Saturday, August 30, 2014

The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 8: Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread

The Lord’s Prayer
Lesson 8: Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread


Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be your name;
Your kingdom come;
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors;
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil.
For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.
Amen.


Matthew 6:11 Give us today our daily bread.
Matthew 6:11 [ASV] Give us this day our daily bread.


Psalm 37:25 I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his children begging for bread.


The Main Points for This Lesson:

Needs and Wants. In this life, we have needs and we have wants. Needs are things we require in order to live. Wants are things we desire but can live without.

Daily Bread. In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus uses the phrase “daily bread” to refer to our daily needs. It may be reasonable to say that our basic needs are really daily needs. That is, we need them daily in order to live. If our daily needs are not met on a regular basis, while we may not die immediately, life is fading, and death is drawing near.

Earthly Bread. We need earthly bread in order to live in this world. Jesus spoke in the Sermon on the Mount of food, drink and clothing as needs. These are basic and daily needs. God most often uses our labor as the means through which he provides our daily bread (Psalm 104:14-15). Yet, God has many times provided for his children their daily bread through more miraculous means.

Spiritual Bread. We also need spiritual bread in order to live unto eternal life. This bread comes from God as well. Jesus said of himself, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35). God provides this bread to his children through such means as his word (John 6:63; 1 Peter 2:2), through our obedience to his will (John 4:34), through our proper receiving of the flesh and blood of Christ in the bread and wine in communion (ie. the Lord's Supper, the Lord's Table) (John 6:53-58). This spiritual bread is a daily need.

The Lord's Prayer teaches us both how to pray and how to live.

In praying, “Give us this day our daily bread,” what are we asking of our Father in heaven?

We are asking God to meet our needs this day, having both in our prayer and in our living sought first the kingdom of God and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

We are asking that we would receive daily bread (our needs, not our wants) for today. We are not asking that God would provide for us for tomorrow or next week, but just for today. Again, we are asking only for the required amount for today to be given us today. The prodigal son requested to receive all his inheritance in one day. Through such a request, he lost all his inheritance, and almost lost his soul (had he not come to his senses). So Jesus taught us to pray, give us THIS DAY our DAILY BREAD.

In this petition, we are also asking that our heavenly Father would meet the needs of all his children, all our brothers and sisters. Our good works toward the household of the faith (Galatians 6:9-10) should not be in word and tongue only, but in deed and truth (1 John 3:17-18; James 2:15-16). Yet this does not mean that we should not use our tongue for good. From it should arise prayer from a pure heart to God for the daily bread of all his children.

How does this petition teach us to live?

In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus teaches us to both pray and live first for God's name and kingdom, and then for our own needs. Seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (Matthew 6:33). Our prayer for daily needs should be a faithful exhortation to righteousness in our ears, and a constant call to seek first his kingdom from whose hand we hope to receive daily bread.

We learn in this petition that we can carry nothing out of this world, and so we learn to be content having food and clothing (1 Timothy 6:6-10). Jesus warns the children of God in this prayer against being determined to be rich, and instead calls us to godliness with contentment, which is great gain.

We learn to cast all our anxieties upon the Lord, because he cares for us. God calls us to seek first his kingdom. Yet he does not neglect us, but provides for the needs of his people. (We may find that our own needs are most truly met when we seek first God's kingdom and righteousness.) Are you anxious about the needs of today? Ask your heavenly Father for today's daily bread. Then be thankful as he provides for your needs, or even as you find he already has provided for your needs for today. (We may often be anxious for the needs of tomorrow. This prayer reminds us that we do not need to worry about tomorrow's needs.)

In this petition, we also learn to take thought for the needs of others. We ought to pray for our own needs, both physical and spiritual, as well as for the needs of others (Philippians 2:4).

Finally, we learn in this prayer to work. As God's children, we are called to labor for our earthly bread with the proper aim of receiving through such work God's provision of daily bread. Much more, we ought to labor for our spiritual bread, that we, from the Father's hand, may receive the bread that remains to eternal life (John 6:27).


Suggestions:

Open each lesson with prayer for the teacher and the students and this class time.

Begin by reminding the children that we are learning about the Lord's Prayer, and that this lesson is about the fourth petition (or request) in the Lord's Prayer - “Give us this day our daily bread.”

Give a simple definition of daily bread. It is the things we need (not want) to live each day.

Discuss “daily bread” with the children. You can ask them to name things that can be daily bread. Perhaps make two lists, one of wants, and one of needs. Ask them about ways that these needs are met each day. If they did not think of it, talk about daily bread in its spiritual sense, and Jesus as the bread of life. Ask them about ways we get this type of bread. Remind the children that in both the physical and spiritual sense of daily bread, while it may come through various means, it ultimately comes from our Father in heaven.

