Archives for Prayer

For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory for ever.

September 19, 2012 Leave a Comment

The Glory of God

Matthew 6:13 “…for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

We finish our study of the Lord’s Prayer with the doxology, teaching us some of God’s attributes.

Here is our overview summary of the Lord’s Prayer:

 

 

Heading: God as Father and King

• Petition #1: “Hallowed”:     God’s honor
• Petition #2: “Kingdom”:    God’s rule
• Petition #3: “Will”:              God’s direction
• Petition #4: “Bread”:          Providing grace
• Petition #5: “Forgive”:       Pardoning grace
• Petition #6: “Lead us”:       Preventing grace
• Petition #7: “Deliver us”:   Preserving grace

Closing: the Glory of God.

DAY 1

The Lord’s Prayer began, Matt. 6:9 “Our Father in heaven.”

1. What two attributes of God from this verse does Jesus tell us to keep in mind when we pray?

2. What is the significance of each of these?

3. Jesus tells us to end our prayer the same way, remembering some of the attributes of God. Which ones does he mention?
Matthew 6:13 “…for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

4. You likely wrote down three: God is King, God is Sovereign and God’s Glory. Jesus hints at another one in the last phrase, “forever and ever.” At what attribute of God is He hinting?

5. What usually motivates us to prayer is some need. It may be personal, a family need, financial, etc. While we are certainly invited to bring our needs before the throne of grace, what does the heading and closing of this prayer suggest to you? What focus is Jesus encouraging to take when we pray?

6. Living for ourselves and our own self-serving interests “makes sense” to us, it “feels right,” and we are driven to get our needs met, but eventually this well runs dry. We can’t get enough “water’ to quench the human thirst inside. We need a bigger focus and reason to live. This is what the final line of the Lord’s Prayer drives home.

7. Re-read the heading and closing of this prayer. Verbalize these words to God. Ask God to make you more God-centered today in all your responses to people and your responsibilities.

DAY 2

Matt. 6:13 “…for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

1. The world is called the “kingdom of darkness.” Satan’s influence and man’s sinfulness has created a mess, where men build their lives around themselves and their own interests. Read the results in any newspaper.

But God has “invaded” the kingdom of darkness through His word, prophets, His church and most notably His Son. He is building a new kingdom, the “kingdom of light” right in the middle of the kingdom of darkness!

Colossians 1:12 …giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion (kingdom) of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,

2. If you have Jesus Christ as your King, you have been delivered out of the kingdom of darkness. What are some examples of your former life in the “kingdom of darkness?”

3. What are some ways you see God building into you the “kingdom of light?” Under each of the verses below, jot down how you have seen God building into you:

Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,

Mark 9:47 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell…

Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 13:43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.

Acts 14:22 …strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

2 Timothy 4:18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.

4. God is working the kingdom of God in you. He is working every day to allow Jesus to more and more be King of your life. One day, at our death, that work will be completed, and we will enjoy His Kingship through all eternity! Thank Him for His faithful work in you, today.

DAY 3

Matt. 6:13 “…for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

1. There are countless verses in the bible that describe God’s eternal and sovereign power.

Below are some verses that describe how His power can be at work in you. Under each verse write down what His power is for, and write down one example you see of His power at work in you:

Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

Philippians 3:21… who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

2 Timothy 1:12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. (my faith and testimony)

Hebrews 2:18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Jude 1:24 To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy– 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

Colossians 1:11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,

1 Chronicles 29:11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. 12 Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.

2. For what do you need God’s power?

3. Pray for His power in your life right now.

DAY 4

Matt. 6:13 “…for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

1. In the following verses, write down why God is worthy of glory:

Revelation 4:11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”

Psalms 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

Revelation 5:12 “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”

John 1:14 And the Word (Jesus) became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Psalms 115:1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.

2. In the following verse, record how we participate in bringing glory to God:

Galatians 1:23 … they only heard it said, “He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me.

Galatians 6:14 But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

1 Corinthians 6:20 you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Jer. 9:23 Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might nor the rich man glory in his riches; 24 but let him who glories glory in that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practice steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I delight, says the LORD.

