is pursuing God’s will for them as directed through the written Word, he will see the Lord provide for his ordinary needs in life, such as food, clothing and shelter. (Matthew 6:31) (The Bible Exposition Commentary; The Bible Knowledge Commentary; Matthew Henry Commentary)
A third grace to enjoy from our heavenly Father is having the High Priest, Jesus Christ standing at the Throne interceding for us. The Book of Hebrews tells us that Jesus sits at the right hand of God in heaven. (Hebrews 8:1) Jesus serves as a High Priest who is able to sympathize with us in everything we face in life.
There is great significance in having Jesus as our High Priest, serving at the Throne of Grace. Hebrews 2: 17-18 says “For this reason He had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that He might become a merciful and faithful High Priest in service to God, and that He might make atonement for sins of the people.” The Book of Hebrews tell us “…that we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but we have One who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin.”
Our Lord knows our weakness (asthenia). That means He knows our incapacity or rather our limitations. This includes all weaknesses, moral and physical, which predispose a person to sin and facilitates the functions which birth forth sinful acts and meditations. This nature undermines our resistance to temptation and makes it impossible to get victory through our own strength. (Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains; Word Studies in the New Testament; Wuest’s Word Study)
The Lord knows how we feel when our flesh, the world and the lies of the devil attack us persistently and from every direction in life down here. Because all the sins of the world were laid upon Jesus, He is able to sympathize with us. “Sympathize” (subpathesai) means to have compassion upon, literally feel for and suffer within one’s own heart with the person being tormented in his weaknesses.
Every parent knows what it feels like to see a child hurting from a physical injury that keeps him from performing at his peak. Every parent struggles and hurts with their children as they struggle against the temptations of sin. I have seen the look upon parents when they watch their children come out of a cancer treatment center. Many a husband or wife has suffered with their spouse in battling a life crippling disease. Jesus felt the pain of every illness, crime committed and torment that comes with fighting sin that longs to destroy relationships.
Christians who are fully enjoying God’s grace in finances have sought His Word and found the Biblical principles to stewardship. Christians who are enjoying God’s grace through His wisdom have taken James seriously when he wrote; “If any man lacks wisdom, he should ask of God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5) There are many areas of life of which the Bible gives clear directions. Those who are enjoying the counsel of God are illuminated Christians that spend painstaking hours prayerfully studying the Bible.
Whatever bondage the flesh, the world or the devil may use to get a hold on the child of God can be defeated by going to the Throne of Grace. Jesus, through the Spirit of Christ, which is the name of the Holy Spirit in Romans 8:9, will empower His children to overcome everything that tries to destroy a healthy relationship with the Lord Jesus and hinder service unto Him.
In Closing: We are to approach the Throne with reverence and in a true humble state, for the One who sits upon it is Holy. The Bible beckons Christians to be hungry for the holiness of God. Know for a fact that God is Sovereign and He does all things as He pleases and He does all things well.
Christ, the Great High Priest, purchased Christians with His own blood and He is able to sympathize with us regarding every part our lives. God’s grace is sufficient and the Lord longs to enable obedient Christians to walk in His counsel all the days of their lives.
Pastor Kavanaugh knew the power of the Throne of Grace. Once while visiting with an unsaved doctor he was challenged to give a reason for the hope that he had. The doctor said, “I find it hard to believe that an intelligent man like you believes in the Word of God.”
Pastor Kavanaugh responded with this powerful teaching. “Suppose doctor, you had a disease that if not treated with medical intervention would cause you too surely die and someone gave you a drug that restored you back to good health. For twenty-five years you gave this same drug to others who had contacted this same disease which saved them from certain death. Those who were able to get the medicine survived and those who did not died.”
“What if someone who had this dreaded disease refused to take this medicine when offered and then died. What would you think?” The doctor said “Well he was a fool!”
The pastor replied; “The dreaded disease of sin had me bound and I was surely living for the flesh, the pleasures of this world and listened often to the lies of the devil. I was surely headed for eternal death. Twenty-five years ago God’s grace revealed to me that I was a sinner bound for the gates of hell. My life was in fact being directed by the disease of sin.”
“God’s grace revealed to me the Name of a Savior who died for my sins and offers to me forgiveness and a new fresh start with God. This grace has changed my life and purpose for living. This grace gives me counsel from the living God through what is revealed in the Bible. This grace knows my weaknesses and sympathizes with me in my struggles to overcome all that longs to destroy me. In His grace I find help in times of trouble and endurance to achieve all He calls me to do.”
For those who will approach the “Thrown of Grace” there is forgiveness, cleansing, protection in God’s sovereignty and grace that abounds for the enabling to live the abundant life promised in Christ.
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