transforming the world in which God has placed us, pt 6
Matthew 6 v 5-8
Introduction recap, God wants to give, not domain of super Christian!
New gorilla, sooner or later we get found out. It would seem that prayer would be the Christian’s great source of power, it is! But it can be a place of real problems. We must be careful in prayer, because our sinful nature can follow us right into the throne room; nothing is safe from our sinfulness.
I The problem of prayer
A Prayer can express selfishness
We tend to focus on the one who is praying
a. It draws attention to ourselves
b. It also reminds us that we are praying (look at me!)
We tend to focus n personal wants/needs.
It’s amazing how selfish most of our praying actually is
The Christian’s focus on others should show in prayer
We tend to define spirituality outwardly
By length /amount of prayer- but prayer should flow from a grateful heart, you pray because God is in you, not to get God in you
Spirituality is always inward
B. Prayer can focus on form
1. We get too concerned with the actual wording of prayer (Groans)
2. We tend to stress time
a. We concentrate on the length of time spent
b. We concentrate on regularity of time spent.
II. The power of prayer
A It is simply the individual approaching God
1. There is nothing mystical about prayer
2. It is communication between two persons
B. Powerful prayer involves
Exclusion
Other people- mentally not physically
Yourself
Real issue is sincerity more than secrecy
Realization
a. Who and what God really is
b. The Fatherhood of God and all the relationships, which that suggests
The ability of God to accomplish anything
Confidence
The confidence of a child with its father.
The realization that God wants to bless more than I want to be blessed (prayer involves a basket not a battering ram)
The realization that he already knows what I need
Conclusion
Tomato frog Prayer can be a problem, but the real problem lies with our sinful nature, our lack of faith. Prayer can be a source of power when we pray with reverence and confidence.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Prayer or proclamation
Transforming the world in which God has place you pt 5
Matthew 6 :5-8
Introduction recap resolutions Pepe Rodriguez, translation Public prayer is tricky, it is easy to pray in church with everyone else, it is easy to pray in front of friends when you have tried it a few times, but in all prayer, public or private it is so hard to pray from the heart, to pray with faith, without fear and to really mean it. Jesus has some teaching for us on the subject!
I. condemnation
A. Jesus condemns their method
1. They stood in the synagogue (looking for prominence)
2. They stood on the street corners (plain view)
3. Jesus does not condemn standing in general as it was a common practice
B. Jesus condemns their manner
1. Impression- that they may be seen by men”- they were concerned with an impression
2. Impersonation- they were trying to vie the impression that they were spiritual and pious
3. Intention- they were trying to make it look like they were so earnest that they couldn’t wait
C. Jesus condemns their motive
1. Design- their end in view was to have the applause of men
2. Designation- Jesus calls them hypocrites
3. Denunciation- He says that they have their reward already, thus ruling out future reward
II. Caution
A. We should be aware of similarity
1. We like to condemn the hypocrites and Pharisees
2. It is possible for us to be exactly like them
3. we must examine our own hearts in the light of the word
B. We should be aware of selfishness
1.This is a subtle problem in prayer
2. It is contrary to the communion with God
C. We should be aware of style
1. There is too much worry on what we say and how we say it before others
2. Time can also become too important for us
III. Correction
A. Jesus commends secrecy (v6)
1.Meaning- go shut out other things (including the recognition of other people)
2. The cupboard and the closed door are attitudes of the heart and mind
B. Jesus commends sincerity (vv7, 8a)
1. Prohibition- don’t be like the pagans, the religious
2. Don’t babble, ie don’t repeat yourself, don’t say things without thinking! (Lord’s prayer can be abused in this way)
3. Don’t be like them
a. either by doing what they do
b. Or by thinking you will be heard with more fancy talk
C. Jesus commends simplicity (v8b)
1. Remember the basic precondition- God knows all about your needs before you even get there, so he is much more concerned about your attitude in prayer
2. All the flashy accessories are not necessary at all
3. Prayer is a matter of friendship and fellowship between you and God
Conclusion
Nothing quite tests your spiritual life more than face to face time with God in prayer, it is a challenge and a risk to spend time alone with God, but are you up for it? How about this, 10 mins a day with god in prayer, sign up for an hour to be with God alone in the prayer room when we do our next 24 hour prayer room. Don’t let God pass by, new year, get serious with God, and you will see the world he has placed you in being transformed as he works through you. The job applicant, "morse code"may you……..