John 17:4 I glorified thee on earth, having accomplished the work which thou gavest me to do;

3. What strikes you about God’s glory? What strikes you about how you can bring glory to Him?

DAY 5

Matt. 6:13 “…for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

1. The Greek phrase is “Εις τους αιωνας,” which literally means, “to the for evers.” For all of eternity. The original word αιων is a compound word made up of two small Greek words: (1) αει which means, “always,” and ων which means, “being, or existence,” hence, “always in existence.”

2. God is eternal, everlasting in His character, His kingdom, His power and His glory!

3. Abraham worked through a very sticky situation with a foreign ruler, where an army was menacingly close to his small family. When the issue was resolved with good will (and Abraham had escaped with his life), he did the following…

Genesis 21:33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called upon the name of the LORD, the Eternal God.

a. Why do you think he planted a tree?

b. Why did Abraham call on the name of the Lord?

c. Why did Abraham call God, “the eternal God?”

3. The parable of the sheep and the goats depicts what will happen at final judgment. Everyone will be divided into the sheep or the goats.

Matthew 25:46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

a. What lay ahead for the sheep (the righteous)?

b. What lay ahead for the goats (“they”–the goats)?

4. The following passage picks up all four elements of the doxology: kingdom, power, glory, and eternity.

2 Thessalonians 1:5 This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be made worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering — 6 since indeed God deems it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, 7 and to grant rest with us to you who are afflicted, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, 8 inflicting vengeance upon those who do not know God and upon those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 They shall suffer the punishment of eternal destruction and exclusion from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, 10 when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at in all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. 11 To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his call, and may fulfill every good resolve and work of faith by his power, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

5. Record one idea that strikes you for each of the following words:

Kingdom-

Power-

Glory-

Eternity-

5. What strikes you the most from the entire doxology? What do you want to remember? Is there some way you need to adjust your life?

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“Deliver Us From Evil”

September 10, 2012 Leave a Comment

 This week we look at the last petition in the Lord’s Prayer. Here are all seven petitions:
• Petition #1: “Hallowed”:   God’s honor
• Petition #2: “Kingdom”:   God’s rule
• Petition #3: “Will”:            God’s direction
• Petition #4: “Bread”:         Providing grace
• Petition #5: “Forgive”:      Pardoning grace
• Petition #6: “Lead us”:     Preventing grace
• Petition #7: “Deliver us”: Preserving grace

DAY 1

Matthew 6:13 “…but deliver us from evil.”

1. What types of evil do you think Jesus is talking about?

2. In the Greek language, the phrase could also be translated, “from the evil one.” The New Testament identifies three main categories of evil.
• The “world.”

1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

• The “flesh” (our sinful nature)

1 John 2:16 For everything in the world–the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does–comes not from the Father but from the world.

• The devil.

1 John 5:18-19 We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him. 19 We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.

3. Every day, all three sources of evil are “busy” at work to inch you away from God, to get you to make “small” compromises today in order to set us up for big compromises later. Take a few minutes and pray Petition #7 for yourself and those you love…
“…deliver us from evil.”

DAY 2

You have three great enemies: the world, the flesh (your human nature), and the devil. Today we’ll look at the world.

1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For everything in the world–the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does–comes not from the Father but from the world.

1. What do you think John means by:
a. “The world?”

b. “loving” the world?

Galatians 1:4 …the Lord Jesus Christ who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,

2. Paul uses the phrase “present evil age.” How is this similar to John’s phrase, “the world?”

James 4:4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely?

3. James makes two important points about the world in 4:4. What are they?

4. Understanding these phrases is important. The central idea is one of love and allegiance. If we live for what the world has to offer as our central purpose we have become “friends with the world.”

5. This is illustrated in two ways relationally! See if you can spot them. One is in James 4:4, the other is in James 4:5. Write down the ideas.

6. God considers our putting what the world can give us as primary as adultery! (4:4). He uses the phrase that He “envies intensely” for us. How do these illustrations add to the idea of “friendship with the world?”

7. Jesus uses the phrase “in the world,” “of the world,” “out of the world,” and “into the world.” Underline each phrase and jot down what you think He is saying our role to the world should be.