The stories below (1 Kings 17:1-6; 1 Kings 17:7-16; Matthew 14:14-21) can be used to teach the children about God's provision of daily bread for his children. As you read, you can ask the children if they think Elijah or the disciples were worried about not having enough daily bread. Do they think God was worried? What should they do if they are worried about not having enough daily bread?

Close the lesson with prayer related to the subject and the students. Pray the Lord's Prayer together.


Stories:

1 Kings 17:1-6 [1] Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the foreigners of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As Yahweh, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.” [2] Yahweh’s word came to him, saying, [3] “Go away from here, turn eastward, and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, that is before the Jordan. [4] It shall be, that you shall drink of the brook. I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” [5] So he went and did according to Yahweh’s word; for he went and lived by the brook Cherith, that is before the Jordan. [6] The ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.
1 Kings 17:7-16 [7] After a while, the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land. [8] Yahweh’s word came to him, saying, [9] “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and stay there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to sustain you.” [10] So he arose and went to Zarephath; and when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks: and he called to her, and said, “Please get me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.” [11] As she was going to get it, he called to her, and said, “Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” [12] She said, “As Yahweh your God lives, I don’t have a cake, but a handful of meal in the jar, and a little oil in the jar. Behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and bake it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.” [13] Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go and do as you have said; but make me of it a little cake first, and bring it out to me, and afterward make some for you and for your son. [14] For thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, ‘The jar of meal shall not empty, neither shall the jar of oil fail, until the day that Yahweh sends rain on the earth.’” [15] She went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, ate many days. [16] The jar of meal didn’t empty, neither did the jar of oil fail, according to Yahweh’s word, which he spoke by Elijah.
Elijah was a righteous man, doing the will of God, earnestly seeking first God's kingdom and his righteousness. This resulted in a lack of daily bread for Elijah (and others). In these two connected stories, we see God's provision of daily bread for his servant.

Matthew 14:14-21 [14] Jesus went out, and he saw a great multitude. He had compassion on them, and healed their sick. [15] When evening had come, his disciples came to him, saying, “This place is deserted, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food.” [16] But Jesus said to them, “They don’t need to go away. You give them something to eat.” [17] They told him, “We only have here five loaves and two fish.” [18] He said, “Bring them here to me.” [19] He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, broke and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples gave to the multitudes. [20] They all ate, and were filled. They took up twelve baskets full of that which remained left over from the broken pieces. [21] Those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. [see also Mark 6:34-44; Luke 9:11-17]
Here again we see that it is a light things for our heavenly Father to provide daily bread for his children. We may without fear and anxiety serve the Lord in all circumstances.


More Stories and Examples:

2 Kings 4:1-7 [1] Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets to Elisha, saying, “Your servant my husband is dead. You know that your servant feared Yahweh. Now the creditor has come to take for himself my two children to be slaves.” [2] Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me: what do you have in the house?” She said, “Your handmaid has nothing in the house, except a pot of oil.” [3] Then he said, “Go, borrow containers from of all your neighbors, even empty containers. Don’t borrow just a few. [4] You shall go in, and shut the door on you and on your sons, and pour out into all those containers; and you shall set aside that which is full.” [5] So she went from him, and shut the door on her and on her sons; they brought the containers to her, and she poured out. [6] When the containers were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another container.” He said to her, “There isn’t another container.” The oil stopped flowing. [7] Then she came and told the man of God. He said, “Go, sell the oil, and pay your debt; and you and your sons live on the rest.”
A widow of a servant of God found herself unable to pay a debt. The creditor was coming to take her two children to be slaves to pay the debt. The Father in heaven who provides his children with daily bread provided for the need of this widow and her children.

2 Kings 4:42-44 [42] A man from Baal Shalishah came, and brought the man of God bread of the first fruits, twenty loaves of barley, and fresh ears of grain in his sack. He said, “Give to the people, that they may eat.” [43] His servant said, “What, should I set this before a hundred men?” But he said, “Give the people, that they may eat; for thus says Yahweh, ‘They will eat, and will have some left over.’” [44] So he set it before them, and they ate, and left some of it, according to Yahweh’s word.
As in the stories of Jesus feeding the 5000 and 4000, here was some food, but not enough to feed the 100 men who needed daily bread. Again, God did not simply provide just enough. Rather, that our faith may be strengthened, the leftovers are meant to show us plainly that God did, and does, provide for all the need.

