Intercession and Accountability
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Intercession, in the biblical context, refers to the act of intervening or mediating on behalf of another, particularly through prayer. It is a significant aspect of the Christian faith, where believers are called to pray for others, seeking God's mercy, guidance, and intervention in their lives. The concept of intercession is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, highlighting the role of individuals who stand in the gap between God and humanity.

In the Old Testament, intercession is exemplified by figures such as Abraham, Moses, and Samuel. Abraham interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah, pleading with God to spare the cities if righteous individuals could be found within them (Genesis 18:22-33). Moses frequently interceded for the Israelites, especially when they sinned against God. In Exodus 32:11-14, Moses implores God to relent from His anger after the Israelites worship the golden calf. Samuel, too, is noted for his intercessory role, as he declares, "As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you" (1 Samuel 12:23).

The New Testament further emphasizes intercession, with Jesus Christ serving as the ultimate intercessor. Hebrews 7:25 states, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them" . Jesus' intercessory prayer is vividly illustrated in John 17, where He prays for His disciples and all future believers. The Apostle Paul also underscores the importance of intercession, urging believers to pray for all people, including those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Intercession is not limited to specific individuals but is a calling for all believers. James 5:16 encourages Christians to "confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail" . This communal aspect of intercession fosters unity and mutual support within the body of Christ.

Accountability

Accountability, from a biblical perspective, involves being responsible for one's actions and decisions, both to God and to fellow believers. It is a principle that underscores the importance of living a life that aligns with God's standards and being answerable to others within the Christian community.

The concept of accountability is woven throughout Scripture, beginning with the creation narrative. In Genesis, Adam and Eve are held accountable for their disobedience in the Garden of Eden, resulting in consequences for their actions (Genesis 3:9-19). This foundational account sets the stage for understanding the importance of accountability in the relationship between humanity and God.

In the New Testament, accountability is further emphasized through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus instructs His followers to hold each other accountable in matters of sin and reconciliation. In Matthew 18:15-17, He outlines a process for addressing sin within the community, emphasizing the need for correction and restoration. The Apostle Paul also highlights accountability in his letters, urging believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling and to support one another in their spiritual journeys (Ephesians 4:1-3).

Accountability is not only a personal responsibility but also a communal one. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching" . This passage underscores the importance of fellowship and mutual encouragement in maintaining accountability.

Furthermore, accountability is linked to the concept of stewardship, where individuals are entrusted with resources, talents, and opportunities to be used for God's glory. In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus illustrates the expectation of faithful stewardship and the accountability that comes with it.

In summary, accountability in the Bible is a multifaceted principle that involves personal responsibility, communal support, and faithful stewardship, all aimed at fostering a life that honors God and edifies the Christian community.
Subtopics

Intercession

Intercession for Adonijah

Intercession for Solomon

Intercession of Christ

Intercession of Man With God

Intercession of Man With Man

Intercession: Abigail for Nabal

Intercession: Additional Instances of Abraham's Servant, in Behalf of his Master

Intercession: Additional Instances of Amos, for Israel

Intercession: Additional Instances of Asaph, for the Congregation

Intercession: Additional Instances of David, for Israel

Intercession: Additional Instances of Ezra, for Israel

Intercession: Additional Instances of for Israel

Intercession: Additional Instances of for Miriam

Intercession: Additional Instances of for Paul, by the Congregations

Intercession: Additional Instances of in Behalf of Abimelech

Intercession: Additional Instances of in Behalf of Sodom

Intercession: Additional Instances of Jacob, in Behalf of his Children

Intercession: Additional Instances of Jeremiah, for Israel

Intercession: Additional Instances of Korah, for the Congregation

Intercession: Additional Instances of Moses, in Behalf of Pharaoh

Intercession: Additional Instances of Nehemiah, in Behalf of Judah and Jerusalem

Intercession: Additional Instances of Onesiphorus

Intercession: Additional Instances of Others, Who Sought Jesus in Behalf of Afflicted People

Intercession: Additional Instances of Parents, for Their Epileptic Son

Intercession: Additional Instances of Paul, for God's People

Intercession: Additional Instances of Solomon, for Israel

Intercession: Additional Instances of The Disciples, in Behalf of Peter's Mother-In-Law

Intercession: Additional Instances of The Syro-Phoenician Woman, for Her Daughter

Intercession: Answered for the plague of darkness

Intercession: Answered for the plague of flies

Intercession: Answered for the plague of frogs to be abated

Intercession: Answered for the plague of locusts

Intercession: Answered for the plague of rain, thunder, and hail

Intercession: Answered in Behalf of Aaron, on Account of his Sin in Making the Golden Calf

Intercession: Answered of Elijah, for Raising the Son of the Hospitable Widow from the Dead

Intercession: Answered of Elisha, for Raising the Son of the Shunammite Woman from the Dead

Intercession: Answered of Isaiah, in Behalf of Hezekiah and the People, to be Delivered from Sennacherib

Intercession: Answered of Samuel, for Deliverance from the Oppressions of the Philistines

Intercession: Answered: After the Complaining of the People

Intercession: Answered: After the Israelites had Made the Golden Calf

Intercession: Answered: During the Battle With the Amalekites

Intercession: Answered: That Miriam's Leprosy Might be Healed

Intercession: Answered: That the Plague of the Fiery Serpents Would Stop

Intercession: Answered: The Prophet of Israel, for the Restoration of Jeroboam's Withered Hand

Intercession: Answered: when the Fire of the Lord Consumed the People

Intercession: Answered: when the People Complained on Account of the Report of the Spies

Intercession: Ebed-Melech for Jeremiah

Intercession: Elisha offers to See the King for the Shunammite Woman

Intercession: Exemplified

Intercession: Intercessional Influence of the Righteous

Intercession: Joab for Absalom

Intercession: Jonathan for David

Intercession: Judah for Joseph

Intercession: Paul for Onesimus

Intercession: Pharaoh's Chief Baker for Joseph

Intercession: Reuben for Joseph

Intercession: Solicited by Daniel, of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego

Intercession: Solicited by Darius, of the Jews

Intercession: Solicited by Hezekiah, of Isaiah

Intercession: Solicited by Israel, of Samuel

Intercession: Solicited by Jeroboam, of a Prophet

Intercession: Solicited by Paul, of the Congregations

Intercession: Solicited by Pharaoh, of Moses

Intercession: Solicited by Simon Magus, of Peter

Intercession: Solicited by Zedekiah, of Jeremiah

Intercession: Solicited: And by Johanan

Intercession: Solicited: And by the Israelites

Intercession: The King of Syria for Naaman

Related Terms

Intercession (12 Occurrences)

Givings (2 Occurrences)

Intercessor (2 Occurrences)

Thanksgiving (49 Occurrences)

Thanksgivings (6 Occurrences)

Entreaties (6 Occurrences)

Exhort (37 Occurrences)

Meaning (41 Occurrences)

Petitions (24 Occurrences)

Searcher (6 Occurrences)

Supplications (32 Occurrences)

Urge (34 Occurrences)

Offered (320 Occurrences)

Behalf (140 Occurrences)

Thanks (151 Occurrences)

Harmony (21 Occurrences)

Prayers (99 Occurrences)

Intercession
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