Matthew 6 :5-8
Introduction recap resolutions Pepe Rodriguez, translation Public prayer is tricky, it is easy to pray in church with everyone else, it is easy to pray in front of friends when you have tried it a few times, but in all prayer, public or private it is so hard to pray from the heart, to pray with faith, without fear and to really mean it. Jesus has some teaching for us on the subject!
I. condemnation
A. Jesus condemns their method
1. They stood in the synagogue (looking for prominence)
2. They stood on the street corners (plain view)
3. Jesus does not condemn standing in general as it was a common practice
B. Jesus condemns their manner
1. Impression- that they may be seen by men”- they were concerned with an impression
2. Impersonation- they were trying to vie the impression that they were spiritual and pious
3. Intention- they were trying to make it look like they were so earnest that they couldn’t wait
C. Jesus condemns their motive
1. Design- their end in view was to have the applause of men
2. Designation- Jesus calls them hypocrites
3. Denunciation- He says that they have their reward already, thus ruling out future reward
II. Caution
A. We should be aware of similarity
1. We like to condemn the hypocrites and Pharisees
2. It is possible for us to be exactly like them
3. we must examine our own hearts in the light of the word
B. We should be aware of selfishness
1.This is a subtle problem in prayer
2. It is contrary to the communion with God
C. We should be aware of style
1. There is too much worry on what we say and how we say it before others
2. Time can also become too important for us
III. Correction
A. Jesus commends secrecy (v6)
1.Meaning- go shut out other things (including the recognition of other people)
2. The cupboard and the closed door are attitudes of the heart and mind
B. Jesus commends sincerity (vv7, 8a)
1. Prohibition- don’t be like the pagans, the religious
2. Don’t babble, ie don’t repeat yourself, don’t say things without thinking! (Lord’s prayer can be abused in this way)
3. Don’t be like them
a. either by doing what they do
b. Or by thinking you will be heard with more fancy talk
C. Jesus commends simplicity (v8b)
1. Remember the basic precondition- God knows all about your needs before you even get there, so he is much more concerned about your attitude in prayer
2. All the flashy accessories are not necessary at all
3. Prayer is a matter of friendship and fellowship between you and God
Conclusion
Nothing quite tests your spiritual life more than face to face time with God in prayer, it is a challenge and a risk to spend time alone with God, but are you up for it? How about this, 10 mins a day with god in prayer, sign up for an hour to be with God alone in the prayer room when we do our next 24 hour prayer room. Don’t let God pass by, new year, get serious with God, and you will see the world he has placed you in being transformed as he works through you. The job applicant, "morse code"may you……..
Thursday, January 13, 2011
What to do with what you have got
1st tim 6 v 17-19
Introduction Fisherman or pavement? Bible has plenty to say about money. It speaks about desiring it; it speaks to those who have it, and those who don’t. Wherever you are today, don’t stop listening; there is something for you here.
