Matthew 6:9-13 - “AMEN!”
From Growing In Christ, J.I. Packer (pgs. 216-217)
“Amen” (best said loudly and with emphasis) is our final profession of having meant what we have said, and identified completely with the attitudes, hopes, and goals that the prayer expresses. So the fittest way to end these brief studies in the prayer which takes a lifetime (and more) to master, is with a checklist of the main items involved; and therefore I ask:
- Do you identify with the trust in Jesus Christ as your own Savior, and the faith in God as your own God through him, and the recognition of every Christian as your own brother in God’s family, which is expressed by “Our Father”?
- Is the hallowing of God’s name in and through you, whatever that may cost your own controlling purpose in life? Do you want to see God triumph in his kingdom, and to see everything that does not match his perfection come to an end?
- Will you labor and suffer for the kingdom, if need be, so as to become its agent, the means of bringing in into lives and situations where the gates have been locked against God? Do you happily take God’s will of command for your rule, and God’s will of events for your destiny, knowing (by faith) that both are supremely good?
- Is there any matter in which you are flying in the face of God’s will of command, excusing yourself on the grounds of there being other commands which you faithfully keep? If so, what will you now do about it?
- Do you see and know that unless God acts to provide for today’s needs, and to pardon today’s sins, and to protect you in today’s temptations, you are lost? Do you make it an issue of conscience never to bear a grudge or cherish bitterness against anyone, but to show forgiving mercy always, because of the forgiving mercy that God always shows you?
- Is there any person whom hitherto you have refused to forgive for what he or she did to you? Will you ask the Lord this moment to help you change your attitude, and get right with that person?
- Do you make it your habit to watch and pray against temptation? Will you make it your habit from now on?
- Is the Lord’s Prayer really in your heart? Are you being honest when you say “amen” to it?” O God, make clean our hearts within us; and take not thy Holy ‘Spirit from us.” Lord, teach me (us) how to pray, by teaching me (us) how to live; for Jesus’ sake; amen.
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 6:13; Luke 22:31-46 - “Deliver Us From Evil”
- Every word of the Lord’s Prayer reflects the Lord’s vision for what our lives should be. In what ways is this final petition a prayer for spiritual growth?
- What is the difference between asking to NOT be led into temptation and asking to be delivered from evil? How are they connected to each other? Why is the word “but” important in our understanding of this petition?
- Why is it dangerous to either disbelieve or have an excessive interest in evil or the Evil One? What happens to one if either extreme is pursued? How does this final petition display the center of biblical tension for life in a fallen world?
- If we are encouraged to ask the Lord to deliver us from evil, why is there so much evil in the world? Doesn’t God hear and answer our prayers? What does deliver really mean? (Hint: remember last week’s emphasis that life in a fallen world leads one to encounter the world, the flesh and the devil).
- Luke 22:31-34 records a conversation between Jesus and Simon Peter. On the night of Jesus’ betrayal, our Lord informed Simon Peter of Satan’s request to sift Simon like wheat. What does a sifting process yield? What does this request tell us about Satan’s power? About our Lord’s authority?
- Jesus also indicated that he prayed for Simon Peter. How important was this intercession in Peter’s life? What comfort do you gain from Hebrews 4:16-18; which states that Jesus continues to make intercession for us?
- Peter responded to Jesus’ words with a declaration that he was ready to go with Jesus to prison and death, yet in a few hours denied that he ever knew the Lord. Why did Peter deny knowing Jesus? How did Peter’s confidence get shattered? Why does Satan want us to fear what others will do to us and say about us? What affect does that have on the life of the church in a fallen world?
- Later that evening, Jesus took the disciples to the Mount of Olives and asked them to pray that they not fall into temptation. What was Jesus teaching them? What were the temptations that were ahead of them that evening and beyond?
- On that night, Jesus prayed for Peter and prayed for the Father’s will to be done. Peter, on the other hand was proud and confident and easily put to sleep with “sorrow”. As a church, what might we learn from Luke 22:39-46? Why does Jesus want us to keep awake and pray? How well are we doing in both of those areas?
- Why is it crucial for Christians to ask for the Father’s strength and deliverance in our walk before the Lord? What have you discovered about your life as you considered this prayer? Why do we need to pray this prayer everyday?
- What weapons does God give His people when facing the wiles of the devil? (See Ephesians 6: 10-18 to get started).
- What are some practical applications of this prayer in your life? In BG’s life?
