June 18, 2017 Morning Service

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF MANCHESTER is He a distant and detached impersonal force behind the universe. No, He is a strong, loving, tender, caring THE SERMON THAT JESUS PREACHED Father. And it’s "Our Father in heaven," meaning that MATTHEW 6:9-13 God is going to hear us because He cares, AND will meet our needs because He has the unlimited, eternal HOW TO PRAY -1 resources of heaven at his disposal! The recognition that God is a loving Father is where PASTOR DAVID SAYLOR JUNE 18, 2017 all prayer begins — He cares. He’s a loving, heavenly Read Matthew 6:9-13 Father. Happy Father’s Day! INTRO This separates Christian prayer from all the other Last week we “set the table” regarding Jesus’ lesson world religions. on prayer, now we need to dive in and enjoy the feast. Islam – well there is no concept of a personal Instead of taking this prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 and relation to God in prayer or in life. God Exists – and using it to learn to pray, often we just say it. But we he must be obeyed or we pay the price. saw that this was not it’s main purpose. Add Hinduism, Buddhism and keep going and • This prayer is recorded twice in Scripture, Matthew prayer is not a talk with an ABBA faither….. 6 in the middle of Jesus’ sermon, and in Luke 11 The Jews -they did call God “Father” but it was not where it is clear that it was not during a sermon but a personal father, but “national.” He was the “Father after a period of Him praying and the disciples of the Nation.” But it wasn’t intimate and personal. asking him to teach them how to pray. Matthew 7:9–11 (NIV)9 “Which of you, if his son • They are the same in substance, but some of the asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks words are different ("debts" vs. "trespasses"). If the for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though Lord was giving us a prayer to be memorized and you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your recited, would it make sense to give us a different children, how much more will your Father in heaven words the two times He gave it? No. give good gifts to those who ask him! • But in both cases Jesus is teaching people HOW to That leads us to the first category that Jesus teaches pray. So let’s learn how from Jesus. us to pray for. It’s the first of 3 petitions that are prayers This can be the skeleton on which you can hang to/about God himself. This is… every prayer you ever pray. SO LET’S DIVE IN – I HAVE 7 “P’s” – one II. THE PRIORITY OF PRAYER – “HALLOWED defines our approach and then the 6 petitions. (HOLY) BE YOUR NAME”– 1. THE PATERNITY OF PRAYER • Your name be hallowed 2. THE PRIORITY OF PRAYER halllowed - 3. THE PROGRAM OF PRAYER - kingdom • Your kingdom come 4. THE PLAN OF PRAYER – thy will • Your will be done…(on earth as it is in heaven) 5. THE PROVISION OF PRAYER – daily bread GOD'S PRIORITY —"Hallowed be Thy name" (v. 6. THE PARDON OF PRAYER – forgive us 9b) puts God in the prior place. Even though He is my 7. THE PROTECTION OF PRAYER – lead us from temptation loving Father, even though He cares to meet my needs, and even though He has heavenly resources to meet my I. THE PATERNITY OF PRAYER – OUR needs — my first petition is not on my own or on others FATHER behalf, it's on His. This is a warning against self- seeking prayer from the very start. God has the This is our Approach in prayer. I love this. We priority! approach God as our Father. THE PROPER MEANING The term that Jesus used was the Aramaic term, Abba, which was a term of great intimacy and personal "To hallow" comes from the Greek word hagios, warmth. It was a term that belonged within a family which means "holy." So, "hallowed be Thy name" relationship - Daddy. Abba. means “your name be honored as holy” (CSB). We approach a God who is not a distant ogre. God NAME. By “name” the text means not just God’s is not some kind of cruel, capricious, immoral being, name but the entire being of God. Certainly we should stepping on those who are His supposed subjects. Nor not defile God’s Name in a curse or profanity, but it is more than that. A name stands for all that a person is. III. THE PROGRAM OF PRAYER – “YOUR (ex., He has made a “name” for himself. Or He has a KINGDOM COME” good name in town.) "The kingdom of God" is a phrase that fills the New HOLY. The basic definition — The basic idea of Testament more than any other phrase. It was a phrase being holy is "to be different, to be in a different that was central to the preaching of Jesus. He said in sphere, to have a different quality of being." God is Luke 4:43, "1 must preach the kingdom of God...; for called the Holy One because He is in a different sphere that is why I was sent." In other words, whatever this