2 Kings 6:1-7 [1] The sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “See now, the place where we dwell before you is too small for us. [2] Please let us go to the Jordan, and every man take a beam from there, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell.” He answered, “Go!” [3] One said, “Please be pleased to go with your servants.” He answered, “I will go.” [4] So he went with them. When they came to the Jordan, they cut down wood. [5] But as one was felling a beam, the ax head fell into the water. Then he cried, and said, “Alas, my master! For it was borrowed.” [6] The man of God asked, “Where did it fall?” He showed him the place. He cut down a stick, threw it in there, and made the iron float. [7] He said, “Take it.” So he put out his hand and took it.
Our Father in heaven is not stingy. He does not limit his provision to food and clothing. In this story, a servant of the Lord had a true need that did not involve food and clothing. The lost as head was borrowed. God heard this petition for daily bread, and met his need. Fear not little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom (Luke 12:32).

Matthew 15:29-39 [29] Jesus departed there, and came near to the sea of Galilee; and he went up into the mountain, and sat there. [30] Great multitudes came to him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others, and they put them down at his feet. He healed them, [31] so that the multitude wondered when they saw the mute speaking, injured whole, lame walking, and blind seeing—and they glorified the God of Israel. [32] Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days and have nothing to eat. I don’t want to send them away fasting, or they might faint on the way.” [33] The disciples said to him, “Where should we get so many loaves in a deserted place as to satisfy so great a multitude?” [34] Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” [35] He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground; [36] and he took the seven loaves and the fish. He gave thanks and broke them, and gave to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitudes. [37] They all ate, and were filled. They took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces that were left over. [38] Those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. [39] Then he sent away the multitudes, got into the boat, and came into the borders of Magdala. [see also Mark 8:1-9]

Luke 12:13-34
This portion includes a story, a parable and a teaching. One man asks Jesus to help him get his share of the inheritance. Jesus tells the parable about the rich man with abundant crops who stored it up as treasure on earth instead of as treasure in heaven. Jesus used that as a base to teach about trusting God to provide daily bread, seeking first his kingdom, and laying up treasure in heaven.

John 6:1-71
While this chapter is long, it shows us God's wonderful provision of daily bread for both our physical and spiritual needs.


Other Verses:

Genesis 48:14-16 [14] Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it on Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands knowingly, for Manasseh was the firstborn. [15] He blessed Joseph, and said, “The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has fed me all my life long to this day, [16] the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads, and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac. Let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.”

Exodus 16:1-36 (4,13-18) [4] Then Yahweh said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from the sky for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law, or not. [13] In the evening, quail came up and covered the camp; and in the morning the dew lay around the camp. [14] When the dew that lay had gone, behold, on the surface of the wilderness was a small round thing, small as the frost on the ground. [15] When the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, “What is it?” For they didn’t know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread which Yahweh has given you to eat.” [16] This is the thing which Yahweh has commanded: “Gather of it everyone according to his eating; an omer a head, according to the number of your persons, you shall take it, every man for those who are in his tent.” [17] The children of Israel did so, and gathered some more, some less. [18] When they measured it with an omer, he who gathered much had nothing over, and he who gathered little had no lack. They gathered every man according to his eating.

Deuteronomy 2:7 For Yahweh your God has blessed you in all the work of your hand. He has known your walking through this great wilderness. These forty years, Yahweh your God has been with you. You have lacked nothing.

Deuteronomy 8:2-4 [2] You shall remember all the way which Yahweh your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, to prove you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments, or not. [3] He humbled you, and allowed you to be hungry, and fed you with manna, which you didn’t know, neither did your fathers know; that he might teach you that man does not live by bread only, but man lives by every word that proceeds out of Yahweh’s mouth. [4] Your clothing didn’t grow old on you, neither did your foot swell, these forty years.

Psalm 34:8-10 [8] Oh taste and see that Yahweh is good. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. [9] Oh fear Yahweh, you his saints, for there is no lack with those who fear him. [10] The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger, but those who seek Yahweh shall not lack any good thing.
While God has provided daily bread to both the good and the wicked, the promises given here are not for all, but for those who fear the Lord, for those who seek the Lord.

Psalm 37:25-26 [25] I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his children begging for bread. [26] All day long he deals graciously, and lends. His seed is blessed.
It is the righteous whom the Psalmist has not seen forsaken. May we learn to humbly ask for daily bread, and may this petition for our daily need be a constant exhortation to live a righteous life, seeking first God's kingdom, from whose hand we hope to receive daily bread.

