The Transformative Power of Agreement in Faith
Summary
The concept of agreement holds a significant place within the Christian faith, as it is believed to be a potent force within the Kingdom of God and the body of Christ. The power of agreement is not just a casual notion but a foundational principle that can influence the physical and spiritual realms. This principle is deeply rooted in scripture, with various passages highlighting its importance.
The Old Testament prophet Amos poses a rhetorical question in Amos 3:3, "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" This question underscores the necessity of agreement for any form of partnership or collaboration. The passage suggests that without agreement, it is impossible to move forward together. This idea is further emphasized by the assertion that the Lord does not act without first revealing His intentions to His prophets, indicating that divine actions on Earth are often preceded by a form of spiritual agreement.
In the New Testament, Matthew 18:15-20 discusses the power of agreement in the context of resolving conflicts and offenses. When someone has been wronged, the initial step is to seek reconciliation privately. If that fails, the next step is to involve one or two others to establish the matter by the testimony of multiple witnesses. This process is not just about resolving individual disputes but also about maintaining unity within the community of believers. The passage goes on to promise that where two or three are gathered in Jesus' name, He is present among them. This highlights the spiritual significance of agreement and unity, suggesting that divine presence and power are manifested when believers come together in harmony.
The concept of binding and loosing, as mentioned in the same chapter of Matthew, is often associated with spiritual authority over demonic forces. However, it also relates to the power of agreement among believers. When individuals are bound together by a promise or the word of God, their agreement has implications both on Earth and in heaven. This reflects the belief that the spiritual realm is more real than the physical, and that spiritual agreements have tangible effects in the world.
The power of words and agreement is also evident in the way individuals speak over others, particularly children or those under their influence. Words spoken in agreement can either build up or tear down, and they can shape the reality and behavior of those they are spoken over. This underscores the responsibility to speak life and positivity, to bind and loose with intention, and to recognize the potency of spoken words.
Agreement within families and marriages is also crucial. It is believed that if the enemy can sow discord and disagreement within these fundamental relationships, it can hinder the work of God. Therefore, maintaining agreement in these areas is seen as vital to the health of the family unit and the broader community.
In a broader societal context, the power of agreement is seen as a remedy for division and conflict. The prayer for agreement among brothers and sisters, within church families, and across the nation reflects a desire for unity and collective progress. The recognition that disagreements may exist on minor issues should not prevent agreement on the larger, more important matters.
In summary, the power of agreement is a multifaceted concept that encompasses personal relationships, spiritual authority, and societal harmony. It is a principle that requires active participation, intentional speech, and a commitment to unity in order to be effective.
Key Takeaways:
- The power of agreement is foundational to walking together in any form of partnership, as highlighted by the prophet Amos. This principle is not only about physical cooperation but also about aligning in spirit, which is essential for moving forward in unity. The rhetorical questions posed by Amos serve to illustrate the impossibility of progress without agreement. [08:38]
- Matthew 18 emphasizes the importance of resolving conflicts through agreement, suggesting that the presence of Jesus is assured where two or three gather in His name. This passage teaches that agreement has the power to transform relationships and is a prerequisite for divine intervention and support in the midst of believers. [21:02]
- The concept of binding and loosing extends beyond spiritual warfare to the power of agreement among believers. When individuals are bound together by promises or the word of God, their unity is reflected in both the physical and spiritual realms, demonstrating the interconnectedness of all aspects of life. [16:10]
- The responsibility of speaking life into others is a critical aspect of agreement. The words spoken over individuals, especially children, can shape their future and identity. This highlights the need to be mindful of the power of words and to use them to affirm and encourage, rather than to harm or limit potential. [18:04]
- Agreement within families, marriages, and communities is essential for overcoming the enemy's attempts to sow discord. By prioritizing unity and agreement in these fundamental relationships, believers can thwart the enemy's plans and foster an environment where God's work can flourish. [24:42]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Power of Agreement
#### Bible Reading
1. Amos 3:3-7 - "Can two walk together, except they be agreed? ... Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."
2. Matthew 18:15-20 - "Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. ... For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Amos 3:3, what is necessary for two people to walk together? How does this relate to the concept of agreement in the sermon? [09:48]
2. In Matthew 18:15-20, what steps are outlined for resolving conflicts between believers? How does this process emphasize the importance of agreement? [13:20]
3. What does the passage in Matthew 18:18 mean when it talks about binding and loosing on Earth and in heaven? How does this relate to the power of agreement? [15:40]
4. How does the sermon describe the impact of words spoken in agreement, especially over children or those under our influence? [18:22]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the prophet Amos emphasize the necessity of agreement for walking together? How does this principle apply to our relationships within the church and family? [09:48]
2. How does the process of resolving conflicts in Matthew 18:15-20 help maintain unity within the community of believers? What does this suggest about the role of agreement in the church? [13:20]
3. What is the significance of Jesus' promise to be present where two or three are gathered in His name? How does this highlight the spiritual power of agreement? [20:07]
4. How does the concept of binding and loosing extend beyond spiritual warfare to the power of agreement among believers? What are the practical implications of this for our daily lives? [15:40]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a conflict with a fellow believer. How did you handle it, and what steps could you take in the future to seek reconciliation and maintain agreement? [13:20]
2. In what ways can you be more intentional about speaking life and positivity over others, especially children or those under your influence? How can you ensure your words build up rather than tear down? [18:22]
3. Think about your family or marriage. Are there areas where the enemy has sown discord and disagreement? What practical steps can you take to restore and maintain agreement in these relationships? [24:42]
4. How can you apply the principle of agreement in your broader community or workplace? Identify one specific action you can take this week to foster unity and collaboration. [26:59]
5. Consider the societal divisions you see around you. How can you, as a believer, contribute to healing and unity in your community or nation? What role does prayer play in this process? [26:16]
6. Reflect on the power of agreement in your spiritual life. Are there promises or prophetic words you need to bind yourself to more intentionally? How can you actively seek agreement with God's word and His plans for your life? [17:01]
7. How can you encourage others in your small group or church to walk in agreement? What specific steps can you take to promote unity and collective progress within your faith community? [25:53]
Devotional
Day 1: Unity in Partnership
Agreement is the cornerstone of any successful partnership, and this is especially true within the context of faith. When individuals come together with a shared vision and purpose, they can move mountains. The prophet Amos challenges us to consider the impossibility of walking together without agreement. This is not merely about physical alignment but a deeper spiritual concord that is essential for progress. When believers align in spirit, they reflect the unity that is found within the body of Christ, enabling them to advance together in their spiritual journey and mission.
"Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven." - Matthew 18:19 (NIV)
Reflection: How can you actively seek to foster agreement with your fellow believers to strengthen your collective mission? [07:40]
Day 2: Reconciliation Through Agreement
Conflict is an inevitable part of human relationships, but the manner in which it is resolved can either strengthen or weaken the bonds between individuals. Matthew 18 provides a blueprint for reconciliation that is rooted in agreement. When two or three gather in the name of Jesus to resolve their differences, they invite His presence and guidance. This process is not just about settling disputes but also about preserving the unity of the community. It is a testament to the transformative power of agreement and the divine support that accompanies it when believers come together with a sincere heart to mend relationships.
"If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over." - Matthew 18:15 (NIV)
Reflection: Is there a relationship in your life that needs reconciliation, and how can you initiate a conversation grounded in the spirit of agreement? [21:02]
Day 3: Spiritual Authority in Unity
The concept of binding and loosing extends beyond the realm of spiritual warfare to encompass the power of agreement among believers. When individuals unite under a common promise or the word of God, their bond has profound implications in both the earthly and heavenly realms. This unity reflects the interconnectedness of the spiritual and physical aspects of life, demonstrating that what is agreed upon in faith can have tangible effects in the world. The spiritual realm is intricately linked to our physical experiences, and through agreement, believers exercise their authority to influence both.
"Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." - Matthew 18:18 (NIV)
Reflection: In what ways can you practice the power of binding and loosing through agreement in your spiritual community? [16:10]
Day 4: The Power of Affirming Words
Words have the power to shape realities, especially when spoken in agreement. The words we speak over others, particularly children or those we influence, can build them up or tear them down. It is crucial to be intentional with our language, using it to affirm and encourage rather than to harm. By speaking life and positivity, we align our words with God's promises, creating an atmosphere where potential can be realized and destinies can be fulfilled. This responsibility underscores the potency of spoken words and the need to use them wisely.
"Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." - Proverbs 16:24 (NIV)
Reflection: What are some specific ways you can use your words to speak life into someone's situation this week? [18:04]
Day 5: Overcoming Discord with Agreement
The enemy seeks to sow discord in the most fundamental human relationships, such as those within families and marriages. However, by prioritizing agreement and unity in these areas, believers can thwart the enemy's plans and create an environment conducive to God's work. Agreement in the home extends to the broader community, fostering peace and collective progress. It is through this unity that the body of Christ can stand strong against the forces that seek to divide and conquer.
"How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!" - Psalm 133:1 (NIV)
Reflection: What steps can you take to promote agreement and unity within your family or close relationships to counteract discord? [24:42]
Quotes
1) "The enemy understands, sometimes better than we do, that if he can get division among the people of God, he's halfway won his battle right there." [14:58] (Download)
2) "Speak life, amen. What you bind on Earth will indeed be bound in heaven, and what you loose on Earth will indeed be loosed in heaven." [19:34] (Download)
3) "The Lord doesn't do anything until he alerts His prophets. Even the Lord puts his spirit in the men and women of God for them to release it with their mouth." [12:05] (Download)
4) "The power of agreement is one of the most potent things we have to operate with in the Kingdom of God, in the body of Christ." [09:18] (Download)
5) "If any two agree on Earth as touching anything, it'll be done of my Father. Do you see how important it is for you and I to walk in agreement?" [26:10] (Download)
6) "What you bind on Earth will be bound in heaven. If I'm bound to you by promise, by the word of God, then I'm also bound to you in heaven." [16:48] (Download)
7) "Your words carry potency, and you'll find that maybe someone spoke something over a son or a daughter, and maybe it was negative, and they start taking on the connotations of what's been spoken over them." [18:49] (Download)
8) "If the enemy can get you and your spouse to disagree, he's got a foothold. Agreement in your family, with the word of God, is how you overcome." [24:42] (Download)
9) "When you get that mess out of the way and you get in agreement, that's why Jesus said where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." [20:27] (Download)
10) "If you've had to forgive somebody something seven times in one day, you're probably on your way to becoming an ex-husband. But Jesus said to forgive seventy times seven." [23:02] (Download)
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