Prayer 101 Continued
Binding & Loosing
Gtcotr/ws082003
Key Scripture: Luke 11:1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
I. Tonight: Some Common Prayers Of The Spirit-Filled Christian
A. The Prayer Of Binding & Loosing
Note: We use an exhortation by Jesus in Matthew as a basis for actively engaging in prayer against things. Although the principle and practice of praying in this manner is not strictly supported by the scripture most often quoted, to pray in efforts to promote some things while prohibiting others is a valid prayer attempt.
1. Matthew 16
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Note: Bind means prohibit
Loose means permit
Whatsoever - not - Whosoever
To lay down the law of acceptable and unacceptable practices
Directly speaks to ordinances, rites, traditions, ceremonies and activities within the church.
The things permitted should be with heaven’s approval and the things prohibited should be disallowed after heaven’s pattern.
The concept of prayer is never mentioned herein, but rather practice.
This does not strictly give instruction or authority to speak into the heavenlies and tear down the devil’s strongholds.
This scripture rather gives directive to earthly matters as is the case in Matthew 18
2. Matthew 18 (describe the discourse)
17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven
Note: I mentioned earlier concerning tearing down strongholds. Let’s look at that scriptural reference for a moment to insure we have correct doctrine based upon the intent of that scripture.
2 Corinthians 10
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Note:
This speaks not to prayer but to a conscious bridling of our own thoughts, attitudes, imaginations and appetites.
At best a speaking to ourselves and not necessarily to God or others, unless that it be in the process of assisting us to curb our own lives.
The whole concept of prayer is ‘To God For Something’
Prayer is mentioned 306 times in the KJV
‘Pray for’ is a solid statement with many, many firm references
Pray for: you; me; us; them; the saints; the peace; the will
‘Pray against’ is not found
In the matter of binding and loosing -
3. We should look to heaven as our authority & guide
4. Can we then pray to bind the devil and his intended activities?
5. Yes! But best under the authority of other scriptures.
* Luke 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power (authority) to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power (ability) of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
* James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
* 1 Peter 5:
8 ¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
6. A part of resisting the devil is to have on the armor of God and posture ourselves for the battle. A part of our armory is prayer.
Ephesians 6
10 ¶ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
In conclusion, I have found:
7. The best way to handle the devil is to:
First: Do not be ignorant of his purposes
2 Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Next: Give him no place to work in your life.
Eph 4
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
27 Neither give place to the devil.
28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
1 ¶ Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
2 And walk in love,
Then: Resist his every attempt, however minor, to lead me astray from God’s intent.
