THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2022 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE: WEEK 30

 THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2022 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE

WEEK 30: SUNDAY, JULY 24, 2022

PERSEVERANCE IN PRAYER

Main Text: Luke 18:1–8

Memory Verse: For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet. Till her vindication shines out like a dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch. – Isaiah 62:1

Introduction

Everyone prays for results. However, immediate answer to prayer does not occur every time. In such instances, the fainthearted could give up praying, especially, when the response delays with no hope in sight. To be a good intercessor, one must be persistent, relentless and patient in prayer. Perseverance is the quality that causes one to hold on, press on, and wait on God for an answer against all odds. In this study, we shall engage on how to cultivate the quality of perseverance as intercessors for the family, church and nations.

Questions for Discussion

1.      What quality did Jesus seek to recommend to His disciples in the parable? Verse 1

2.      How was perseverance manifested in the request of the widow? Verses 4 and 5

3.      Why did the judge give in to the widow’s request? Verses 4 and 5

4.      Discuss the importance of perseverance in prayer.

5.      How can we cultivate perseverance as intercessors?

Conclusion

In this parable, Jesus implied that persistent prayer yields results. This kind of prayer is produced by faith, energised by the Holy Spirit and reflects a person’s total reliance on God (Lk. 18:1–8, 11:5–8). Sometimes, we receive the first time we ask, find the first time we seek and have doors opened the first time we knock. At other times, God in His sovereign will put us on hold.

In such cases, one must, through faith, persevere in prayer. Persistent prayer builds character in the petitioner. It draws one closer to God for an encounter that changes one forever (Dan. 9:23–27, 2 Cor. 12:7–9). Persistent prayer, however, does not imply forcing our will on God. Rather, it is being energised and directed by the Holy Spirit to pray in the will of God while waiting for answers to our requests. To cultivate perseverance in prayer, one must be thorough in the knowledge of the scriptures, live a sacrificial life, be devoted to prayer and have faith that God answers prayer.

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THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2022 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE: WEEK 29

 THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – 2022 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE

WEEK 29: SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022

INTERCEDING FOR THE LOCAL CHURCH

Main Text: Colossians 4:2–12

Memory Verse: Epaphras who is one of you sends his greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you that you may stand firm in the will of God, mature and fully assured. – Colossians 4:12

Introduction

In the previous lesson, we concluded that intercession is one great opportunity God has given us to shape the character and destiny of nations. We also observed that there was no one to stand in the gap when God sought for one. Often, everyone thinks someone is interceding for the local church.

However, it could happen that no one is actually standing in the gap. To avoid such situations, we must all become intentional about interceding for the local church. In the passage read, Epaphras displayed the admirable trait of interceding continually for the churches in Colossae, Laodicea and Hierapolis. Our lesson today seeks to highlight this quality with the view to encouraging everyone to get involved in interceding for the local church.

Questions for Discussion

1.      What was Paul’s request to the believers in Colossae? Verse 2–4

2.      Who was Epaphras and what was he doing for the church in Colossae? Verse 12

3.      How do you understand the statement Epaphras ‘wrestling in prayer’? Verse 12

4.      How significant is the content of Epaphras’ prayer to church growth and discipleship?

5.      Outline some prayer points for intercession in the local church.

Conclusion

Raising intercessors for the local church is crucial for the possessing the nations agenda. Knowing the value of intercession, Paul requested for prayers from the church in Colossae (Col. 4:3–4). He commended Epaphras as one who wrestled continually for the church. To wrestle in prayer means to agonise, become distressed or labour persistently in prayer for the will of God to be done.

Though Epaphras was not physically present, he was consumed by the desire to see the believers mature and grounded in Christ. It is important to note that teaching and intercessory prayer are complementary and indispensable for the task of raising disciples (Gal. 4:19, Eph. 1:16–18).

In view of this, we must highlight the importance of intercession and invite individuals to respond to this noble cause. This should cut across all age groupings and ministries in the local church. Every individual must stand and be counted among those who wrestle in prayer for the family, local church and nations.

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THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST - 2022 BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE: WEEK 28

 THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST – BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE

WEEK 28 – SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2022

STANDING IN THE GAP FOR NATIONS

Main Text: Ezekiel 22:23–31

Memory Verse: 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. – Psalm 106:23

Introduction

Cities in the ancient world of the Bible had walls surrounding them to provide protection from their enemies. When there were broken portions of the wall, people had to sacrifice to stand in these gaps to fight and protect the nation. Failure to do this exposed the nation to unwarranted attacks from her enemies.

This background depicts what it means to intercede – stand in the gap on behalf of an individual, family, church or nation through prayer. Intercessors are always passionate about seeing the will of God come to pass in the lives of people. They are set apart, loyal, sacrificial and dedicated. In the passage read, God sought someone to stand in the gap for the nation but found none. Our discussion today will help us appreciate the significance of intercession in shaping the destinies of nations and possessing them for Christ.

Questions for Discussion

1.      What was the prevailing situation that called for an intercessor? Verse 27–29

2.      What could have prevented the impending judgement? Verse 31

3.      Identify some prevailing situations in our country and the world which call for intercession.

4.      Discuss the significance of intercession in shaping the destiny of nations.

5.      How can we commit ourselves as intercessors for the nation and the church?

Conclusion

Standing in the gap for nations is the responsibility of the church. In the passage read, Judah engaged in acts of rebellion against God. The prophets plundered the people, the priests violated the law instead of teaching it, while the poor were oppressed. Nevertheless, God was willing to pardon the nation provided there was someone to stand in the gap. As a church, we stand in the gap for nations by teaching the truth in the midst of error, projecting the values of the Kingdom through exemplary lifestyle and interceding for nations through prayer.

From Exodus 32:10-14, Moses interceded for Israel and forestalled what could have been a complete destruction of the people by God. He changed the destiny of an entire nation through intercession. Intercession moves the heart and hand of God in favour of nations. Thus, every Christian must commit to the ministry of intercession. Thankfully, there are opportunities such as ‘Roar’ on PENT TV every weekday at 10:00pm and virtual prayer night with the chairman which takes place every Tuesday 10:00–11:30pm.

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