Empowerment Through Praise and Proclamation

Aug 6, 2024

Lecture Notes on the Power of Praise and Proclamation

Key Points

Introduction

  • Focus on the sixth point: Applying the power of jubilant praise and bold proclamation.

Scripture Reference

  • Jeremiah 31:7:
    "Sing with gladness for Jacob and shout among the chief of the nations, proclaim, give praise and say, O Lord, save Your people, the remnant of Israel."
  • Important elements mentioned: Praise, Proclaim, Pray.

The Importance of Prayer

  • Definition: Prayer is asking God to save His people, aligning with His revealed purpose.
  • God's Commitment: He will not act until He is inquired for action (Ezekiel 36:37).
  • Purpose of Prayer: To discover and align with God's purposes found in Scripture.
    • Example: Virgin Mary's response to the angel: "Be it unto me according to thine."
  • Persistence in Prayer:
    • Importance of persistence; examples of long-term prayers (e.g., 10 years).
    • Tests faith versus unbelief.
    • Jesus emphasizes the need for persistence in prayer (Luke 18:1).

The Power of Praise

  • Psalm 102:18: Prophecy of the restoration of Zion, emphasizing creation of a people committed to praise.
  • Charismatic Movement: Seen as the beginning of a new level of praise.
  • Psalm 8: David talks about ordained strength and perfected praise, which silences the enemy (Matthew 21:16).
  • Purpose of Praise: To silence Satan's accusations.
  • Importance of genuine and pure-hearted praise:
    • Changes the atmosphere and opens hearts.
  • Revelation: Praise can impose silence on the enemy.

The Power of Proclamation

  • Definition: Proclaiming is akin to being a herald, sharing the truth of God's Word.
  • Contrast with False Proclamation: The strength of Islam's proclamation has created darkness; believers must counter with true proclamation.
  • Example of Proclamation:
    • Deuteronomy 33:25: Proclaiming strength and God’s promises.
    • 2 Corinthians 9:8: Proclaiming God's grace and sufficiency.
    • Regular proclamation builds faith and dispels fear of lack.

Requirements for Victory in Spiritual Conflict

  • Revelation 12:11: Believers overcame Satan directly through:
    1. The Blood of the Lamb
    2. The Word of Their Testimony
    3. Commitment: Not loving their lives to the death.
  • Nature of Overcomers:
    • They prioritize God's will over their lives; uncommitted Christians pose no threat to Satan.
  • Conclusion: True commitment and active proclamation lead to overcoming Satan and fulfilling God's purposes.