Psalm 104:14-15,27-29 [14] He causes the grass to grow for the livestock, and plants for man to cultivate, that he may produce food out of the earth: [15] wine that makes glad the heart of man, oil to make his face to shine, and bread that strengthens man’s heart. [27] These all wait for you, that you may give them their food in due season. [28] You give to them; they gather. You open your hand; they are satisfied with good. [29] You hide your face: they are troubled; you take away their breath: they die, and return to the dust.
This Psalm speaks of God's provision for all living things, including man. While God has provided (and still does) daily bread through miraculous means, it seems his provision comes most often through his provision of work. In the case of this Psalm, it is said that God provides plants for man to cultivate, that he may produce food out of the earth. Hence, the apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Thessalonica, “If anyone will not work, neither let him eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10).

Proverbs 30:7-9 [7] “Two things I have asked of you; don’t deny me before I die: [8] Remove far from me falsehood and lies. Give me neither poverty nor riches. Feed me with the food that is needful for me; [9] lest I be full, deny you, and say, ‘Who is Yahweh?’ or lest I be poor, and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.

Isaiah 33:15-17 [15] He who walks righteously, and speaks blamelessly; He who despises the gain of oppressions, who gestures with his hands, refusing to take a bribe, who stops his ears from hearing of blood, and shuts his eyes from looking at evil— [16] he will dwell on high. His place of defense will be the fortress of rocks. His bread will be supplied. His waters will be sure. [17] Your eyes will see the king in his beauty. They will see a distant land.

Matthew 4:1-4 [1] Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [2] When he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry afterward. [3] The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” [4] But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’”

Matthew 6:24-34 [24] “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon. [25] Therefore I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food, and the body more than clothing? [26] See the birds of the sky, that they don’t sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you of much more value than they? [27] “Which of you, by being anxious, can add one moment to his lifespan? [28] Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They don’t toil, neither do they spin, [29] yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these. [30] But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won’t he much more clothe you, you of little faith? [31] “Therefore don’t be anxious, saying, ‘What will we eat?’, ‘What will we drink?’ or, ‘With what will we be clothed?’ [32] For the Gentiles seek after all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. [33] But seek first God’s Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well. [34] Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient.
Just as it is so ordered in the Lord's Prayer, Jesus here teaches us to seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness, and that if we seek that first, our needs of today will be met. In one sense, this is another way of saying what John recorded in his Gospel, “Work … for the food which remains to eternal life” (John 6:27). It should be noted that God's promise of daily bread in these verses (6:33) is not to everyone, but specifically to those who seek first his kingdom and righteousness.

Luke 12:13-21 [13] One of the multitude said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” [14] But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or an arbitrator over you?” [15] He said to them, “Beware! Keep yourselves from covetousness, for a man’s life doesn’t consist of the abundance of the things which he possesses.” [16] He spoke a parable to them, saying, “The ground of a certain rich man produced abundantly. [17] He reasoned within himself, saying, ‘What will I do, because I don’t have room to store my crops?’ [18] He said, ‘This is what I will do. I will pull down my barns, and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. [19] I will tell my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years. Take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.”’ [20] “But God said to him, ‘You foolish one, tonight your soul is required of you. The things which you have prepared—whose will they be?’ [21] So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
Luke 12:22-34 [22] He said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life, what you will eat, nor yet for your body, what you will wear. [23] Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. [24] Consider the ravens: they don’t sow, they don’t reap, they have no warehouse or barn, and God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than birds! [25] Which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his height? [26] If then you aren’t able to do even the least things, why are you anxious about the rest? [27] Consider the lilies, how they grow. They don’t toil, neither do they spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. [28] But if this is how God clothes the grass in the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith? [29] Don’t seek what you will eat or what you will drink; neither be anxious. [30] For the nations of the world seek after all of these things, but your Father knows that you need these things. [31] But seek God’s Kingdom, and all these things will be added to you. [32] Don’t be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. [33] Sell that which you have, and give gifts to the needy. Make for yourselves purses which don’t grow old, a treasure in the heavens that doesn’t fail, where no thief approaches, neither moth destroys. [34] For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

John 4:31-34 [31] In the meanwhile, the disciples urged him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” [32] But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you don’t know about.” [33] The disciples therefore said one to another, “Has anyone brought him something to eat?” [34] Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me, and to accomplish his work.
Here we see that daily bread is not just physical bread for the body. Jesus taught that doing the Father's will is food for the doer. Whether God's will involves a specific task, or it is the daily simple will of God that we humbly obey his word (this is always first and foremost God's will for his children), loving him and loving our neighbor as ourself, may we learn to find the necessary spiritual bread that comes through doing the will of our Father in heaven.

