The Power of The INTERCESSOR

The Power of The INTERCESSOR

Introduction

In , we see Abraham interceding for Sodom which was due for destruction because of her sins. Because of Abraham’s intercession, God was willing to spare Sodom if Abraham could find 10 righteous people there.

Intercessor Defined:

The act of intervening or mediating between differing parties; particularly the act of praying to God on behalf of another person.

I. Intercessors Often Receive A Preview Of God’s Intentions.

, And God said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing?”

A. Before destroying Sodom, God let Abraham know about it first. God often informs the people seeking Him about what He intends to do.

• , The secrets of the Lord are with those who fear Him.

• , Surely the Lord does nothing unless He reveals the secrets to His servants the prophets.

B. God will often reveal His plans or judgements to those seeking Him.

II. Intercessors Assume Position In The Gap Before God

, …but Abraham still stood before God.

God is looking for people to stand before Him and intercede for the sins of the nation. In , we see God specifically looking for intercessors.

, sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land that I should not destroy it. But I found none.

A. God was searching for an intercessor to stand before Him but found none. So God’s judgement was poured out because there was no intercessor.

B. An intercessor has the ability to delay or stop the judgement of God when he stands in the gap.

III. Intercessors Persistently Stand In The Gap Even After Judgement Is Passed

, Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the Lord.

A. The angels were already heading towards Sodom to destroy it. But Abraham still stood before the Lord.

B. He had hope that God’s mercy would spare the people. He persevered.

C. Even though the guilty, shameful and negative verdict is in. GOD can turn it around. He allows appeals.

IV. Intercessors Put God’s Character In Perspective

A. Abraham knew God’s character. God would not destroy the righteous with the wicked.

• , Would you also destroy the righteous with the wicked?

• , Shall not the judge of all the earth do right.

B. Abraham knew that God was righteous and would do right. NLT

V. Intercessors Understand God’s Grace And Patience

A. Abraham negotiates for God’s mercy to spare the city.

B. Abraham knew that God was a merciful and gracious God and dared to ask such a question.