Matthew 6:9-13 - “Your Kingdom Come”
- Jesus came into the world to establish God’s kingdom. What do you know about the nature of God’s kingdom? (see Matthew 6:33, 13:1-52; Romans 14:17)
- In the Lord’s Prayer, the word “kingdom” is used twice; once in verse 10 and the other in the conclusion of the prayer. How do the uses differ? What does it mean to pray for God’s Kingdom to come? What does it mean to state “yours is the Kingdom”?
- Jesus confronted religious people who sought to display their prayers, giving of alms and fasting so that others will notice them and reward them with favor. How does this prayer help us confront our natural tendency to set up our own kingdom in our daily life?
- The Beatitudes speak of Gospel goodness that comes from the inside-out. What does Jesus promise to give if we trust Jesus as our Lord and Savior? (see Matthew 5:3-10).
- How is this prayer answered in the description of God’s people as salt and light? (see Matthew 5:13-16).
- Read Matthew 6:19-34 and see how this prayer addresses the values of the kingdom in comparison to the values of the world. How does this prayer monitor the tug and pull of the world’s values?
- In what specific ways is God’s kingdom being fulfilled today?
- What evidence is there of God’s increasing rule over all aspects of your life? At Bethel Grove?
- There is there an absence of God’s kingdom in our local community? How can you get involved in the community to be salt and light to the glory of God?
- Do you pray for Christ to come again? Why or why not?
Ask the Lord to use this meditation of His Word to increase our love for Him and for each other as we seek to live daily by the grace of God.
Matthew 6:9 - “Is A Prayer A Prayer By Any Other Name?”
- Briefly share your thoughts about the sermon’s title. What do you think the sermon will discuss?
- In light of the Old and New Testament, what is the significance of a person’s name?
- Why do you think Matthew chose the word “hallowed” (awe, reverence) with respect to God’s name?
- A Christian friend of yours is interested in actively participating in inter-religious (Christians, Hindus, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, etc.) worship and/or prayer meetings. What kind of advice would you give him/her? (Which biblical passages—if any would you use in your discussion.)
- How does knowing God’s character assist you/us in developing a life of prayer?
- Is there anything/anyone keeping you from consecrating your life with prayer? What steps do you need to take in order to draw nearer to God?
- Create covenants of prayer with one another (e.g., husbands/wives, parents/children, children/children, friends)
Ask the Lord to use this meditation of His Word to increase our love for Him and for each other as we seek to live daily by the grace of God.
Matthew 6:9-13 - “Our Father In Heaven”
Main Point Of The Sermon: The Lord’s Prayer starts with an emphasis on God as Father. This most personal and relational image has been cherished throughout the ages. A study of Jesus’ prayers in the scriptures emphasizes that he always calls God as His Father. This explicit teaching is important for us, as it takes us from praying to a force or some impersonal deity to seeing God as a loving Father. He provides and protects, along with knows what is best for His children. Let’s study and apply our Lord’s teaching to our daily lives.
- Prayerfully read Matthew 6:9-13. What do you notice about the general progression of the Lord’s Prayer? How does each petition build on the previous request?
- What images of fathers are prevalent in contemporary culture? Give examples. How do negative images impact one’s view of God as our Father in heaven?
- What gives anyone the right to call God “our Father”? Can only Christians make this claim? Why or why not?
- In what ways does Matthew 7:7-11 illustrate the nature of God as Father? According to the Scriptures, what are some of the good gifts God gives to His children? What has your Father in heaven bestowed upon you by his grace?
- Luke 15:11-31 is a story of two sons and a father’s response to each one. What do we learn about the nature of the father in the story? How does this truth relate to your view of God as Father?
- Check out Romans 8:15-17 and Galatians 4:6-7. How does the Apostle Paul emphasize our status before the Lord? When we pray, how important is it that we realize this status as sons and daughters of God?
- How can one balance the confidence we have calling God “Our Father” with the reverence that is due to Him? What needs to change in your prayer life as you consider that you have a Father in heaven?
Ask the Lord to use this meditation of His Word to increase our love for Him and for each other as we seek to live daily by the grace of God.
Matthew 6:5-15 - “And When You Pray”
Main Point Of The Sermon: The Lord’s Prayer is Jesus’ most familiar explanation of prayer and its focus. Loving God and loving others are the central themes of all these petitions and His instruction is not about technique as much as a model by which we can learn to pray. Matthew 6:5-15 is part of a larger teaching on visible acts of righteousness; giving, praying and fasting. Jesus goes to the heart of these actions and holds up a mirror to reveal our hearts before a holy God. Let’s study and apply our Lord’s teaching to our daily lives.
- Prayer is one of God’s great gifts to His people. Communicating with the Almighty God is humbling and mysterious all at once. How does your view of God affect your prayers?
- When do you find it easiest to pray? When is it hardest? What words would you use to describe your prayer life?
- Prayer is something you learn to do by praying. As you pray, how can the Lord’s Prayer become a model for your prayers? What does it teach us about loving God and loving others?
- How does Matthew 6:5,6 define a hypocrite? What do you notice about a hypocrite’s prayers? What should be the characteristics of a believer’s prayers? How can we test our motives in prayer?
- How does Jesus describe a pagan’s prayers in Matthew 6:7,8 ? Why is it important to understand that God expects simplicity in prayer? How can believing that God already knows our needs before we ask change the way that you pray?
- Jesus teaches that prayer is relational in nature. How does the Lord’s Prayer illustrate the relational emphasis of prayer? What areas of growth in loving God and others are needed in your life and the life of BG?
- How does the Lord’s Prayer teach us of the communal nature of prayer? Examine the plural emphasis of the Prayer and reflect on how it instructs us to intercede for one another.
- As we enter 2007, will you commit to a life of prayer that is taught by the Lord’s Prayer? What changes are needed in your approach to prayer? What changes are needed if we are to be a praying church?
Ask the Lord to use this meditation of His Word to increase our love for Him and for each other as we seek to live daily by the grace of God.
