Pt#3 The Call to Watch and Intercede
Introduction
- Introduce the significance of the roles of watchers and intercessors in the church.
- Emphasize the necessity of divine guidance in effective prayer and intercession.
I. The Importance of Divine Oversight
A. The Role of God as the Ultimate Watcher
- Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
- Psalm 127:1 (NKJV): "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain."
- Highlight that without God’s oversight and guidance, human efforts are futile.
B. The Danger of Vain Watchfulness
- Discuss the phenomenon of prayer gatherings that lack substance and power.
- Warning against the form of godliness without the true power of God.
II. The Call to Be a Watchman
A. God’s Calling of Watchmen
- Emphasize that true watchmen are called by God.
- Ezekiel 3:17-19 (NKJV): "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me."
- Watchmen must hear God’s word and communicate it faithfully.
B. The Role of the Intercessor
- Clarify the distinction between intercessors and mere praying warriors; intercessors require a deeper relationship with God and others.
- The pride often found among those who proclaim to be intercessors.
III. The Nature of Warning
A. The Duty to Warn the Wicked
- The responsibility of watchmen to warn others about sin and its consequences.
- Ezekiel 3:18 (NKJV): "When I say to the wicked, 'You shall surely die,' and you give him no warning..."
- The importance of being a light in darkness rather than merely confronting sin.
B. The Light of the Watchman
- Every watchman is a light bearer, called to illuminate dark places.
- Matthew 5:14 (NKJV): "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden."
- Encourage the audience to show their light through righteous living.
IV. The Burden of Intercession
A. The Reality of Suffering
- Address the misconception that Christianity is free from suffering.
- True intercession often involves identifying with the struggles and pain of others.
- Philippians 1:29 (NKJV): "For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake."
- Challenge the belief that faith is always about comfort and prosperity.
B. The Call to Persevere
- The importance of enduring hardship for the sake of the Gospel.
- Romans 8:17 (NKJV): "And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together."
- Encourage a commitment to true discipleship, which includes suffering.
V. The Responsibility of the Watchman
A. The Burden of Truth
- The call to preach the whole counsel of God, including hard truths.
- Warning against the sensational gospel that neglects the need for repentance and truth.
- 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NKJV): "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth."
B. The Call to Return
- The necessity for the church to return to its first love and focus on the kingdom of God.
- Encourage a movement toward genuine repentance and relationship with God.
Conclusion
- Recap the vital roles of watchers and intercessors in the church.
- Challenge the congregation to embrace their responsibilities as watchmen, to seek God's guidance, and to be faithful in warning and interceding for their communities.
- Encourage commitment to a faith that is rooted in truth, humility, and genuine relationship with God.