John 17:14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

DAY 3

You have three great enemies: the world, the flesh (your human nature), and the devil. Today we’ll look at “the flesh,” meaning our sinful nature. Evil emanates from within us!

Matthew 12:33 “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.

1. How do we know an orange tree is an orange tree? How do we know a lemon tree is a lemon tree and not an orange tree? The simplest way is to test the fruit, and taste the fruit! Whatever we may think of ourselves, the truest test of who we really are can be seen in our deeds and words.
Think back over the last month of your life. What kind of fruit do others see in you in your words? Your deeds? What does your fruit taste like?

2. Our sinful nature expresses itself in many forms. John names three of them in the following verse.

1 John 2:16 For everything in the world–the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does–comes not from the Father but from the world.

Jot down one example from your own life for each of these:

* “Cravings of sinful man” -

* “Lust of his eyes” -

* Boasting of what he has and does” -

3. Jesus taught the parable of the sower and the four soils. One of the soils was seed sown among thorns.

Mark 4:18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.

Jesus tells three more things that emanate from our sinful hearts. Write down one example of each of these:
* “Worries of this life” -

* “Deceitfulness of wealth” -

* “Desires for other things” -

4. Which of the items you studied today needs your attention? What steps do you need to take?

DAY 4

1. Satan does whatever he can to take you out. What does the following verse say to you?

1 Peter 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, …

2 Corinthians 2:11 … in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

2. For each of the verses below, write down what Satan’s scheme is:

Revelation 12:10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.

1 Corinthians 7:5 Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Matthew 13:19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path.

3. What helps us overcome Satan and his schemes? Record what scripture says in the verses, below.

1 John 5:4… for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

1 John 4:4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

DAY 5

Ephesians 2:1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.

1. Write down his descriptions for each of our evil enemies:

* The world–

* The flesh–

* The devil–

2. A pretty bleak picture! “But” – the next word in the passage, depicts what God has done to help us overcome each of our three evil enemies!!! Write down what God does for us in each of the verses, below:

Ephesians 2:4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions–it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God– 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
v. 4-
v. 5-
v. 6-
v. 7-
v. 8-
v. 9-
v. 10-

4. What is our role in dealing with evil? For each verse, write down what our role in overcoming evil is.

2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace…

Romans 13:14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

1 Thessalonians 5:22 Avoid every kind of evil.

Psalms 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

5. You’ve studied, “Deliver us from evil.” Evil shows itself in the world, the flesh, and the devil. What steps do you need to take to overcome the evil around you and in you?

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“Lead us not into tempation”

September 3, 2012 Leave a Comment

 You might wonder why we would ever have to ask God to, “Lead us not into temptation.” This week you’ll discover some critical ways God humbles us in order to build our dependence and confidence in God.

DAY 1

1. The word “temptation” in English, is used in two ways in the Greek language (New Testament).

a. It can meet “testing,” as in “testing” a piece of metal to discover its strength, or purge out impurities.

b. It can mean “temptation” to do what is wrong, or evil.

1 Cor. 10:13 No temptation has overtaken that is not common to man. God is faithful and will not let you be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape that you may be able to endure it.

Using this verse, answer the following questions…

2. Do you ever wonder if, “I’m the only one that deals with ________?”

3. What does this verse say about your perception?

4. Do you ever wonder if the wrong with which you are tempted is just too strong for you?

5. What does this verse say about your perception about the strength of temptation to do wrong?

6. Do you ever wonder if the strongest temptation you face is just too strong for you?

7. What does this verse have to say about your perception?

8. Do you ever wonder if the temptation you face just inevitably leads to sin?

9. What does this verse have to say about your perception?

10. What is your biggest take away from this verse?

DAY 2

James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

1. Trials come to every person and every Christian. Also read James 1:2-3, where James describes trials as “various kinds,” or literally, “multi-colored.” What are some trials you’ve been through?

2. What quality is needed in order to “stand the test?”

3. The word, “test” is used to (a) “test” the quality of a metal, like gold, (b) discover what kind of metal it is, or (3) “refine” the metal so as to purge it of impurities. Do you identify with any of these types of “testing?”