John 6:1-71 – The whole chapter is related to this topic. Below are a few excerpts from it.
John 6:11-13 [11] Jesus took the loaves; and having given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to those who were sitting down; likewise also of the fish as much as they desired. [12] When they were filled, he said to his disciples, “Gather up the broken pieces which are left over, that nothing be lost.” [13] So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with broken pieces from the five barley loaves, which were left over by those who had eaten.
John 6:26-27 [26] Jesus answered them, “Most certainly I tell you, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves, and were filled. [27] Don’t work for the food which perishes, but for the food which remains to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For God the Father has sealed him.”
John 6:48-58 [48] I am the bread of life. [49] Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. [50] This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, that anyone may eat of it and not die. [51] I am the living bread which came down out of heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. Yes, the bread which I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” [52] The Jews therefore contended with one another, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” [53] Jesus therefore said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you don’t have life in yourselves. [54] He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. [55] For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. [56] He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me, and I in him. [57] As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father; so he who feeds on me, he will also live because of me. [58] This is the bread which came down out of heaven—not as our fathers ate the manna, and died. He who eats this bread will live forever.”

Philippians 4:6-7 [6] In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-12 [6] Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion, and not after the tradition which they received from us. [7] For you know how you ought to imitate us. For we didn’t behave ourselves rebelliously among you, [8] neither did we eat bread from anyone’s hand without paying for it, but in labor and travail worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you; [9] not because we don’t have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us. [10] For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: “If anyone will not work, neither let him eat.” [11] For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion, who don’t work at all, but are busybodies. [12] Now those who are that way, we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
Such a command does not deny God’s provision of daily bread for his family. Rather, it acknowledges that God uses means to accomplish his ends. Work is the usual means by which God provides daily bread to those who ask.

1 Timothy 6:6-10 [6] But godliness with contentment is great gain. [7] For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can’t carry anything out. [8] But having food and clothing, we will be content with that. [9] But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction. [10] For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Hebrews 13:5-6 [5] Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for he has said, “I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you.” [6] So that with good courage we say, “The Lord is my helper. I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

1 Peter 5:6-7 [6] Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; [7] casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.
Asking God for daily bread is not a low or ungodly thing to do. Jesus taught his disciples to ask their Father in heaven for daily bread. Rather than considering the prayer for daily bread as a lesser prayer to be used only when really “necessary,” instead the children of God ought daily to lift up to God this petition for daily bread and all that it means to them and to God.


Wednesday, August 20, 2014

The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 7: Your Will Be Done

The Lord’s Prayer
Lesson 7: Your Will Be Done on Earth as It Is in Heaven


Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be your name;
Your kingdom come;
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors;
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil.
For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.
Amen.


Matthew 6:10b Let your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth.
Matthew 6:10b [ASV] Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth.


The Main Points for This Lesson:

What is God's will? God's will can be understood in at least two ways. These two ways are connected to each other, and both involve God and men.

One side of God's will concerns its relation to his rule over all, to all circumstances and events in the world around us. The Bible contains examples of this. God arranged all things so that Jesus would die on the cross and rise again, though it appeared that men had defeated God by putting his son on the cross. Joseph was confident at the end that God's will had been done, though it led him first through slavery and prison. The psalmist wrote, God's kingdom rules over all. The apostle Paul wrote that God works all things together for good to those who love him, to those who are called according to his purpose.

Another side of God's will concerns his law and commands. It is God's will that we love one another. He has commanded us so. It is God's will that we should be holy as he is holy. It is God's will that husbands love their wives, that wives submit to their husbands, and that children obey their parents.

The Lord's Prayer teaches us both how to pray and how to live.

When we pray, “Your will be done,” we are asking for a few things:

We are asking that God's will may be done as it regards circumstances and events. Related to that, we are asking that we may accept and give thanks in all circumstances as such circumstances and events come our way, whether they seem good or bad at the moment. Daniel understood that God intended to restore the children of Israel and their land after 70 years in Babylon, so he prayed, with much humility and confession of sin, that God's will would be done.

We are also asking that we may do our part to fulfill the will of God. Jesus did this on the mount of olives, when he prayed, “Nevertheless, not my will, but your will be done” (Matthew 26:39). Unpleasant (and worse) circumstances are unpleasant. Even Jesus asked that the cup would pass from him if possible. In the end, he desired most that God's will would be done, even if it meant that he (Jesus) would have to pass through terrible suffering and then death. So in praying this, we are asking that God's will may have the priority in our lives, even if it leads through much tribulation.

