God Is Bound to His Word
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of understanding binding precedent in prayer, using King Jehoshaphat's example to illustrate God's faithfulness to His Word.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the concept of 'binding precedent' in prayer, illustrating how understanding God's past mercies can empower believers to pray boldly. He uses the example of King Jehoshaphat, who, in a time of crisis, reminded God of His promises and past actions, effectively binding God to His Word. This act of recalling God's faithfulness not only strengthened Jehoshaphat's faith but also led to divine intervention against Judah's enemies. Wilkerson encourages believers to approach God with the same confidence, knowing that His promises remain steadfast. Ultimately, he assures that God is bound to fulfill His Word in our lives.
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Boldness in prayer comes from having a knowledge of something called "binding precedent." If you can grasp this truth, it will forever change the way you pray. A precedent is a "preceding case" that serves as an example in subsequent cases. And a "binding precedent" is a legal decision made in the past that becomes an authoritative rule for similar cases in the future. For judges, this means having to stand by a decision that has already been made.
Good lawyers regularly rely on "binding precedent" for their cases because they know a precedent will stand up in court. They search their law books to find favorable cases from the past that can fortify their arguments in court, and they also seek out the counsel of skilled legal advisors who point out precedent decisions to pertain to their own case.
All through the Bible we find holy men and women who seek out this kind of "binding precedent." A perfect example of this is King Jehoshaphat. When Jehoshaphat ruled over Judah, he faced an invasive army. The nation trembled helplessly before this mighty force, so Jehoshaphat "set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah" (2 Chronicles 20:3). The people prayed, fasted, interceded and repented -- and the king brought God's "precedent mercies" up before him:
"O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You?" (20:6). Jehoshaphat was binding God to his past mercies: "Are You not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and gave it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever?" (20:7).
Jehoshaphat reminded God, "Lord, you gave your people an eternal word, and I bring it before you now. The promises you made to Abraham and our fathers are still binding on you to fulfill for us." Of course, God answered Jehoshaphat, and Judah's enemy was defeated. God was bound to his own Word.
Be bold in prayer today and watch him fulfill his promises in your life.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding Binding Precedent
- The Role of Precedent in Prayer
- Biblical Examples of Precedent
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II
- King Jehoshaphat's Example
- Seeking the Lord in Crisis
- Reminding God of His Promises
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III
- The Power of Bold Prayer
- God's Faithfulness to His Word
- Application of Precedent in Our Lives
Key Quotes
“Be bold in prayer today and watch him fulfill his promises in your life.” — David Wilkerson
“Are You not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel?” — David Wilkerson
“The promises you made to Abraham and our fathers are still binding on you to fulfill for us.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Seek God earnestly in prayer, especially during challenging times.
- Remind God of His promises and past mercies to strengthen your faith.
- Approach prayer with boldness, knowing that God is faithful to His Word.