Pt#1The Call of the Watchers and Gatekeepers

 

 

Pt#1 The Call of the Watchers and Gatekeepers

 Introduction

- Begin with the message from the Lord: “I haven’t called you a prophet of your nation. I have called you a prophet of the nations.” 

- Emphasize the urgency of releasing God's counsel to the nations without apology.

- State the focus of the sermon: understanding the roles of Watchers and Gatekeepers within the church.

 I. The Role of Watchers

 A. Definition and Purpose

- Watchers are spiritual sentinels who are called to observe and intercede.

- They stand guard over the spiritual landscape, discerning the times and seasons.

 B. Scriptural Basis

Ezekiel 3:17 (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."

  - This verse emphasizes the responsibility placed on Watchers to communicate God’s warnings.

 C. Relationship in Intercession

- Distinguish between praying warriors and intercessors. 

- Every intercessor is a praying warrior, but not every praying warrior is an intercessor. 

  - Intercession requires intimacy and relationship with God and those being prayed for.

 II. The Nature of Gatekeepers

 A. Definition and Purpose

- Gatekeepers are appointed to guard the spiritual gates of the church, ensuring that only what is holy and ordained by God enters.

- They play a crucial role in maintaining spiritual integrity.

 B. Scriptural Basis

Psalm 84:10 (NKJV): "For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness."

  - This highlights the honor and importance of being a gatekeeper in God’s house.

 III. The Importance of Intimacy in Intercession

 A. The Example of Mary and Martha

- Discuss the story of Mary and Martha in John 11, focusing on their relationship with Jesus.

John 11:21-22 (NKJV): "Now Martha said to Jesus, 'Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.'"

  - Martha’s faith is evident, yet they both express their grief.

 B. The Nature of Mourning and Intercession

- Explore how mourning was expressed in biblical times and how it parallels today's culture of hiring intercessors.

- Emphasize that true intercession goes beyond hiring someone to pray; it involves personal relationship and deep empathy.

 IV. The Challenge of Effective Prayer

 A. Understanding True Prayer

- Address misconceptions about prayer being loud or charismatic.

Psalm 46:10 (NKJV): "Be still, and know that I am God."

  - Silence and contemplation can be powerful aspects of effective prayer.

 B. The Fruitfulness of Prayer

- Use the analogy of the fig tree (Mark 11:12-14) to illustrate the importance of bearing fruit in our spiritual lives.

Mark 11:13 (NKJV): "And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs."

  - The tree appeared busy but was unfruitful, warning against the busy yet ineffective practices in church.

 V. The Groaning of the Spirit

 A. The Depth of Intercession

- Discuss the deeper levels of intercession illustrated by Jesus' groaning in John 11:35-38.

John 11:35-38 (NKJV): "Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, 'See how He loved him!' And some of them said, 'Could not this Man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying?' Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb."  

 B. The Call to Action

- As intercessors, we must understand the weight of our role and the necessity of genuine relationship with God.

- Encourage the congregation to seek intimacy with God to be effective in their intercession.

 Conclusion

- Reinforce the call to be Watchers and Gatekeepers in today’s world.

- Invite the congregation to commit to a deeper relationship with God and to actively engage in intercession for their communities and nations.