Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction

Use of Faithlife Study Bible

Asked what biggest struggle was - biggest failure could be prayerlessness

Asked what biggest struggle was - biggest failure could be prayerlessnessSeries on prayerSo often there is no difference in society between Christians and non-Christians generallyChristians should be marked by sense of God’s presence and favourFirst slide

Series on prayer

So often there is no difference in society between Christians and non-Christians generally

Christians should be marked by sense of God’s presence and favour

First slide

In secret & reward

Matthew suggests that Dr the goal of righteousness (in general) is to be rewarded

Do we truly believe that God will reward?

Hastings comment about do not believe that prayer will be answered; Do we go to God in prayer expecting Him to reward?

Notice the link between secret and prayer - should be a jealous guarding so that we are not inclined to put up fronts

Father

Revolutionary concept

Terms is one of intimate address - out of norm for the Jewish mindset at that momentWe live in a culture where everybody assumes that God is their FatherDo we truly recognise what had to happen to get us to the place that we could look at God and say “Father”?

This is what Easter is aboutNotice what is says about God - He is in heaven (repeated twice); He is in secret

Terms is one of intimate address - out of norm for the Jewish mindset at that moment

We live in a culture where everybody assumes that God is their Father

Do we truly recognise what had to happen to get us to the place that we could look at God and say “Father”?

This is what Easter is about

Notice what is says about God - He is in heaven (repeated twice); He is in secret

Instructions of what not to do

Pray like the hypocrite - this is not a popularity contest

Pray like the Gentile - this is not a magical incantation; do not confuse this with perseverance

The promise that Jesus holds out

God sees

God knows

This is motivation to pray, not reason to not pray

Reflection

Consider your prayer life

Your frequency

Your pattern

Your assumptions

Consider the prayerfulness of this church

Consider the prayer lifestyle of Christians you know and respect