4. In what ways is a “trial” also a “test?”

James 1:13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;

5. Though “trials” are (a) part of life, (b) given by God, and (c) used redemptively by God in our lives, what can we never say about trials?

6. When you are under a “trial” are you sometimes “tempted” to sin?

7. Why are we tempted to sin? List every item you can in the following verses.

James 1:14 … but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

8. James puts his finger on the real culprit in temptation: our own “evil desire.” Though we are to vigilantly fight temptation at the action level and relational level, the beginning of the battle begins in the heart! Take a few minutes to humble yourself before God, to yield your desires to God and to submit to His purpose for you today.

DAY 3

Read Matthew 4:1-11, when Satan tempted Jesus.

1. God allowed Satan to tempt Jesus three times. The first temptation is given in verse 3. What was the temptation?

2. Why would this have been a temptation to Jesus? (v. 2).

3. How did Jesus respond to temptation #1?

4. What does this tell you about how you fight temptation? Are you following His example?

5. This temptation may not seem like “all that big of a deal” to you, but Jesus rejected this temptation in its tracks! Why should you reject even the “smallest” of temptations?

6. Satan is a master deceiver. He tried to “catch” Jesus in a “small” temptation so as to “snag” Him in a far greater one. It is the “slippery slope” tactic.

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

a. Peter describe Satan in two ways in v. 8. What are they?

b. What is the lion out to do?

c. What does Peter say is your role in fighting temptation, in v. 8?

d. What does Peter say is your role in fighting temptation in v. 9?

7. Between Jesus’ response and Peter’s teaching, what do you need to do to fight temptation?

DAY 4

Yesterday we saw how one of Satan’s strategies with us is to tempt us with “smaller” temptations for the purpose of “snagging” us with “bigger” temptations that take us (and others) down.

Read Matthew 4:1-11

1. Temptation #1 was the temptation to turn stones into bread. What is Temptation #2? (vv. 4-7).

2. What do you think would have happened to Jesus if he had succumbed to this temptation?

3. Temptation #2, like Temptation #1 begins with the word “if.” To what do you think Temptation #2 “appealed” to in Jesus’ heart? How is human pride involved in temptation?

4. How did Jesus respond to Temptation #2? (v. 7).

5. What is implied in His response?

6. Temptation #3 comes in vv. 8-9. What does Satan attempt to get Jesus to do?

7. “Worship” is more than an activity. “Worship” comes from the word “worth.” This is a temptation regarding our real allegiance, and what is really going to be most important in our lives. Satan is willing to “pay a fortune” for Jesus’ allegiance and worship.

a. Satan’s strategy is the same for you! How does this strike you?

b. How does Jesus respond to Temptation #3? (v. 10).

c. What strikes you about Jesus’ response to temptation?

DAY 5

Read Matthew 26:31-35

1. Jesus predicts what’s going to happen that very night. He will be arrested, and when He is the disciples will flee like rats (well, like “sheep”). What is Peter’s response in v. 33?

2. Why do you think Peter feels so confident in himself?

3. In spite of Peter’s confidence, Jesus sees that Peter will fall flat on his face. What does Jesus see in Peter that Peter does not see in Himself? (vv. 34-35)

4. Did Peter “hear” what Jesus had to say? How did he act on that knowledge?

5. Read Matthew 26:69-75

a. Peter faced the same temptation, three times. In the first one (vv. 69-70), how did Peter sin against God, against the girl and against himself?

b. The second temptation occurs in vv. 71-72. How did Peter sin against God, against the girl and against himself?

c. The third temptation occurs in vv. 73-74. How did Peter sin against God, against the people and against himself?

d. Up until this moment do you think Peter was even aware he was being tempted?

Matt. 26:75a Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken…

e. What is tragic about this statement?

Matt. 26:75b …”Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.

f. When we have succumbed to temptation, the hammer falls heavily. What is your biggest lesson in dealing with temptation?

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Forgive Us Our Debts, As We Forgive Our Debtors

August 28, 2012 Leave a Comment

Bitterness is a writhing snake. It kills relationships, people and you!

The Lord’s Prayer–part 5

DAY 1

Matthew 6:12 …and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Bitterness is a cruel taskmaster. You see someone has done you wrong. “I don’t deserve this! How dare he treat me that way! After all I’ve done for him!!! Geesh.”

