The Priestly Office of Christ - His Intercession

by Brian Thornton @ http://voiceofthesheep.wordpress.com

These are my notes from the sermon that was preached at my church this past Sunday by Glen Dire on the subject of Christ’s intercession for the elect.

Luke 22:31-32

Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you,that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.

Hebrews 7:25

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

How does Jesus make intercession for us? Why? Do we understand how important this intercession is? What would happen if He stopped?

Consider Christ’s work:

1. Atonement is DONE…”It is finished!”
2. Intercession is ongoing. It continues up to today and beyond.

Regarding trials, the statement is true that we are either coming out of one, in the middle of one, or about to go through one. And there are various types of trials: health, money, family, jobs, etc.

There are two unbiblical views of satan: 1. he is all-powerful, and 2. he is a non-issue

Luke gives us a picture of the intercession of Christ through the exchange we read about between Him and Peter in Luke 22.

6 Aspects of Christ’s Intercession from Luke 22:31-32:

• It is IMPERCEPTABLE
  • “but I have prayed for you”
  • Jesus had already prayed for Peter after satan had gone before the throne to request power over Peter.

• It is PREEMPTIVE
  • “I have prayed for you”

• It is PERSONAL
  • “I have prayed for you“
  • John 17:9, 20 “but for those also who will believe…” - us!
    • Christ was already praying for us, before the cross!

• It is PARTICULAR
  • Jesus didn’t pray that Peter wouldn’t go through the trial, nor did He pray in some vague generalities.
  • Jesus’ intercession is specific.
    • How do we pray for one another? General cliches, or particularly?
    • How are you praying for your: children, spouse, parents, elders?

• It is POWERFUL
  • “and when you have turned again…”
  • Because of Peter’s power? No! Because of Christ’s power
    • John 10:27-30, Rom. 8: 30-35, Jude 1:24-25, Gen. 50:20, 1 Cor. 10:13

• It is PURPOSEFUL
  • “once you have turned, strengthen your brothers“
  • Our goal should be to strengthen our brothers and sisters

Q - Why would satan like to crush your faith?

• If he can crush your faith (whether you are the strongest or weakest in faith), then he can get to anyone. ALL the Father gives, Jesus will lose NOT one! All will be kept to the end!
• Your faith can be weakened…it can be touched (Elijah)…but it can NEVER be destroyed…
• Because Christ has prayed for you!