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 6:13; Matthew 4:1-11 - “Lead Us Not Into Temptation”
- When you pray this final petition of the Lord’s Prayer, what are you asking God to do? What’s the difference between temptation and testing? How can God lead someone into temptation, if He never leads people into sin?
- What temptations are you facing these days? How does this prayer affirm God’s strength in your weakness? Why should we ask God to spare us from temptation?
- If God is testing your faith in some way, what might be His purpose in your life? How do you respond to this testing?
- Asking God NOT to lead us into temptation clarifies several important biblical truths for our lives. Compare this sixth petition with the other five. What does this tell us about God’s role over temptation and sin? How does the corporate emphasis (US) give individuals hope?
- J. I. Packer writes: “Life is a spiritual minefield; amid such dangers we dare not trust ourselves; Father, keep us safe.” Do you agree or disagree? Why is it important to accept the reality of spiritual conflict in this world and in our lives?
- Christians encounter the world, the flesh and the devil. In our Lord’s temptation found in Matthew 4: 1-4, Satan challenges the Lord’s priorities by seeking to have Him change rocks into stones. Where are your biblical priorities challenged in today’s world? How do you respond to these challenges?
- In Matthew 4:5-7, Jesus is led by Satan to the Temple and his temptation includes Satan’s misuse of Scripture. How devious that Satan’s temptation would use two important symbols of God presence - His temple and His word - to challenge Jesus. Why does Satan want us to question God’s presence in our lives? How can a proper understanding of faith address this type of temptation?
- In Matthew 4:8-11, Jesus is tempted to bow down and worship Satan in order to gain “power”. Why was this temptation to avoid the cross so dastardly? What are the shortcuts to power that you find tempting in life? Jesus’ response was: “Away from me Satan! For it is written, Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.” How does the Lord’s focus enable us to avoid temptation? Why does the Lord include service with worship?
- Today’s church is tempted in these ways. What are some of the greatest temptations facing the church today? How should we respond to these temptations?
- Why is it crucial for Christians to ask for the Father’s strength and deliverance in our walk before the Lord? What have you discovered about your life as you considered this prayer? Why do we need to pray this prayer everyday?
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 6:14.15 - “Forgiven, Forgiving”
- On Sunday morning, members of CandleHouse will visit BG. This ministry, based in Owego, offers hope for change to all who are held by addictions or emotional burdens from the past. As they sing and share their testimonies, think about how Jesus Christ has impacted their life. How does Christ cover our sins and bring about forgiveness for them?
- How does this petition (forgive our debts as we have forgiven our debtors) mirror our Lord’s “Great Commandment” and its emphasis to love God and love others? How does the entire Lord’s Prayer do the same?
- Understanding God’s forgiveness leads us to a life of forgiveness. Why is it hard to have a forgiving spirit? What is at the root of this difficulty?
- If it is important to ask the Lord for “our daily bread”, how important is it to ask for daily forgiveness from God and for God’s help to forgive others? What happens to us if forgiveness is not sought or given?
- Can unforgiving Christians rightly be called hypocrites? Why or why not?
- If properly understood, this is an incredibly healthy petition for individuals, the church and the world. Why is our prayer for forgiveness from God and for a forgiving spirit essential for spiritual health? Think of specific ways that forgiveness shows God’s glory in these three categories. ( A repeat question from last week)
- Let’s open our hearts before our Father in heaven and ask for His forgiveness. Then ask Him to help you forgive your debtors. This week, forgive as you have been forgiven.
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 6:12 - “Debts, Debtors and Forgiveness”
- In the Lord’s model for prayer, we are taught to begin by acknowledging the sovereign nature of God and His design for humanity. We ask for God’s name to be set apart, God’s Kingdom to come and His will be done, and soon it becomes very evident that the act of forgiveness is a central part of that design. What comes to mind when you hear the word “forgiveness”?
- Our Lord uses the word “debts” as a synonym for “sin”. This financial term helps one understand the consequences of our rebellion against God and our need for redemption. In what ways does sin make us indebted to God? What are some debt-reduction strategies we use in an attempt to reduce our debt to God? Why are they ineffective?
- Why should a holy and just God forgive sinful and rebellious people? What does Colossians 1:13-14 and 2:13-15 say about Christ’s role in God’s sovereign act of forgiveness? Why are we called to stand on level ground before the cross of Jesus Christ?
- Read Matthew 18:21-35 and meditate on this parable of the unmerciful servant. How does this story instruct you in praying for God’s forgiveness and for a forgiving spirit?
