SOUL-WINNING:
Concern and Intercession
Lesson Test: Rom_9:1-3; 10:1-3
Devotional Reading: A sin Not to Intercede, 1Sa_12:22-25.
Aim: To stress the importance and potential of Christian concern and intercession.
Home Readings
Monday: Going Forth with Weeping, Psa_126:5-6.
Tuesday: Intercession for Transgression, Isa_53:12; Luk_23:34.
Wednesday: Abraham’s Intercession, Gen_18:23-33.
Thursday: Intercession for Murderers, Act_7:52-60.
Friday: Concern for Lost Multitudes, Mat_9:35-38
Saturday: Paul’s Travail and Tears, 1Th_2:7-13; Act_20:31.
Sunday: Paul’s concern and intercession, Rom_9:1-5; 10:1.
1. Praying for the Lost.
Some reason, “If God wants to save the lost, why bother to pray for the lost?” Consequently, they conclude there is no purpose served in praying for the lost to be saved.
Such reasoning is ridiculous when it is applied to the overall prayer life of God’s people. God’s Word states, “Ye have not , because ye ask not” (Jas_4:2). The Lord said, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (Mat_7:7-8). These two passages indicate there are many things God will not do for the believer aside from prayer.
To say one should not pray about a matter which God already desires to do suggests one should only pray for those things God does not want to do. That contradicts every principle of godly praying. First of all, true prayer always accepts the will of God. That is how Christ taught His disciples to pray. “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Mat_6:10). On who knowingly prays contrary to God’s will finds himself opposing God and out of His fellowship.
The only question regarding prayer for the lost is whether it is God’s will to save the lost. There is no doubt whatsoever the salvation of the lost is God’s will. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2Pe_3:9). In fact the Word exhorts believers to pray for the lost.
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
“For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1Ti_2:1-4).
2. Concerned for the Lost.
How can the saved be unconcerned in view of the reality of Hell? “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Rev_20:15). Many claim to believe the Bible doctrine of Hell, but their lack of concern for the lost preaches a different message.
How can the saved be unconcerned in view of the reality of Heaven and the new earth? Read 1Co_2:9-10. Many claim to believe the Bible doctrine of Heaven, but they act as though they do not want anyone to go there. Believers need to read Revelation chapter 21 and 22 again to see if they really believe in this doctrine and to see if they have a genuine concern for the lost.
How can the saved be unconcerned in view of salvation and its benefits? One who reads Psalm 23 knows the tremendous promises God gives to the saved. Many claim to believe all that; yet they show little or no concern for telling others of the riches of God’s grace.
How can the saved be unconcerned in view of all Christ has done? “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:” (1Pe_3:18). Many claim to believe in Christ’s redemptive work, but actions speak louder than words. One who really knows Christ personally should have a sincere concern for the lost.
3. Standing in the Gap.
“And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.” (Eze_22:30). God’s indictment against Judah was there was no one to intercede to avoid God’s wrath. The principle of that passage is found several times in the Scriptures.
In the Old Testament the principle is evident in the intercessory work of Abraham for Sodom (Gen_18:23-33). God agreed not to destroy Sodom if ten righteous people were in the city. Also, Moses declared the principle of interceding for the wicked. On the basis of his plea God delivered Israel from His wrath (Exo_32:11-14). In the latter part of that chapter God rejected Moses’ compassionate plea for Israel (Exo_32:30-35). The dedicatory prayer of Solomon contains the principle of interceding for sinners (1Ki_8:39-43-50). Further, Daniel’s prayer for the city of Jerusalem indicates the principle of one standing in the gap for lost sinners.
In the New Testament the principle is even more apparent. Christ taught it in the sermon on the mount. “Pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” would definitely embrace some lost people (Mat_5:44). The command of the Lord concerning workers involves lost people being saved to be come workers (Matthew 9:36-38). The greatest illustration of the principle is Christ’s prayer at His crucifixion (Luk_23:34). Similar to that was the prayer of Stephen at his martyrdom (Act_7:60). No doubt the conversion of Saul of Tarsus had something to do with Stephen’s intercessory prayer. And, Paul definitely declared the principle of interceding for the lost (Rom_10:1).
Yes, God is looking for believers who will ‘make up the hedge, and stand in the gap.” Read 1Pe_3:12 and Jas_5:16.
4. Failing to Pray.
Prayer is a great tool in evangelism. It tests one’s sincerity. It tests one’s dedication. Prayer in behalf of others opens the door of opportunity to witness to the saving grace of God. Prayer often brings results when all else fails. It is God’s way if involving His people in the work of Personal evangelism. There is no substitute for a prayerful interest in the souls of men.However, those who fail to pray for the lost are in error. “Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:” (1Sa_12:23). To be disobedient to God in any way is a sin, and certainly it is a sin to fail to pray. “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” (Luk_18:1). Failing to pray for the lost is similar to the sin of murder stealing, and lying. A lack of prayerful interest in a lost person means he is doomed to die without Christ. A lack of prayerful interest means he is robbed of the privilege of salvation. A lack of prayerful interest means the believer does not really care about the lost. A lack of prayerful interest could mean Christ does not live in that professed believer’s heart.
The enormity of this sin cannot be overlooked. Failure to pray robs God of glory. He deserves. It robs Him of opportunities to reveal His power to mankind. It robs Him of opportunities to express His love to lost mankind. Some long for revival. They talk about revival. They work for revival. They even pray some for revival. But much prayer is involved in genuine revival in God’s churches.
