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The Teachings of Jesus : Lesson 11

Text: Matthew 6:5-13; Luke 11:1-4
6 March 2016

CONTEXT OF TEACHING THE LORD’S PRAYER

  1. Matthew does not offer the context

a) A compilation of the teachings of Jesus             Matthew 5-7
b) Prayer was one of the subjects/ topics

  1. Luke offers the context

a) The disciples noted that the Lord Jesus was given to prayer             Luke 11:1
i)   Commencement of public ministry                                     Luke 4:1
ii)  Praying on a mountain Luke 6:12
iii) Transfiguration Luke 9:28-29
iv)  Prayer at a certain place Luke 11:1
b) The disciples requested that they be taught how to pray
c) Point of reference… as John the baptiser taught his disciples to pray Luke 11:1

THE LORD’S PRAYER

  1. Two recording of this prayer

a) Shorter form                         Luke 11:2-4
b) Longer form                         Matthew 6:9-13

  1. Misapplication of The Lord’s Prayer

a) Ritualistic prayer
b) Repetitive prayer

  1. Careful study of what Jesus said is of great importance

a) General context of Matthew 6
b) Wrong prayer practices noted
c) Correct understanding of prayer offered

COMMON PRACTICES

  1. Public prayers offered

a) To be seen by men
b) Seeking the praise of men
c) The problem of hypocrisy Matthew 6:5

  1. Vain repetition

a) Many words by Gentile nations (“heathens”)
b) Thinking that these prayers will be heard Matthew 6:7

PRAYING IN PRIVATE

  1. Go to your room

  1. The secret place

PRAYING TO GOD AS FATHER

  1. Relating to God as “Father”

  1. Begins with a born-again relationship John 3

  1. To be carefully cultivated

THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WITH REFERENCE TO PRAYER             

  1. He enables us to be born again John 3:3-8

  1. He teaches us to cry “Abba, Father” Romans 8:15-16