One deed done by another to you; a thousand replays in your head. (You may be one who adds to this mess by replaying these messages with others). Each time a replay occurs, two things happen to your heart. It splits (gets smaller) and it hardens (closes down).

Ezekiel 11:19 I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.

1. How can you tell when your own heart is getting hard? What are the symptoms…
a. In how you treat people?

b. In your selfishness?

c. In a demanding spirit, either from God or others?

d. An increase in being critical and “nit-picky?”

Read Acts 8:9-22
2. Simon the Sorcerer is a man with “a checkered past.” Does his “conversion” (8:13) appear to be genuine or do you “smell a rat?” Are other factors at work here in Simon?

3. Simon’s lost all his followers and his adoration, but he sees a way to still get his needs met! What is it? (8:19)

4. Simon’s request and Peter’s response removes all doubt about Simon’s “conversion.” What does Peter see needs to happen in Simon…
8:21b–

8:22–

5. Peter puts his finger on two deep drivers in Simon’s heart in 8:23. What are they?

6. Ephesians 4:31-32. How can you let go of bitterness?

DAY 2

Bitterness is a deadly “disease.” Read Hebrews 12:15
1. Bitterness has both short-term and long-term effects on others and you! How does the writer describe them?

 

Read Matt. 6:12 “…and forgive us our debts…”

2. What are the things that are true of financial debts?

3. What happens to us if we don’t pay our debts? What happens if you don’t pay your mortgage? Car payments?

4. In the financial world, if we do not pay what we owe we lose it. A price is paid. In the following verse, what word is used to describe one who does not pay back what he owes?
Psalms 37:21 The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives…

5. Why do you suppose Jesus used this term instead of, “forgive us our ‘sins’?”

6. “Sin” is generally an “umbrella” term that covers lots of aspects of sin. Here are some examples: rebellion, arrogance, foolishness, self-centeredness, etc. It is also illustrated with lots of “pictures” of sin: stained red, dirty, like oily rags, filthy, brazen, etc.
Thinking of “sin” as a “debt” what point is Jesus making when he tells us to pray, “Forgive us our debt?” What is He implying in this request?

7. Sin is a debt we can never repay. Sin is a mountain of debt, accumulated over a lifetime of multiple daily choices, the debt ever growing higher, that is, unless Someone else pays the debt!
Read Mark 10:45

8. Someone did pay your mountain of debt! Take a few minutes and thank Him.

DAY 3

Matt. 6:12 …”Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.”

1. Can you genuinely forgive someone and call the police if needed, or do you think these are mutually exclusive?

2. How does the correlation of asking God to forgive us our sins as we forgive others’ sins against us strike you?

3. Is it possible for us to receive God’s forgiveness for our sins if we’re not forgiving someone for their sins against us?

Matt. 6:14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

4. It’s easy for people to excuse their resentments, gloss over bitterness, continue to “harbor” unkind thoughts towards others who’ve hurt them. We may even feel smug or superior “Well, I wouldn’t have done that!” What things do we risk when we play with rattlesnakes, like these thoughts?

5. Forgiving others does not come easy to our fallen human nature. What common thread is in each of the following verses?

Eph. 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

6. The apostle Paul says one key aspect of learning how to forgive is setting the standard of forgiveness at what and how God has forgiven us!

Having said that, there is usually a big difference between what our “head” tells us and what our “heart” tells us. Our head can rattle the things we know about how God forgives us, but our “hearts” live out what we “really” think about the matter! It is the latter on which we typically and erroneously live our lives. For each of the following, write down what your “heart’s” answer would be: How does God forgive me?

• Completely? Partially? On a contingency basis?
• Only for the “small stuff” but not for the “biggies?”
• Grudgingly? Because He “has to?”
• He “forgives” but He still “remembers”

7. What discrepancies between your “head” and “heart” do you see?

DAY 4

Matt. 6:12 …”Forgive us our debts….”

A number of years ago, a couple came to me for financial guidance. “We have so much debt that the only way to pay it off would be to file bankruptcy or someone would have to die.” I was a little taken back by the last part of their answer until I realized they meant “receiving a hefty inheritance.”