I. The relativity of riches (v 17a)
A. “Rich in terms of this present age”
1.We see riches in man’s terms
2.God sees riches in entirely different terms
B. This shows us that riches are always relative
1. To be really rich is always to have slightly more than we already have
2. But we are richer than almost anyone on earth
II. Warnings for the wealthy (v 17b): to each one of us
A Don’t be snobbish
1.Don’t be proud, or “highminded”- from two words, lofty and think
2.Beware of the “pride of the purse”
B Don’t be smug
1. “Don’t fix your hopes upon something as uncertain as
money
3. Don’t find security in what you have
III. Principles of prosperity (v 17-18)
A. Fix your hope upon God
1. A matter of focus- God should be that focus
2. God is the perfect point of focus
a. He gives all things
b. He gives us all things
c. He gives us all things richly
d. He gives us all things richly to be enjoyed (it is not wrong to have things as long as the focus is right)
B. Work at doing Good
1.enjoy doing good, not a burden
2. Same word is used of God in Acts 14:17
C. Be rich in noble actions
1. excel in things that are noble
2. Make a collection of noble actions, that which is honourable, do so many that people can’t tell which is the most honourable
D. Be quick to recognise need
1. This word contains the idea of awareness of the needs of others
2. The English word “generosity” fits in well
E. Be willing to give what you have
1. Be ready and willing to share what you have with others
2. This puts the focus where it belongs
IV. The intelligence of investment (v19)
A. Provision for the future
1. a treasure for the future
2. a good foundation, in contrast to the shaky foundations provided by riches
3. For the future, when we meet Jesus on this throne, sheep and goats….
B. Performance for the present
1.so grasp the life, which is life indeed- life in Christ,
eternal life, purpose filled life
3. The idea is that the person who learns how to handle riches is the only person who really understands what life is about
Conclusion
The underlying philosophy, OT saints showed their wealth by possession, NT saints by their giving, God esp in the NT shows interest in giving not in having. Until you learn to give you haven’t learnt what life is about. Never forget that it is “God who gives us all things to richly enjoy” Examples….. “how to catch a monkey”
May you…………..
Introduction Fisherman or pavement? Bible has plenty to say about money. It speaks about desiring it; it speaks to those who have it, and those who don’t. Wherever you are today, don’t stop listening; there is something for you here.
I. The relativity of riches (v 17a)
A. “Rich in terms of this present age”
1.We see riches in man’s terms
2.God sees riches in entirely different terms
B. This shows us that riches are always relative
1. To be really rich is always to have slightly more than we already have
2. But we are richer than almost anyone on earth
II. Warnings for the wealthy (v 17b): to each one of us
A Don’t be snobbish
1.Don’t be proud, or “highminded”- from two words, lofty and think
2.Beware of the “pride of the purse”
B Don’t be smug
1. “Don’t fix your hopes upon something as uncertain as
money
3. Don’t find security in what you have
III. Principles of prosperity (v 17-18)
A. Fix your hope upon God
1. A matter of focus- God should be that focus
2. God is the perfect point of focus
a. He gives all things
b. He gives us all things
c. He gives us all things richly
d. He gives us all things richly to be enjoyed (it is not wrong to have things as long as the focus is right)
B. Work at doing Good
1.enjoy doing good, not a burden
2. Same word is used of God in Acts 14:17
C. Be rich in noble actions
1. excel in things that are noble
2. Make a collection of noble actions, that which is honourable, do so many that people can’t tell which is the most honourable
D. Be quick to recognise need
1. This word contains the idea of awareness of the needs of others
2. The English word “generosity” fits in well
E. Be willing to give what you have
1. Be ready and willing to share what you have with others
2. This puts the focus where it belongs
IV. The intelligence of investment (v19)
A. Provision for the future
1. a treasure for the future
2. a good foundation, in contrast to the shaky foundations provided by riches
3. For the future, when we meet Jesus on this throne, sheep and goats….
B. Performance for the present
1.so grasp the life, which is life indeed- life in Christ,
eternal life, purpose filled life
3. The idea is that the person who learns how to handle riches is the only person who really understands what life is about
Conclusion
The underlying philosophy, OT saints showed their wealth by possession, NT saints by their giving, God esp in the NT shows interest in giving not in having. Until you learn to give you haven’t learnt what life is about. Never forget that it is “God who gives us all things to richly enjoy” Examples….. “how to catch a monkey”
May you…………..
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