Finally, in praying this prayer, we are asking that, as regards the law and commands of God, we (I and all God's children) may have the earnest desire, the strength, and the grace to fully obey the will of God. May your will be done by us, your children, on earth, as it is by the angels in heaven.

In teaching us to pray, “Your will be done,” Jesus is also teaching us how to live.

This teaches us to trust in the Lord and do good. When circumstances are not good, or people are unkind, we can learn from this (prayer) to trust in our heavenly Father, that he rules over all, and so do good when evil presses on us.

This teaches us to give thanks in all circumstances, and for all circumstances. In the end, all things work together for good to those who love God.

This teaches us to obey God's word, which is his plain and revealed will. Can we rightly pray, “Your will be done,” while we choose to do our own will, or what is really the will (John 8:44) of the devil? As we consider that we should ask for this before we ask for our daily bread, we learn that we should count God's will as more important than our own will and desires, and so live accordingly. May we learn to delight in God's law, to delight to hear and obey the word of the Lord (Psalm 1:2; 119:92).


Suggestions:

Open each lesson with prayer for the teacher and the students and this class time.

Begin by reminding the children that we are learning about the Lord's Prayer, and that this lesson is about the third petition (or request) in the Lord's Prayer - “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

Give a simple explanation of what God's will is. God's will is what God chooses to happen or chooses to do, and God’s will is what he commands us to do.

Talk with the children briefly about the will of God. Perhaps ask them questions. If God's will is what he commands us to do, what is something that is God's will for us? If God's will is something he chooses to happen, what is something that is God's will for us? (One example you might give them is that they didn't choose their parents, but were born to the parents God chose. So God's will for each child is to have and obey the parents God gave them.)

You can use the three stories below (Genesis 50:15-21; Matthew 26:36-46; Matthew 21:28-31) to teach the children about God's will. They can help illustrate humbly accepting God's will, trusting God and his will and doing good, and obedience to God's will.

Close the lesson with prayer related to the subject and the students. Pray the Lord's Prayer together.


Stories:

Genesis 50:15-21 [15] When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us, and will fully pay us back for all of the evil which we did to him.” [16] They sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father commanded before he died, saying, [17] ‘You shall tell Joseph, “Now please forgive the disobedience of your brothers, and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ Now, please forgive the disobedience of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. [18] His brothers also went and fell down before his face; and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.” [19] Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for am I in the place of God? [20] As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save many people alive. [21] Now therefore don’t be afraid. I will nourish you and your little ones.” He comforted them, and spoke kindly to them.
God was in control all along. Joseph understood this. It is easy to say that God was in control. How do we know that Joseph truly believed it? He could with a humble and submitted heart forgive and comfort his brothers. He chose to repay them good in spite of the evil they meant against him. The psalmist wrote many years later: “Trust in the Lord and do good” (Psalm 37:3). Such trust in God and his will, and the doing good that comes as a result of such trust, is one thing that we can learn, understand, and pursue as we ask our heavenly Father, “May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

Matthew 26:36-46 [36] Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go there and pray.” [37] He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and severely troubled. [38] Then he said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here, and watch with me.” [39] He went forward a little, fell on his face, and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me; nevertheless, not what I desire, but what you desire.” [40] He came to the disciples, and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What, couldn’t you watch with me for one hour? [41] Watch and pray, that you don’t enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” [42] Again, a second time he went away, and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cup can’t pass away from me unless I drink it, your desire be done.” [43] He came again and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. [44] He left them again, went away, and prayed a third time, saying the same words. [45] Then he came to his disciples, and said to them, “Sleep on now, and take your rest. Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. [46] Arise, let’s be going. Behold, he who betrays me is at hand.”
Here we see Jesus before the tribulation comes. Even though he knows the terrible suffering that will come, he is still willing to pray, “Your will be done,” and to accept its coming. Do we find Jesus angry with God, or bitter because of this? No. He trusted fully in his heavenly Father, and could sincerely pray, “Your will be done.” May we learn to pray with such a heart and mind.

Matthew 21:28-31 [28] But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first, and said, ‘Son, go work today in my vineyard.’ [29] He answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind, and went. [30] He came to the second, and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but he didn’t go. [31] Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I tell you that the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering into the Kingdom of God before you. [32] For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you didn’t believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. When you saw it, you didn’t even repent afterward, that you might believe him.
The point of this story is not that it is good or even acceptable to say “No.” Rather, Jesus taught us that the one who actually obeyed is the one who did the will of his father. It is good to pray to our heavenly Father, “Your will be done,” if we actually do the will of our heavenly Father. May God grant us grace to obey his will in all things.


