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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