Lord's Prayer Sermon

1. Isa 63:16 – God as “Father” used prior to NT times – but often had a nationalistic feel or basis… also Ps. 89:27. Here, many see a more personal implication by the use of the term. – as, as the ABD describes it, “expresses a peculiarly intimate, simple and even childlike relationship with God.[1] See also Matt 11:25.
2. “hallowed be Thy name”
1. Names were important

                                                    i.     Abram – Abraham

                                                  ii.     Saul – Paul

1. Note, name does not make a person such, we call a person such because of how or how they ALREADY are.
2. In Bible – the meaning and use of God’s name is not a light thing:

                                                    i.     Matt 7:22 – God’s name can ACOMPLISH THINGS

                                                  ii.     Matt 10:22 – Connection with God’s name affects how others see/treat you.

                                                iii.     Matt 18:5 – Connection with God’s name defines how/why we see/treat others.

                                                iv.     Matt 24:5 – Because God’s name is important – others will misrepresent God and use His name/image to mislead.

                                                  v.     Matt 28:19 – God’s name is not just important in Bible times – Christ speaks of its continued importance in our times.

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[1]Freedman, D. N. (1996, c1992). The Anchor Bible Dictionary (4:360). New York: Doubleday.