and has a different quality of being than we do. He is Kingdom is, it's the heart of His message. Why? holy in that He is separated from all sin, and therefore Because it's the heart of the plan of God. Jesus is the separated from sinners. He is uncommon, King – and you can’t separate the King and His extraordinary, undefiled. Holy means to be set apart, Kingdom, so this petition is all about the Program of to be different, to have another sphere of living, to exist King Jesus. in another quality. God is the ultimate of holy. Even after His resurrection, in the last forty days You can have “holy” days, places, vessels. before His ascension, He spent the time "speaking of To hallow is to glorify something (synonym). To the things pertaining to the kingdom of God "(Acts pray hallowed be your name is to glorify Him. It is 1:3). to hold His matchless being in reverence, so that The word here (βασιλεία) is translated “kingdom” you will believe and obey what He says! That is but essentially it means “to rule and to reign.” I wish what you are praying for… instead of “kingdom” which can make of think of When you pray, begin knowing that you are coming castles, motes, kings, queens, pomp and circumstance to a strong, protective, loving Father, and begin by – that instead it was translated “reign” it would keep us ascribing heartfelt reverence and glory to his Name. on track. Instead of “your kingdom come” it could be Remember, this first petition, like all of them are “your reign come”. instructive on the “way” to pray, not the words you HOW DOES THE REIGN of the KING COME? pray. Let the entire Word of God and what it says Jesus reigns in heaven already. So how does the about God be your palate to “paint a masterpiece of kingdom reign of Christ come to earth? praise” to God your Father when you pray! 1. CONVERSION — This and the next petition are PROTECTIVE. There is a PROTECTIVE related, but they are different too. One prays for his MEASURE to this first petition too. kingdom to come on earth and the second prays for his The reason that "Hallowed be your name" comes will to be done on earth. after "Our Father..." is because it serves as a protection I think the first is an evangelistic prayer. When we against any sentimentalism or overuse and abuse of become Christians, Christ takes up reign in our lives. Abba. Don’t think that because we can approach him He is His Kingdom; and you will never separate Him as “Father” that is permission to drag God down into from His Kingdom. Christ, ruling and reigning in the mud and make Him into a nice kind of "buddy- the lives of believers, brings His reign to this earth. buddy," or a “pocket genie” to use and abuse. People This is why the Bible says that we are kings and priests. talk to God in such low level concepts and terms that God literally mediates His Kingdom through the they don't do justice to His hallowed name. believer, by reigning in our lives. To hallow God is to set Him apart from everything So, to pray, "Thy Kingdom come, "is to pray that common and profane; to adore Him as divine and He may take up His reigning residence in the hearts infinitely blessed, the only true God. You cannot speak and lives of those who are still knowingly or of God in earthy terms or drag Him down to street talk unknowing rebellion. It's a prayer for salvation! or street living and thinks he’s you’re “good buddy” in it. God must have a place in your life that is fitting for When you pray the Lord’s Prayer he bids us to pray His power and holiness. for “fruits of evangelism”! THEN when that occurs, we pray that prayer for us Good balance? Aslan… (so loving that Lucy could by praying for His continuing reign” hug his neck and feel the warmth of his soft mane, but He could also ROAR, commanding the respect of all.) 2. COMMITMENT. IN US, by becoming like Jesus Page 2 of 6 3. CONSUMATION For His Kingdom reign to Reality is that you find these kinds of paradoxes come to the world when he comes again. (seeming contradictions), not just here, but at ALL the points of great doctrine. IV. THE PLAN OF PRAYER – “THY WILL BE For example: DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN” a. If I say to you, Who wrote the book of Matthew? Now we are instructed by Jesus to pray that God’s — Matthew. The Holy Spirit. Which? Both… (did Will be done on earth. Matthew write a verse, then Holy Spirit? Was he a When we realize who God is and we know that He robot? No. Matthews’ heart, feelings, vocab. It’s does answer prayer, we are immediately faced with a Matthew, but it’s the Holy Spirit too. 100% and 100% dilemma here. but 200% of something makes no sense to us. Do we really need to say, “God, your will be b. Who lives your Christian life? — you or Christ? done?” Isn’t God sovereign anyway? If God is Both. (See