conceptual-study-method

BLOCKAGE MOVING PRAYER

Sermon Notes by Bernard Plume

John 11:38-44 ESV ANG/UK

38 Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and  a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odour, for he has been dead four days.” 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” 44 The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”

The power of Moving blockages

John 11: 1-44 “Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead “

Key Thought: All of us have prayer requests we would like to see resolved

Time Frame of events and background

Jesus was in Bethabara a 20 Mile Journey from Bethany effectively a Day’s journey done at fast walking speed. Bethany was 2 Miles from Jerusalem.

Day 1: Messenger comes to Jesus: Lazarus dies on day one

Day 2: The Messenger returns to Bethany to a grief filled home

Day 3: Jesus waits another day then departs

Day 4: Jesus arrives in Bethany and performs a miracle witnessed by many.

What is the nature of prayer that moves blockages

Let’s see what blockage moving prayer is not and what it is.

If we know what it is NOT- we will avoid it

If we know what it IS - We will live in the good of that

1: a It is not extremes of fervour or increasing volume

Exmp: In 2019 Mega church – Death of worship leaders 2-year-old daughter. 4 plus days of Decreeing, Declaring, Commanding Resurrection Life, many sincere believers worldwide (Nothing) The Funeral followed some still believed

God’s grace brings the parents healing and release over time

1 Kings 18: 26-29 Prophets of Baal. Extreme measures -Shouting, Dancing, Cutting: Nothing, nil response

Key: Fervent not Foolish displays

James 5:16 Sinful believer calls for elders, Confesses Sin (source of his illness) Anointed, Prayed, Healed

Effectual/Fervent = 1 Greek word ἐνεργουμένη which means Energy or Energised so enthusiastic prayer yes but not extremes

1 b: It is with calm conviction

V 41- 43 Jesus prays quietly to his father for the sake of the listeners only- He indicates that

A; He has privately prayed previously and

B: That he lives a life of ongoing prayer dialogue with his Father. He could simply have commanded Lazarus without praying.

V 44 His LOUD voice is raised in a Command to Death and Lazarus not a prayer to his Father.

Conclusion: We do not have to convince God he should answer (Works) but rest in calm confidence in his sovereign will.

2: a Its not a formula or NEW revelation

1 Chronc 4:9-10 Prayer of Jabez a popular book( 10 Miln sold ) Author said follow the formula pray it daily, claim it and God WILL enlarge your borders. God WILL answer this prayer

Context: This is a short prayer set against a specific historical event where one man says to God, I am a blank canvas write on me your divine will.

It’s a prayer that says God your will be done not my wishes

It is not a prayer to activate God or unlock blessings.

Yes, it contains true principles that God wants to enlarge our walk with him- but- it’s not a formula for blessing.

Mthw 6:9-13 Disciple/Lord’s prayer is not a fixed formula it’s more a flexible template that covers most of life’s scenarios and elevates Gods character and Attributes, it’s not pray THIS its more pray LIKE this

Jesus is recorded as praying 25 times in the 4 Gospels but his words are only recorded on 4/5 occasions to save us from adopting patterns and putting our faith in them instead of him

2 b It is based in thanksgiving, faith and relationship

V 41-42: Jesus is about to perform the ultimate miracle overcoming death in front of a grieving family, Judgemental religious leaders, his Disciples and a large crowd of witness some critics some complimentary (Massive pressure)

HE calmly: Thanks, his Father, (Thanksgiving) expresses his confidence in Father (Faith) hearing his prayer and, Calls him Father (Relationship)

Conclusion: Don’t be trapped in formulas, do walk in Relationship daily with Father

3: a Its NOT picking a word salad of out of context verses

The danger of Eisegeses not Exegesis (Reading yourself into the text)

When you see a command OBEY it, when you see a promise that’s truly written to believers CLAIM it, when you see a Godly lifestyle EMULATE it.

But don’t think you can pick and mix any random parts of the bible to get prayer answered.

3: b It is staying true to the context

Consider the life and teaching of Jesus he consistently did this referring often to how prophecy applied to him, applying the true teachings of scripture and not the traditions of men.

His prayer here is brief and simple but filled with authority.

Conclusion: When we understand the context we can pray with authority

4 : a Its Not coercion or trying to bend Gods arm

Gens 18:16-33 Abraham intercedes for Sodom Gomorrah

He has a relationship that is intimate, God has already told him how he: Abraham would be a source of blessing NOW He actions that in a prayer for others NOT trying to persuade God by his multiple prayers he is PLEADING with God based on Gods mercy. It’s not how MANY times but HOW you pray.

Some say he should have prayed one more time, got the number down to 1 righteous man. NO, this way God in his mercy saved the 1 Lot & Family but, in his Holiness, judged those who truly deserved it (Sodom’s Inhabitants)

Gods’ response was perfectly balanced between his MERCIFUL intervention and his RIGHTEOUS Judgement

4 b : It is trusting the nature of God to do right

Father had already told Jesus what he was going to do through him, on day 1, hence no rush, Jesus explained to Martha twice v 23 & 40 that her brother would rise again in THIS life.

Jesus knew the stink of Death would soon be a sweet perfume of Life.

Standing right there was THE Resurrection and the Life

Conclusion: The Nature of God is our mandate; His Mercy is our permission to pray and plead.

Let’s close with a precious scripture and then I will summarise the sermon in one sentence

Hebrews 4:16

16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Sermon in a sentence

“No blockage can resist those who pray in line with God's word and his nature”.

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