We are the people with a mountain, not of financial debt, but spiritual and moral debts. We will look again at how God forgives us.
In our passage today, the people of God were under the judgment of God for their sins. The surrounding peoples gloated over their failure, making it all the worse. Read:

Micah 7:7 But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. 8 Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.

1. What are Micah’s reasons for optimism? Look for at least five.

2. Does this necessarily mean that hard consequences won’t be part of the fallout?

 

Micah 7:9 Because I have sinned against him, I will bear the LORD’s wrath,

3. Notice that, so far, Micah is both optimistic and realistic! Read on…

Micah 7:9 …until he pleads my case and establishes my right.

4. God is not only our Judge, but our defense attorney!!!!! Would this fit your “heart” model of how God forgives you?

5. Micah sees a time when forgiveness will be “complete!” What two ways did he just describe this?

Micah 7:9  …. He will bring me out into the light; I will see his righteousness.

6. How would Micah answer the question, “How does God forgive me?”
• Completely? Partially? On a contingency basis?
• Only for the “small stuff” but not for the “biggies?”
• Grudgingly? Because He “has to?”
• He “forgives” but He still “remembers”

Micah 7:10 Then my enemy will see it and will be covered with shame, she who said to me, “Where is the LORD your God?” My eyes will see her downfall; even now she will be trampled underfoot like mire in the streets.

7. What is your biggest take away from this passage?

DAY 5

Matt. 6:12 …”Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.”

1. We struggle with forgiving others when we have any of the following:
a. An elevated view of their sins against us,
b. A diminished view of our sins against God,
c. An arrogant view of our own ability to atone for sin
d. A diminished view of God’s grace

In today’s passage, God describes how He is going to respond to His people whom He previously had sent off to judgment and captivity.

2. What two things does God intend to do with His people who had been so rebellious and disobedient?

Jeremiah 33:7 I will bring Judah and Israel back from captivity and will rebuild them as they were before.

3. God will do two more things for His people. What are they?

Jeremiah 33:8 I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me.

4. What is different about these last two things?

5. When God forgives us, “it’s a new day!” There is no “lag time,” “probation period,” “time for ‘penance,’” or need to hang your head, etc. God’s grace means God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense! God’s grace is His lavished and completely undeserved blessing heaped on us! Write down what you observe about God’s grace from the next verse.

Jeremiah 33:9 Then this city will bring me renown, joy, praise and honor before all nations on earth that hear of all the good things I do for it; and they will be in awe and will tremble at the abundant prosperity and peace I provide for it.

Matt. 6:12 …”Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.”

6. Think back over the week’s study. For some of you, God is speaking about the front end of this verse. For others, God is prodding you on the back end of this verse. Use the space below to journal your thoughts.

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Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread

August 21, 2012 Leave a Comment

The Lord’s Prayer, continued…

DAY 1

Matthew 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.

1. I’m calling this petition for daily bread, “Petition #4.” Read the verses at the beginning of this prayer. Why do you suppose Petition #4 comes after Petitions #1-3? Is there a message here?

2. What does this say about what we are to value most?

3. What do you think Jesus means by “bread?” Check all you think applies:
___ Food
___ Clothing
___ Shelter
___ Work
___ Necessities
___ “Needs”
___ “Desires”

4. There is the “letter” of the verse and the “spirit” of the verse. Compare and contrast the following verses with Petition #4, “Give us this day our daily bread.” Record your thoughts under each verse, below:

Proverbs 30:8 Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny Thee, and say, Who is the Lord? Or list I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

1 Timothy 6:6 Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce. Then your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will be bursting with wine.

5. What is your biggest thought from these verses?

DAY 2

1. For most of us you may wonder why we have to ask God for daily bread? If you have a job and a decent paycheck, chances are you already have “daily bread” in your home.
It that is the case, is Petition #4 still pertinent? Why or why not?

2. This is an important prayer whether you are poorest or wealthy. What do each of the verses below tell us about the daily need to ask God for our daily “bread?”
Proverbs 27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.

Proverbs 11:28 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.

Proverbs 23:5 Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.

Proverbs 15:16 Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil.

