Who Will Stand In The Gap

Who Will Stand In The Gap?
Ez. 22:30 - Text

Ez. 22:30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.
31 Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord GOD.

Intro.: We so often have heard the term, Standing In The Gap. So just what is that? I know in the military it involves standing shoulder to shoulder against the enemy. It involves protecting each other. It involves sacrifice. It involves doing things we often may not feel like doing. It involves doing things we may not understand why. It involves following leadership. It involves trust. It involves putting the need of others before self. There is a character called "Spock" in the Star Trek shows and movies. He had a line that says, "The good of the many outweigh the good of the one." This is true in the military. Is this true also in God's Work?

We know that Christ died for the many do we not? We must see it was not for His benefit He died, but ours and others. We also must understand that in order to stand in the gap, we must often place others above ourselves.

To begin, let us look at the question…
What is … standing in the gap?

Standing for what is right (in God's eyes)

Proclaiming what is right

Resisting the wiles of Satan

Interceding for others to God on their behalf

We also should know…
Why should we stand in the gap?

Someone needs to be there to help others

Someone needs to make a difference

We (individuals and church) should be that someone

We only have so long to stand - time is slipping away

If we accept the idea of standing in the gap, then…
Who should stand in the gap? This is not meant for one or two, but all of us!

One who loves God

One who lives for God

One who loves others

One who lives for others

Ok, ok…you might say, then…
Where should we stand in the gap?

In the sight of God

In the sight of fellow man

At His lighthouse (church)

By our brother and sister in Christ

After looking at all this, we must address…
How do we stand in the gap?

Live for Christ

Sacrifice selfishness - Christ first, other stuff second, third, etc.

Obedience - studying, learning and living God's Word

Service - God's Word is clear of example of His desire that we be servants for Him

Pray for the lost

Lost family, friends, neighbors, etc.

Lost strangers

Lost country

Ungodly, unworthy, etc. - ILL. 127

Pray for God's Work

Local church

Missions

Educational

Other outreaches

Support God's Work

Financially

Physically (attendance, teaching, worshipping visiting, etc.)

Spiritually - with all your soul, no matter who sees

Encouragingly

When you encourage others

… you are standing in the gap

When your faithfulness to attend our services encourages me, your pastor,

… you are standing in the gap

When your attitude encourages your brother or sister to do better

… you are standing in the gap

When you let lost people see Christ live through you

… you are standing in the gap

Gary Marcum - East 38th Street Free Will Baptist Church - 121000am