SOL 2 Seminar
Lesson 3: INTERCESSION PART 2
TEACHING OBJECTIVE
The student will understand that God entrusted fasting to His people not only for their health but also as
a powerful spiritual weapon.
STUDENT OBJECTIVE
• The student will explain the relationship between fasting and prayer.
• The student will explain the relationship between the Word of God and Prayer.
BIBLICAL REFERENCE
Joel 1:14
CORRESPONDING BIBLICAL FOUNDATION
Psalm 35:13 1 Peter 5:6 Matthew 18:4
Ezra 8:21-23 Esther 4:15-17 Esther 5:3
Ephesians 3:20 Acts 1:8 Galatians 5:16-17
Romans 8:7 Joel 2:12-17 Psalm 33:6
Hebrews 4:12 Isaiah 55:11 Colossians 3:16
Hosea 4:6 John 5:39 1 Corinthians 9:22-24
Psalm 119 2 Chronicles 20:2-4
KEY VERSE
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to
dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews
4:12)
I. FASTING
A. GOD ESTABLISHED FASTING AS A PRACTICE FOR HIS PEOPLE WHO ABSTAINED THEMSELVES FROM
FOOD IN ORDER TO OBTAIN SPIRITUAL BENEFITS.
• It afflicts the soul and reminds you of your need for God. (Psalm 35:13)
• It is an act of humility that affirms your position under the hand of God. (1 Peter 5:8)
• Through humility, you acquire the innocence of a child. (Matthew 18:4)
B. TO SEEK GOD’S FAVOR (Ezra 8:21-23)
Ezra asked for direction for the people, his children, and his goods.
C. TO SEEK HELP (2 Chronicles 20:2-4)
When three nations joined to battle against Judah, Jehoshaphat proclaimed fasting for all of Judah. In
response to this cry came a prophecy: “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions;
stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you” (2 Chronicles 20:17). Confusion then swept
over these three nations, and they destroyed themselves (2 Chronicles 20:22-24).
D. TO AVOID DESTRUCTION (Esther 4:15-17, Esther 5:3)
In response to Haman’s decree of destruction against the Jews,
Esther and her people proclaimed three days of fasting. After
they fasted and prayed to the Lord, she went to the king and
found grace before him. In fact, he promised to give her
everything that she requested. Because of this fast, mourning
was replaced with joy, and destruction was turned into salvation.
E. TO STRENGTHEN THE SPIRIT OF GOD WITHIN YOU (Acts 1:8)
Jesus said that you would receive power and Paul added,
“according to the power that works in us” (Ephesians 3:20), due
to our carnal nature that dulls and inhibits our spiritual senses we can and should overcome challenges
through fasting.
“Walk according to the Spirit and do not satisfy the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16-17)
“The intentions of the flesh are enmity towards God.” (Romans 8:7)
“He that fights abstains from all things.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
F. TO BRING REVIVAL (Joel 2:12-32)
For revival to come, people must first genuinely repent (Joel 2:12-17). Only then will the blessing come
upon the whole nation (Joel 2:18-19) and result in revival (Joel 2:28-32).
II. STUDYING THE SCRIPTURES
In intercession, fasting and studying the Word of God come together in the most powerful weapon against
the enemy. Jesus overcame the adversary by confessing the Word. For this reason, we should saturate
our minds and hearts with the knowledge of the scriptures.
III. THE POWER OF THE SCRIPTURES
“By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of His mouth all their host” (Psalm
33:6). The word breath originally means the Spirit of God. Both (Word and Spirit) created the universe.
Hebrews 4:12 the Word
• Is Alive - It is active and not monotonous. It has the capacity to give life (John 6:63).
• Is Effective - (Greek-Energues) which means it is operating or dynamic full of divine power and fulfills
the purpose for which God sent it (Isaiah 55:11).
• Is Sharp - More than a double-edged sword (Greek-Makhaira), like the scalpel of a surgeon, a surgical
knife (Hebrews 4:12).
• Preserves from destruction (Hoses 4:6).
• Gives testimony of Jesus (John 5:3).
Ways of using the Bible for more effective intercession.
1. Begin regular prayer times by reading the Word of God.
2. Ask God to give you a “rhema” word and apply it to your life.
3. Claim the promises in the Word for your life.
4. Saturate your mind with the Word to increase your faith.
5. Memorize key verses.
6. Worship God by confessing the Word.
7. Understand that the Word:
• It cleanses your way (Psalm 119:9).
• It gives understanding (Psalm 119:34).
• It helps us select our friends (Psalm 1 9:63).
• It gives intelligence (Psalm 119:104).
• It produces rejoicing (Psalm 119:116).
• It brings us life (Psalm 119:154).
• It causes us to praise (Psalm 119:171).
• It causes us to preach (Psalm 119:172).
CONCLUSION
Fasting, the Word of God, and intercession combined become powerful and effective weapons.
APPLICATION
Propose a fast for a specific need this week. Find the verses that will help you claim the promise for that
need and record the response received from God.