3. Which of the above verses strikes you the most? Is there something you need to do, as a result?

4. Read: 1 Timothy 6:17-19
17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

5. These three verses are filled with great “nuggets!” Make two lists.

List #1: What is good about money?

 

List #2: What dangers are associated with money?

 

6. What’s your biggest takeaway from today’s study?

DAY 3

1. Why do we have to ask God for “bread” if we’ve already “earned” it? Any thoughts?

2. Is what we’ve “earned” really ours? Jot down your thoughts after each verse, below:
Psalm 24:1 The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it; the world and all who dwell in it.

Haggai 2:8 The silver is Mine, the gold is Mine, says the Lord of Hosts.

Hosea 2:9 Therefore I will take back my grain in its time, and my wine in its season and I will take away my wool and my flax, which were to cover her nakedness.

3. Check which of the following are true.
___ God give us possession of things.
___ God allows us to use His things.
___ The “title” to things is God’s.

4. If we are to ask God for our “daily” bread, what does that say about investing, saving, or financial planning? Jot down your thoughts as to this topic below each of the following verses:

Prov. 22:3 A prudent man sees danger ahead and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.

Proverbs 31:16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

Proverbs 27:23 Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds;
24 for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.
25 When the hay is removed and new growth appears and the grass from the hills is gathered in,
26 the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field.
27 You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed you and your family and to nourish your servant girls.

5. Are savings, investing, and financial planning good things? Why?

6. If so, when do they become bad things?

7. What does it mean to ask God for “daily bread” and at the same time save and invest for your future?

DAY 4

“Bread” means food, as well as an umbrella term for our necessities. But “bread” was also used by Jesus to highlight a deeper human need.
Read Matthew 4:1-4

1. According to Jesus, on what else does man need to feed?

2. When we think of physical food we think of food quenching a physical hunger. But there is a deeper human hunger. Read this excerpt from the gospel of John:

John 6:32 Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven.
33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
34 They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.”
35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.
36 But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe.
37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.
38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.
39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day.
40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”
3. What do you think Jesus means by “true bread” in 6:32?

4. What (or Who) is the “bread of God” in 6:33?

5. Where did this “bread” come from? (6:33)

6. What does Jesus promise this “bread” can do for man? (6:33)

7. Jesus definitively identifies the “bread of life” in 6:35. Who is He?

8. What does He promise He can do for man? (6:35)

9. We are to “feed” on the “Bread of life.” This is an analogy. The idea combines the following things:
___ Relationship
___ Priority
___ Taking in His words (“feeding” on His Word)
10. Turn to Him in prayer now. Tell Him you value His word and relationship above everything else.

DAY 5

As we wrap up “Give us this day our daily bread,” let’s review the “physical” bread and “spiritual” bread.

1. Which of the following statements is more true to you after this week:

___ I am free to ask for physical necessities without feeling “unspiritual.”

___ I am reminded that my daily life is actually in God’s hands, not my own.

___ My deepest confidence in life is not my work ethic, brains, insurance, savings or investments (though they are all important). Those are important to God, but ultimately everything I have comes from Him.

___ I need to keep physical necessities in their proper perspective. The petitions before and after this one are preeminent.

___ I am to keep my eyes out, not just for my own needs but for the needs of others. “Give us this day…”

2. There are times when God will take us through times of deprivation. What reasons might He have for that?

3. People are generally obsessed with physical “bread” and then consider “spiritual” bread as fluff–”It’s good for some but not needed by me.”
a. Have you tried to fill a human hunger with physical food or “bread” (things, experiences, pleasures)?

b. How long is the hunger “sated?”

c. How long is it before you hunger for more or something else?

4. Our real, greatest and deepest hunger is for God. However, it sure doesn’t seem that way! Why is that?

5. What things are you more aware of for which you hunger?

6. How’s that “working for you”?

7. How do you think God awakens our real hunger for Him? How does God depriving you of necessities awaken a new hunger? Have you experienced this?

8. Ask God for daily “bread,” both of the physical and spiritual varieties!

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Your Will Be Done

August 12, 2012 Leave a Comment

 The Lord’s Prayer–part 3

We continue our look at the Lord’s Prayer. This week we look at Petition #3.