Gal. 2:20 “not I but Christ”; I Cor. 9:27 sovereign, isn't that a rather useless thing to say? Isn't “Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict it apparent that God's will, will be done whether we control”) It’s both. All me, and all the power of God. ask Him or not?” How can it be all me and all Him? Can’t be in our Now some people have taken this concept so far that understanding. they question the validity of prayer altogether. “Is not c. Was Jesus God or man? What’s the answer? Yes. God absolutely Sovereign? Doesn’t He know the 100% God and 100% man. Again you have the beginning and the end, and everything in-between? paradox. Isn’t God in charge of everything. Isn’t everything d. How did you become a Christian? — “My name going to happen according to His plan? So why was written in the Lamb’s book of life before the pray?” foundation of the world – it was predestined in “Is God going to change His mind?” Is that what election.” How did you become a Christian? “Because prayer is, getting God to change His mind – to do I chose Jesus Christ and put my faith in him alone.” something other than what His will planned to do? Was it Him? Yes. Was it you? Yes. Show of hands. How many people when they pray How can it be both of them? Listen, I believe both would like God to suspend His will, and do something of them but I do not know how it’s both of them. In other than what He planned to do, and give you your my mind. will? None I hope. THE DANGER Then how does prayer fit into who God is? Do yourself a favor. When you find these kinds of You could probably sum up all of these questions paradoxes in Scripture (and you'll find them at all the with two simple questions: great points of doctrine), don't come up with something a. If God is Sovereign, why pray? in the middle of the two truths - and ruin both of them! That's what the danger is. b. If prayer is commanded, then how can God be sovereign? It's like the guy who said, "Salvation occurs when God casts one vote for you, the devil casts one vote The Paradox of Prayer against you, and you cast the deciding vote." Now I believe that there is an answer to this, but I That isn't true! Don't try to find some middle don't entirely know what it is! I believe this is one of ground — let them both exist! the great paradoxes of Scripture - telling me again that POINT: God is sovereign, has predetermined the the mind of God is infinitely beyond any mind. For this flow of the universe, knows the end from the is an impossible dilemma - for me, but not for God! beginning, and will do what He will do. But on the The incredible gap between the best of human other hand — prayer works and is answered within that thinking and the limitless knowledge of God, is best plan! If you don't understand how these two come demonstrated to me in the fact that I have no ability to together, don't let your theology destroy your prayer resolve such apparent contradiction - which is no life. contradiction in the mind of God. SOME UNDERSTANDING OF IT [THE DEMONSTRATION] We can’t fully understand this, but Scripture does Page 3 of 6 give us some understanding of this mystery. always done. Theologians have big words to describe this, but Ex. Raise your child with purpose of them to know, basically, we find that Scripture defines God’s will in love God and serve him. And you let them go into life, at least two different ways. but sometimes they don’t. NOTE: The very fact that Jesus teaches us to There are things that God wills that don't always pray that “God’s will be done” presupposes that happen. Things He doesn’t will (like sin) and they do God’s will is not always done on earth. happen. They're His desires, but men reject them. In heaven it is. How many wills are there in heaven? b. Illustrations One. On earth there are 7.2 billion wills. 1) He desired the Jews to be saved (Lk. 13:34), but Not everything done on earth is God’s will. Evil is they would not (Jn. 5:40). not God’s will. 2) Created the earth to be good, but sin placed a When I sin, when you sin… is that God’s will? curse on it. (result: planes fall out of sky, babies die..) So what are we really praying when we pray, "Thy 3) He does not desire that any should perish (2 Pet. will be done"? 3:9), but they do (Jn. 8:24). Let me share with you the 2 different types of God's 4) He wishes all men to be saved and to come to the will that the Bible describes: Will of Purpose and Will knowledge of the truth (I Tim. 2:4), yet many do not of Desire. (Matt. 7:13,14). 