Embracing the Command of Faith for Transformation
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound concept of the "command of faith." This is a season of spiritual development and preparation for the next wave of God's glory. We are called to engage deeply with God, not just through prayer but also through speaking and acting in faith. The command of faith is about understanding God's heart through scripture and intimacy with Him in prayer. It's about knowing when to transition from praying to speaking God's promises into existence.
We examined biblical examples where faith was commanded rather than just prayed for. Moses, Joshua, Elijah, and Elisha all demonstrated acts of faith that brought about miraculous changes. Jesus Himself commanded Lazarus to come forth and the man with the withered hand to stretch it out. These acts were not just prayers but declarations of faith that aligned with God's will.
The key is to understand that prayer and speaking are not mutually exclusive but complementary. Prayer builds our faith and intimacy with God, preparing us to speak His will into our circumstances. We must discern the right timing and ensure our words are backed by faith and understanding of God's will. This is not about empty declarations but about speaking with the authority that comes from a deep relationship with God.
We are encouraged to identify the "it" in our lives—those circumstances that need God's intervention—and surround them with scripture. We must prepare ourselves mentally, spiritually, and educationally for the battles ahead. When the time is right, we will be able to command in faith and see God's power manifest in our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Season of Preparation: This is a crucial time for spiritual growth and preparation for the next wave of God's glory. Engage deeply with God now, as this season is about positioning ourselves for future blessings and challenges. Don't wait; start your spiritual development today. [01:43]
2. Command of Faith: The command of faith involves transitioning from praying to speaking God's promises into existence. This requires understanding God's heart through scripture and intimacy with Him. It's not just about praying but also about declaring God's will with authority. [08:38]
3. Biblical Examples: Moses, Joshua, Elijah, and Elisha all demonstrated acts of faith that brought about miraculous changes. These acts were not just prayers but declarations of faith that aligned with God's will. We are called to emulate their faith and actions in our own lives. [16:59]
4. Prayer and Speaking: Prayer and speaking are complementary. Prayer builds our faith and intimacy with God, preparing us to speak His will into our circumstances. We must discern the right timing and ensure our words are backed by faith and understanding of God's will. [27:25]
5. Identify Your "It": Identify the circumstances in your life that need God's intervention and surround them with scripture. Prepare yourself mentally, spiritually, and educationally for the battles ahead. When the time is right, command in faith and see God's power manifest in your life. [45:50]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:43] - Season of Preparation
[08:38] - Understanding the Command of Faith
[16:59] - Biblical Examples of Commanding Faith
[27:25] - The Balance of Prayer and Speaking
[45:50] - Identifying and Addressing Your "It"
[57:35] - Closing and Announcements
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Mark 11:22-24 (NIV)
> "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."
2. Numbers 20:8 (NIV)
> "Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink."
3. John 11:43-44 (NIV)
> When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."
### Observation Questions
1. In Mark 11:22-24, what does Jesus say is necessary for a mountain to be moved?
2. According to Numbers 20:8, what specific action did God instruct Moses to take to bring water from the rock?
3. In John 11:43-44, what command did Jesus give to Lazarus, and what was the result?
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to have faith without doubting, as described in Mark 11:22-24? How does this relate to the concept of the "command of faith" discussed in the sermon?
2. Why do you think God instructed Moses to speak to the rock rather than strike it, as he had done previously? What does this teach us about obedience and faith?
3. How does Jesus' command to Lazarus in John 11:43-44 illustrate the power of speaking God's will into existence? How can we apply this principle in our own lives?
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a situation in your life where you have been praying for a breakthrough. How can you transition from praying to speaking God's promises into that situation?
2. Identify an "it" in your life that needs God's intervention. What scriptures can you surround this situation with to build your faith and prepare to command in faith?
3. Think about a time when you felt God was asking you to act in faith rather than continue praying. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? What can you learn from that experience?
4. How can you discern the right timing to speak in faith, ensuring your words are backed by a deep understanding of God's will?
5. Consider the biblical examples of Moses, Joshua, Elijah, and Elisha. How can you emulate their acts of faith in your own life? What specific steps can you take to build your faith and intimacy with God?
6. What practical steps can you take to prepare yourself mentally, spiritually, and educationally for the battles ahead, as mentioned in the sermon?
7. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God to ensure that your declarations of faith are not empty but filled with the authority that comes from knowing His heart and will?
Devotional
Day 1: Season of Preparation
This is a crucial time for spiritual growth and preparation for the next wave of God's glory. Engage deeply with God now, as this season is about positioning ourselves for future blessings and challenges. Don't wait; start your spiritual development today. This period is not just about waiting passively but actively seeking God through prayer, scripture, and worship. It’s a time to build a strong foundation in your faith, so you are ready for whatever God has planned for you.
As you prepare, consider the areas in your life that need strengthening. Are there aspects of your faith that need more attention? Are there habits or mindsets that need to be changed? Use this time to draw closer to God and allow Him to mold you into the person He wants you to be. Remember, preparation is key to being effective in God's kingdom. [01:43]
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to deepen your relationship with God and prepare for the future He has for you?
Day 2: Command of Faith
The command of faith involves transitioning from praying to speaking God's promises into existence. This requires understanding God's heart through scripture and intimacy with Him. It's not just about praying but also about declaring God's will with authority. This means knowing when to move from asking God to do something to declaring that it will be done in His name.
To command in faith, you must be deeply rooted in God's word and have a strong relationship with Him. This is not about making empty declarations but speaking with the authority that comes from knowing God's will. When you understand God's promises and align your words with His will, you can speak life into your circumstances and see His power manifest. [08:38]
Mark 11:23 (ESV): "Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him."
