November 4, 2007

Jesus Teaches His Followers to Pray

Steve Lane

A. Review

A change of core purpose
Jesus' plan centered around the risky endeavor of investing in people.
What will happen to the Word sown into your life? Will you sow into others?

"Take courage! Don't be afraid, It is I. Have faith."

Matthew 5: 1 - 7: 29
Sermon on the Mount
The Beatitudes
Being a light to the world
Matthew 5: 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit
When a person truly recognizes their complete...
Two mind sets
Cain's response - he was offended Genesis 4: 5 - 7
Only the truly humble will be truly effective for God.

Matthew 5: 4 Blessed are those who mourn
Do you mourn your sins, and repent and receive comfort?

Matthew 5: 5 Blessed are the meek
Those resting in Christ will enter the promised land (land of rest)
Meekness is not weakness, but self-control and rest.

Matthew 5: 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
A hunger for a right relationship with God drives them.

Matthew 5: 7 Blessed are the merciful
"Willing to give up even their own dignity and honor for the sake of others."

Matthew 5: 8 Blessed are the pure in heart
Single mindedness toward God and following Jesus. A heart free from...

Matthew 5: 9 Blessed are the peacemakers
Our true concern is so much for others

Matthew 5: 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted
Matthew 5: 11 - 12
B. Introduction

Jesus prays:
Luke 4: 42
Luke 5: 16
Luke 6: 12
Luke 11: 1
Matthew 14: 23
Luke 11: 1 - 2
Matthew 6: 9

How you should pray

C.
First, Some Instruction on Prayer

Matthew 6: 1
Matthew 6: 5
Jesus also used prayer to teach His disciples.
Jesus seems to have disdain for hypocrisy in all things, and especially in prayer.
Not just words, but engaging God.
The training of the ones who led the way in praying.

D. How to Pray

Matthew 7: 9 - 13
Our Father Acknowledging being His Child. Acknowledging His attitude.
In Heaven Transcendent, yet personal. On the Throne.
Hallowed be your Name Who He is, and His character.
Your Kingdom come Desiring all things rightly related to God.
Your will be done Things lining up with the will of the father -- getting yoked together.
Daily bread Personal needs, whatever is on your mind.
Forgive Give and receive. Think how Christ forgave you -- that kind of forgiveness.
Lead us not into temptation Protection from, and alertness to anything outside.
Deliver us from the evil one Put on Christ. Put on the armor.
E.
More Instruction on Prayer

Luke 11: 5 - 8
Continue knocking at the door of Heaven, and you will obtain your desire.

Luke 11: 9 - 10
God does not guarantee a lack of conflict in your life, but He does guarantee inner peace.

F. Conclusion

Philippians 4: 6 - 7
It is impossible to really talk to God and not have peace.
Do I bring peace, or inner turmoil to my family, to work, to the body, to the world?

Philippians 4: 4 - 7