DAY 1

Matthew 6:10b …. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Review:

Petition #1: Hallowed by Your name. (“May your name be honored in and through my life”)
Petition #2: Your kingdom come. (“May I seek first Your kingdom and righteousness”)
Petition #2 and #3 are the central means of accomplishing Petition #1.

1. You may wonder, “Isn’t God’s will always done?”

The phrase, “God’s will” is used in two ways: His “secret” will and His “revealed” will.
a. The Secret Will of God.
God’s “secret” will is the rule of His own actions.

b. The Revealed Will of God.
God’s “revealed will of God” is what we are supposed to do.

This morning we’ll look at God’s “Secret will of God.”

2. For each of the verses below, where does God accomplish His will regardless of man’s actions?
Revelation 4:11

Daniel 4:35

Romans 9:15

3. What do these verses say about “God’s will?” Do these verses encourage you?

4. No matter what our circumstances may be, we can be certain that nothing can thwart God’s will for our lives!
Read the following verses and record your thoughts:
Job 42:2

Psalm 115:3

5. What strikes you about the “secret will of God?”

DAY 2

1. REVIEW: The phrase “the will of God” is used in two ways.
a. The “secret” will of God,” which we looked at yesterday. This is what God will do.
b. The “revealed” will of God is what we are to do!

2. God makes His will known to us primarily through the scriptures. For each of the verses below, what is God’s will for each of us?
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Ephesians 5:15-20

John 6:40

Romans 12:1-2

Ephesians 6:6

Colossians 1:9

Colossians 1:10

Colossians 1:11

Colossians 1:12

3. How do any of these verses strike you? Is there something you need to do that is God’s will?

DAY 3

1. So, the “will of God” can either mean:
a. What God has purposed to do, or
b. What God has commanded us to do.

2. Doing God’s will is not an option! It is a matter of obedience! If for no other reason, you should do the will of God for your own good!

Read Luke 6:46-49

3. What strikes you about Jesus’ question in 6:46?

4. Does it do us any good to call Him “Lord” and not do His will?

5. Jesus illustrates those who do God’s will and those who don’t. In the following illustrations, make a list of all that is a part of both parables: (6:47-49)

6. Now contrast the two parables. List the things are different in the two parables?

7. What is the lesson of the two parables?

8. What do you think Jesus means by “destruction” in 6:47?

9. What does building a “house” represent?

10. Ask God to give you a spirit to do God’s will, not just hear it.

DAY 4

1. As you attempt to do God’s will you will notice a big problem. RELUCTANCE! Our natural selves only want to do what we want to do, not what God wants us to do. What can be done about this dilemma?

2. I need spiritual wisdom. (I need to know what I’m supposed to do, or why–the benefits / consequences)
What do each of these elaborate on our need for God’s wisdom?

Psalm 119:27

Psalm 119:33

3. I need spiritual inclination. (for my heart to be “inclined” to do God’s will)
What do each of these elaborate on our need for God?

Psalm 119:32

Psalm 119:36

4. I need spiritual power. (Left to ourselves human power will always fall short).
What do each of these elaborate on our need for God?

Psalm 119:25

Psalm 119:28

5. What strikes you most about these three qualities?

6. Take a moment and pray each of these things for yourself. You may use the verses from Psalm 119 as your prayer!!

DAY 5

Read Matthew 7:21-23
1. What is the difference between the person who says, “Lord, Lord,” and the person who does the will of God? What point is Jesus making?

2. What strikes you about the examples Jesus says people would use to justify their place in heaven without really obeying God’s will?

3. Are their hopes realistic? In spite of their hopes that they will be in heaven, what is Jesus’ take on their life?

4. “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

What do we know about heaven? It’s inhabited by God, angels and believers who have died on earth. How do you think they do God’s will done in heaven? In the verses below, record the attitudes of those in heaven:

Revelation 5:8-14

Isaiah 6:2

Revelation 7:15

5. It’s one thing for us to do the will of God grudgingly. What strikes you from the verses you just studied?

6. What needs to change in your own attitude about doing God’s will?

7. Read Romans 12:2. The power to do God’s will comes from God, but you have a part, too! What items are your part in doing God’s will?

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