Reflection: What promises of God do you need to start declaring over your life today? How can you align your words with His will?
Day 3: Biblical Examples
Moses, Joshua, Elijah, and Elisha all demonstrated acts of faith that brought about miraculous changes. These acts were not just prayers but declarations of faith that aligned with God's will. We are called to emulate their faith and actions in our own lives. These biblical figures understood the power of speaking God's promises and acted with boldness and confidence.
Their stories remind us that faith is not passive but active. It requires us to step out and trust God, even when the circumstances seem impossible. By studying their lives, we can learn how to apply the same principles of faith in our own situations. [16:59]
Hebrews 11:32-34 (ESV): "And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight."
Reflection: Which biblical example of commanding faith inspires you the most, and how can you apply their example to your current situation?
Day 4: Prayer and Speaking
Prayer and speaking are complementary. Prayer builds our faith and intimacy with God, preparing us to speak His will into our circumstances. We must discern the right timing and ensure our words are backed by faith and understanding of God's will. This balance is crucial for effective faith.
Prayer is the foundation that strengthens our relationship with God and aligns our hearts with His. Speaking, on the other hand, is the action that brings God's promises into reality. By combining both, we can see God's power at work in our lives. [27:25]
James 1:5-6 (ESV): "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind."
Reflection: How can you balance prayer and speaking in your daily life to see God's will manifest in your circumstances?
Day 5: Identify Your "It"
Identify the circumstances in your life that need God's intervention and surround them with scripture. Prepare yourself mentally, spiritually, and educationally for the battles ahead. When the time is right, command in faith and see God's power manifest in your life. This involves being proactive and intentional about seeking God's guidance and promises for specific areas of your life.
By identifying your "it," you can focus your prayers and declarations on those areas, trusting that God will intervene. Surrounding your circumstances with scripture helps to build your faith and keep you grounded in God's promises. [45:50]
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (ESV): "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."
Reflection: What is the "it" in your life that needs God's intervention? How can you surround this situation with scripture and prepare yourself to command in faith?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Everybody wants more, more God, more glory, more Holy Spirit, more anointing, but God doesn't give those things freely. There is always an exchange for those things. There's a price that has to be paid. My salvation is free, but my discipleship cost. There's sacrifice. Everybody say the word sacrifice. All right. In order for the more of God, there's always a sacrifice required." [04:45] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I'm going to believe for that, and I need to ask you, will you believe with me? I say, why not? Why not that type of an encounter with God? If you would have told me seven years ago, Pastor Marty, that we would say, why not? Why not? Why not? Why not? Why not? Why not? Why not? I'd have kind of believed in my heart, but my head would be filled with doubt. Help my unbelief." [06:36] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God. Talk to me. Faith comes by hearing and hearing the rhema word of God. Faith comes by hearing and hearing the now word of God. Faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God. I'm diving into the scriptures. I'm getting taught. I'm getting encouraged. I'm getting mentored." [30:39] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus did not give us these words to tease us, to frustrate us, because I know a lot of us get frustrated. Well, I've said it. I've declared it. I decreed it. I willed it. I wished it. I've done all right. And yet the mountain is still there. What about the time prior? The prayer, the intimacy, the word of God being built up, understanding the heart of God, praying with persistence. Until you get a note of victory. You don't declare until you have a note of victory. Until you know in your knower." [43:23] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus did not tell them to pray more. His instant response was if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry, be uprooted and planted in the sea and it will obey you. Did you hear what he just said? You can have faith like a mustard seed. And he says, you can say to this tree to be uprooted. How many things in our lives have deep roots, entrenched, ingrained, been there, but all of a sudden now you've just about had enough." [39:47] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I want to help you today and prepare you for what's to come. So you'll know how to confront opposition. But even before we get to that opposition and future, there are some individuals in this house, just like they were sharing a few moments ago, you're facing tough situations right now. Things are not getting better. Things may be getting worse. I'm here to declare what to do when you don't know what to do. Do you hear me?" [06:36] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The command of faith usually comes about as you understand the heart of God through the scriptures and also through seasons of intimacy with God in prayer. Who in this room with an uplifted hand will say that you have prayed for something for a period of time, but you seem to get nowhere, no results, no change, no movement. I've been there. We've been there, but I'm going to help you today because at this moment, everything is about to shift." [08:38] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There are times when God says, stop praying and start speaking. I feel this this morning. I'm sensing light bulbs coming on in our heads as you're reflecting on circumstances in your life. Numbers 20 verse eight, it says, take the rod, you and your brother Aaron gather and gather the congregation together. And speak to the rock before their eyes and it will yield its water. Thus you shall bring water for them out of the rock and give drink to the congregation and their animals. Touch somebody and say, it's time to speak to the rock." [12:58] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The greatest thing that I can teach my children and my grandchildren and this congregation is to understand your authority that you have in God that has been placed upon you, but also understanding the necessary warfare that must take place right here until the command of faith is given. Without the prayer, the command of faith is nothing more than just words. But when you get to a point of being persistent in prayer, understanding and asking God for wisdom, there will come such faith that arises in your heart." [18:55] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You got to get, used to speaking faith. You got to get used to using that declaration. My finances are dead. Perhaps things are dwindling. You're in covenant with God. You've been given your whole life. You're a tither. What does the word say? The word says that I'm going to open up the heavens, the windows of heaven and pour out blessings upon you. The word of God declares that I shall be the lender and not the borrower, that I'm going to be blessed in the city and I'm going to be blessed in the, in the country. I'm the head and not the tail." [32:17] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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