1. GOD'S WILL OF PURPOSE God's will of purpose is always done in heaven a. Definition — This refers to the vast, all inclusive, and in earth — sadly not so His will of desire! comprehensive will of God. This concept of His will of AND THAT IS WHAT CHRIST SAYS WE ARE purpose encompasses the allowing of sin and sin TO PRAY ABOUT IN THIS PRAYER. running its course, the flow of earthly kingdoms, the consummation of the ages, and the eternal state. In So, when you pray “Your will be done,” pray to other words, it encompasses and relates to the entire God’s that this world would come to understand God’s universe — and this will is ALWAYS accomplished. perfect and great plans for it and do it. His desire for justice and salvation and …. b. Illustrations 24 And pray personally that God’s desires reflected in Isaiah 14:24; 26-27 (NIV) The LORD Almighty His Word will be done in YOU. That we will do the has sworn, “Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, 26 perfect will of God in accordance with His deepest and and as I have purposed, so it will stand. 26–27 (NIV) best desires for us -- and not our will. All to the glory This is the plan determined for the whole world; this is of God and to the benefit of us and those around us. the hand stretched out over all nations. 27 For the LORD Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His CONCLUSION hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back? Stop there for today. God continually “works all things according to the Homework. Go pray this prayer pattern this week.. counsel of his will” (Eph. 1:11) Stop, realize what Jesus is instructing and then pray in Romans 8:28 (NIV)28 And we know that in all that area. Then go on. things God works for the good of those who love him, INVITATION who have been called according to his purpose. For some let him be your Father. Become a In other words, God doesn't will evil, but He takes son/daughter. Open your heart and receive Christ. the things that happen in our lives, and puts them 1) The Kingdom begins with an invitation. together for good. It's not God's will of desire (later) for people to be ill or for people to die, but it's within 2) The Kingdom includes repentance- Jesus said, His comprehensive will of purpose to use illness and "Repent; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matt. death for His own end and His own glory. 4:17). (Mark 1:14, 15) 2. GOD'S WILL OF DESIRE 3) The Kingdom demands an act of the will. Jesus told a wise and instructed scribe that he was "not far a. Definition — Rather than an all encompassing from the kingdom of God" (Mk. 12:34). He had the plan, this refers to God's heart desire. His overall plan head knowledge but he hadn't made the choice yet. will be accomplished, but His will of desire is not Page 4 of 6 In other words, you can know about it, and you can make some effort toward it; but until you make that final commitment to a decision, you don't enter the Kingdom — the rule of Christ is not established in your heart. Won’t you open your heart to Christ today. Receive the FATHER of FATHERS thru the SON of SONS. Page 5 of 6 needs. — "give us our daily bread," "forgive us our 1. THE PROVISION OF PRAYER – daily bread debts," "lead us not into temptation!' 2. THE PARDON OF PRAYER – forgive us 3. THE PROTECTION OF PRAYER – lead us from _________________________________________ temptation When Jesus teaches about prayer: 1. He doesn't teach us about the posture of prayer — because any posture will do. In the Bible, Each time you examine it, you see marvelous ways people prayed in all different positions: that Jesus put it together for us. There are multiple 2. He doesn't teach us about the place of prayer ways to unravel it’s meaning – all powerful and — because we are to pray everywhere. wonderful. 3. He doesn't teach us about the times of prayer — because we are to pray at all times. 4. He doesn't teach us about the circumstances of For example” prayer — because any circumstance is a time to pray. 1. IT UNFOLDS THE RELATIONSHIP THAT WE HAVE WITH GOD: • "Our Father" — Father/child relationship • "Hallowed be Thy name"— Deity/worshipper relationship • "Thy Kingdom come" — Sovereign/subject relationship • "Thy will be done" — Master/servant relationship • "Give us our daily bread" — Benefactor/beneficiary relationship • "Forgive us our debts" — Savior/sinner relationship • "lead us not into temptation — Guide/pilgrim relationship. AND 2. IT DEFINES THE SPIRIT IN WHICH WE'RE TO PRAY: "Our" — an unselfish spirit "Father" — a family spirit "Hallowed be Thy name" — a reverent spirit "Thy Kingdom come" — a loyal spirit "Thy will be done" — a submissive spirit "Give us our daily bread" — a dependent spirit "forgive us our debts" — a penitent spirit "lead us not into temptation" — a confident spirit AND 3. YOU CAN CLEARLY DIVIDE THE PRAYER INTO TWO SETS OF THREE ELEMENTS EACH. WE FIND THAT: 1) The first 3 elements deal with God and His glory. — "Hallowed be Thy name," "Thy Kingdom come," "Thy will be done:" 2) The second 3 elements deal with us and our Page 6 of 6