- Augustine calls this petition- a “terrible petition”. How is this petition essentially an inventory of our relational lives? Why can we view this petition as a graciously terrible petition?
- Matthew 6:14-15 connects one’s request for God to forgive our debts (something we owe to Him) with the need to forgive our debtors (something owed to us). Why are they connected? Why does the forgiveness one receives from God demand the need to extend forgiveness to another?
- Any act of forgiveness requires the one who forgives to acknowledge the sinfulness of sin. How do you respond to those who say that forgiveness minimizes sin?
- How does forgiveness and justice interact? Give some biblical examples which illustrate that forgiveness is not a substitute for justice? (hint: David- Psalm 51; Zacchaeus- Luke 19)
- Forgiveness, justice, repentance, reconciliation, and church discipline all have their proper place in the life of a local church. Why is it very tempting to lump all these issues together under the rubric of forgiveness and forget their distinctions?
- It is said that “reconciliation takes two people and forgiveness requires one.” Do you agree or disagree? How might forgiveness initiate a process that MAY lead to reconciliation?
- If properly understood, this is an incredibly healthy petition for individuals, the church and the world. Why is our prayer for forgiveness from God and for a forgiving spirit essential for spiritual health? Think of specific ways that forgiveness shows God’s glory in these three categories.
- Bring your life before our Father in heaven and ask for His forgiveness for your sins? Then ask Him if there is anyone that you need to forgive? This week, forgive as you have been forgiven.
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 6:11 - “Give Us Today Our Daily Bread”
- After praying for God’s name to be set apart, God’s Kingdom to come and His will be done, Jesus teaches his disciples the importance of seeing all life under God’s control. Have you ever thought that praying for daily bread is important to God? How is this prayer connected to the first three petitions? The final two?
- Make a list of the items for which you regularly pray. Where are you most dependent on God? Where are you least dependent? What needs to be added to the list?
- Asking God to “give” us the basic necessities of life means that we recognize Him as the source of all good gifts. Why is that hard to remember in America? What are some ways that you can express your gratefulness to God for His provisions in your life?
- What is the importance of the word “us” in this petition? How can God use His people to answer that prayer?
- Read Exodus 16:1-35 and record how this important part of Israel’s history teaches us of our need for dependence upon God. How does this passage describe certain attitudes in God’s people? What’s the root of these attitudes? What is God’s response to their attitudes?
- How we use our “daily” provisions matters to God. Are there changes that you need to make in the use of those provisions? What might those changes include?
- In what way does Christianity encourage us to live a day-at-a-time life? (Check out Matthew 6:25-34 and James 4:13-17). Based on this request, how should a Christian view wealth and financial planning?
- How does praying about more than ourselves (we, our, us) keep our prayers from being selfish? Why is it hard to pray for “our daily bread”?
- At Bethel Grove, what are some ways that we can grow in sharing the resources God has given to this fellowship?
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 6:10 - “Your Will Be Done”
- What is the one front-burner issue that you are facing which deals with God’s will for your life? How does God’s Word address your issue?
- How does praying for God’s will to be done in situations change your attitude toward the issues?
- Why is Scripture an essential resource for knowing God’s design for life? In what ways do you find it difficult to study God’s word and apply his truth to everyday life? What must change in your approach to Scripture in order to listen to his Word?
- Deuteronomy 29:29 states: “the secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed to us belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the word of this law.” What do you think Moses is saying in this verse? How can this verse give perspective about the future that is unclear?
- Psalm 103:19-22 tells us angels are obedient servants who do the Lord’s bidding. In what way does Psalm 103 passage help us understand the phrase in the Lord’s Prayer - “on earth as it is in heaven”? What’s the difference between praise and obedience? How are they complimentary?
- Jesus stated that his “food was to do the will of the one who sent him and to finish his work” (John 4:34). Why might Jesus describe doing God’s will in these terms? What can we learn from Jesus as we seek to follow God’s will?
- In the Garden of Gethsemane, as he anguished over the suffering that was ahead, Jesus asked the Father to take away the cup of wrath; if He was willing. Then Jesus prayed, “Not my will but yours be done. Some theologians think that we should never pray these words as we petition the Father. Did Jesus show a lack of faith? Do you show a lack of trust when you ask that the Father’s will be done instead of demanding it to be done? Why or why not?
- In what ways is it hard for you to submit to God by praying this prayer?
- What steps need to be taken for you to submit more to the ways of God this week?
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 - “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.