More Stories and Examples:

THE WILL OF GOD – WHO RULES OVER ALL

Acts 21:7-14 [7] When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais. We greeted the brothers, and stayed with them one day. [8] On the next day, we, who were Paul’s companions, departed, and came to Caesarea. We entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. [9] Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. [10] As we stayed there some days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. [11] Coming to us, and taking Paul’s belt, he bound his own feet and hands, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit: ‘So will the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and will deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” [12] When we heard these things, both we and they of that place begged him not to go up to Jerusalem. [13] Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” [14] When he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The Lord’s will be done.”


THE WILL OF GOD – HIS WILL FOR US TO OBEY

Matthew 12:46-50 [46] While he was yet speaking to the multitudes, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, seeking to speak to him. [47] One said to him, “Behold, your mother and your brothers stand outside, seeking to speak to you.” [48] But he answered him who spoke to him, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” [49] He stretched out his hand towards his disciples, and said, “Behold, my mother and my brothers! [50] For whoever does the will of my Father who is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother.”

John 4:30-34 [30] They went out of the city, and were coming to him. [31] In the meanwhile, the disciples urged him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” [32] But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you don’t know about.” [33] The disciples therefore said one to another, “Has anyone brought him something to eat?” [34] Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me, and to accomplish his work.


Other Verses:

THE WILL OF GOD – WHO RULES OVER ALL

Psalm 103:19-22 [19] Yahweh has established his throne in the heavens. His kingdom rules over all. [20] Praise Yahweh, you angels of his, who are mighty in strength, who fulfill his word, obeying the voice of his word. [21] Praise Yahweh, all you armies of his, you servants of his, who do his pleasure. [22] Praise Yahweh, all you works of his, in all places of his dominion. Praise Yahweh, my soul!

Proverbs 3:5-6 [5] Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. [6] In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
In some matters, and principles, God has made his will known. We should love one another, walk in humility, lay up treasure in heaven, not on earth, etc. In other matters, God has not made his will explicitly known. What available occupation should I pursue? Whom should I marry? Where should I live? While the principles in God's word and the fellowship of God's people may clarify some of these matters, some measure of uncertainty may remain. In such cases we more clearly see the wisdom of the writer of Proverbs who tells us to acknowledge God in all our ways. That is, we are to confess that he is God, and that his name and kingdom are of first importance. Having acknowledged this, we ask God to direct us on, or redirect us to, the straight path of his will for his glory. Your will be done.

Proverbs 21:30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against Yahweh.

Jeremiah 29:10 For thus says Yahweh, After seventy years are accomplished for Babylon, I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.
Daniel 9:1-4,16-19 [1] In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans, [2] in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, understood by the books the number of the years about which Yahweh’s word came to Jeremiah the prophet, for the accomplishing of the desolations of Jerusalem, even seventy years. [3] I set my face to the Lord God, to seek by prayer and petitions, with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. [4] I prayed to Yahweh my God, and made confession, and said, Oh, Lord, the great and dreadful God, who keeps covenant and loving kindness with those who love him and keep his commandments, [16] Lord, according to all your righteousness, let your anger and please let your wrath be turned away from your city Jerusalem, your holy mountain; because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and your people have become a reproach to all who are around us. [17] Now therefore, our God, listen to the prayer of your servant, and to his petitions, and cause your face to shine on your sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord’s sake. [18] My God, turn your ear, and hear; open your eyes, and see our desolations, and the city which is called by your name: for we do not present our petitions before you for our righteousness, but for your great mercies’ sake. [19] Lord, hear; Lord, forgive; Lord, listen and do; don’t defer, for your own sake, my God, because your city and your people are called by your name.
Jeremiah prophesied that Israel would be carried out of the land and serve Babylon for 70 years. After the 70 years, Israel would be restored to the land. This was God's will. It is interesting and important to note that Daniel, upon understanding that the 70 years of service had been completed (or was near completion), did not simply patiently wait for this prophecy to be fulfilled. Instead, he earnestly prayed that God's will (as revealed through Jeremiah's prophecy) would be done. He prayed that God would forgive them for their sins and would restore the people and the land for his name's sake.

