Royal Priesthood #7
1. Introduction:
1 Peter 2:9 “ But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people that should show forth the praises of him who has called you - - - “.
· Priest = a person who enters the presence of God on behalf of others.
· Royal = Kingly by nature or birth – destined to rule, exert dominion.
· Purpose of Prayer:
(1) Intimacy – Worship, Listening to God.
(2) Dominion – Commission and Governmental Prayer.
· Isaiah 6:8 “Who will go for us?” - (Whom shall I send?)
· Intimacy with god results in Commission to rule – to assert the dominion of Christ.
· Dominion or ruling in the Kingdom of God means serving. Matthew 20:26-28
· Every believer is called and commissioned to serve God and advance his Kingdom.
· We are Ambassadors:
2 Corinthians 5:20 “Now then we are Ambassadors for Christ’
Ambassador: - lives in one country while representing another.
Philippians 3:20 Our Citizens!
- live according to the principles and values of the
Kingdom of God.
- enjoys the recourses and the backing of the Kingdom of God.
- carries authority to speak and to advance the Kingdom of
God.
· Believers need to have an ambassador mentality “sent and represent and advance”.
2. Governmental Prayer:
Definition: Prayer that alters the natural visible world by releasing the supernatural power and order and benefits of the kingdom of God.
· Our God is a Supernatural God – it is written into our spiritual DNA to hunger for and express the supernatural power of God – to see the impossible become the possible.
· Example of Jesus’ Prayer: (Matthew 6:9-13)
· The Disciples of Jesus requested that he teaches them how to pray – power released.
· This prayer is not something to recite – but a pattern for prayer.
· There are 2 key elements in Jesus prayer:
(1) Intimacy with God
(2) Dominion – bringing the Kingdom of God to earth and establish his dominion over the needs of people.
· The outline of Jesus’ prayer is:
(a) Praise and Worship:
- Enthroning God through praise adoration.
- Coming into his presence to commune with him.
(b) Governmental Prayer:
- Praying to release the will of God into the earth
- The will of God means His dominion – His Kingdom.
Kingdom – Kings dominion, Rule of Christ over sickness, poverty and oppression.
- Where the Spirit of the Lord is, the result is liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:17
(a) Material needs - “give us this day - -“
(b) Personal Relationships - “forgive us - - as we forgive”
(c) Power over the devil/sin - “lead us not into temptation but deliver us - -“
Þ The intended goal of this prayer is that the Lordship of Jesus prevails in every area of life.
(c) Praise and Worship:
- Giving God the Honour and Glory for his work.
- Example: Luke 4:33 Command – Kingdom released.
3. Characteristics of Governmental Prayer:
Mark 11:22-26 “Who soever shall say to this mountain – be removed”
· Fig Tree: * Full of leaves so held the promise and appearance of being fruit bearing.
* Not the season for figs so Þ unnatural development of the tree deceptive.
· Governmental Prayer = prayer that alters the natural visible world by releasing the supernatural power, order and benefits of the Kingdom of God.
· (v14) Jesus spoke to the tree – within one day the tree become withered.
Þ supernatural power of God released by faith into the earth through commands.
Þ Jesus uses it to illustrate the realm of faith.
· Luke 13:12 Woman – be loosed from your infirmity –word of command.
Luke 4:35 Demon – be quiet, come out of him - word of command.
Luke 7:14 Young man – I say to you arise - word of command.
· Mark 11:22 Have the faith of God.
i) Originates with God: (Mark 11:22)
· John 5:19 Of himself the Son can do nothing = nothing supernatural, limited but what he sees the Father do.
· Key ingredient of Jesus’ ministry was intimacy – hearing the Father.
· Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:7) Þ relationship that is current.
· Faith is based on what God is saying, not what he said before.
E.g. Abraham and Isaac. Genesis 22:12
E.g. Paul and missions. Acts 16:6-7
ii) It’s purpose is to release supernatural power:
· (v23) “Speak to the mountain – be removed”.
· Mountain Þ spiritual Kingdom resistant, opposing clear will of God.
· The purpose of the command is to change what is seen/visible.
· It is an expression of faith.
- E.g. Matthew 12:28 I cast out by the Spirit of God.
· The Holy Spirit works – A person commands the natural circumstances and spiritual force behind it.
iii) Full of Faith:
- no risk.
· Hindrances:
a) Unbelief: - honours the natural realm superior to invisible Spiritual realm.
b) Materialism: - believes the material world rules over the Spirit world.
c) Carnality: - honours the carnal mind over the Spiritual world.
d) Fear: - honours negativity above confidence in God and His Word.
· Faith is focused on the invisible eternal realm of God – it is the channel by which the Spiritual enters the natural.
iv) Assertive Commands:
· “Be removed” – because of confidence in God’s Word and power there is an authority and assertiveness – requiring the natural circumstances to yield.
· Faith is always strong and assertive and won’t let go.
· Matthew 11:12 “Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence”
– 973 – to apply force, effort.
v) Flows from pure heart:
· (v25) “and when you stand praying – forgive”
* Purity in your own heart.
- free from bitterness, anger, jealousy, fear, retaliation, etc.
* Purity in you relationship.
- free from conflict.
- standing before God depends on your standing before others.
Prayer can change the natural by being a channel of the supernatural power of God.