Matthew 26:46-56 [46] Arise, let’s be going. Behold, he who betrays me is at hand.” [47] While he was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief priest and elders of the people. [48] Now he who betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, “Whoever I kiss, he is the one. Seize him.” [49] Immediately he came to Jesus, and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed him. [50] Jesus said to him, “Friend, why are you here?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus, and took him. [51] Behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck the servant of the high priest, and struck off his ear. [52] Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place, for all those who take the sword will die by the sword. [53] Or do you think that I couldn’t ask my Father, and he would even now send me more than twelve legions of angels? [54] How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that it must be so?” [55] In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out as against a robber with swords and clubs to seize me? I sat daily in the temple teaching, and you didn’t arrest me. [56] But all this has happened, that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him, and fled.

Acts 2:22-24 [22] “Men of Israel, hear these words! Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved by God to you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him in your midst, even as you yourselves know, [23] him, being delivered up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by the hand of lawless men, crucified and killed; [24] whom God raised up, having freed him from the agony of death, because it was not possible that he should be held by it.

Acts 3:17-18 [17] “Now, brothers, I know that you did this in ignorance, as did also your rulers. [18] But the things which God announced by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he thus fulfilled.
[see also 13:27-29]

Acts 4:21-31 [21] When they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people; for everyone glorified God for that which was done. [22] For the man on whom this miracle of healing was performed was more than forty years old. [23] Being let go, they came to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. [24] When they heard it, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, “O Lord, you are God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them; [25] who by the mouth of your servant, David, said, ‘Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing? [26] The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers take council together, against the Lord, and against his Christ.’ [27] “For truly, in this city against your holy servant, Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together [28] to do whatever your hand and your council foreordained to happen. [29] Now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, [30] while you stretch out your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of your holy Servant Jesus.” [31] When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

Romans 8:28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 [1] I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks, be made for all men: [2] for kings and all who are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence. [3] For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; [4] who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth.
God desires all people to be saved. How does he go about achieving this desire? God uses means to bring about his will. He exhorts his people, his children, to pray for all men. He exhorts his people to live a quiet life in all godliness and reverence. These are some of the means God uses in leading sinners to repentance and faith in Christ Jesus. May God give us a greater earnestness to pray for all men, and grace to live in all godliness and reverence in this life.


THE WILL OF GOD – HIS WILL FOR US TO OBEY

Psalm 40:8 I delight to do your will, my God. Yes, your law is within my heart.”

Proverbs 3:17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness. All her paths are peace.

Ezekiel 33:11 Tell them, As I live, says the Lord Yahweh, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn, turn from your evil ways; for why will you die, house of Israel?
It seems that God's will is at times contingent upon our choices. If we follow after and hold onto sin, God will give us death. On one hand, God has said he will do this. On the other hand, God has also said that he has no pleasure in the death of the wicked. Rather, he has pleasure in the life and living of those who turn from their wicked way. The apostle Paul exhorts us to present our bodies living sacrifices to God, to not be conformed to the world, but be transformed, so that we may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God (Romans 12:1-2).

Matthew 7:21-27 [21] Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?’ [23] Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.’ [24] “Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock. [25] The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it didn’t fall, for it was founded on the rock. [26] Everyone who hears these words of mine, and doesn’t do them will be like a foolish man, who built his house on the sand. [27] The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.”

Acts 13:21-22 [21] Afterward they asked for a king, and God gave to them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. [22] When he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, to whom he also testified, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’

Romans 12:1-2 [1] Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. [2] Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Ephesians 5:15-17 [15] Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise; [16] redeeming the time, because the days are evil. [17] Therefore don’t be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Ephesians 6:5-8 [5] Servants, be obedient to those who according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ; [6] not in the way of service only when eyes are on you, as men pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; [7] with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men; [8] knowing that whatever good thing each one does, he will receive the same again from the Lord, whether he is bound or free.

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 [1] Finally then, brothers, we beg and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, that you abound more and more. [2] For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. [3] For this is the will of God: your sanctification, that you abstain from sexual immorality, [4] that each one of you know how to possess himself of his own vessel in sanctification and honor, [5] not in the passion of lust, even as the Gentiles who don’t know God; [6] that no one should take advantage of and wrong a brother or sister in this matter; because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as also we forewarned you and testified. [7] For God called us not for uncleanness, but in sanctification. [8] Therefore he who rejects this doesn’t reject man, but God, who has also given his Holy Spirit to you.
According to the apostle's words here, God's will is our sanctification. We pray, “Lord, sanctify me. May your will be done.” We must remember that in many things of God, we have a part. The Holy Spirit sanctifies us, but we must be careful not to quench the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19). The epistle to the Ephesians mentions “the washing of water in the word” (Ephesians 5:26), but we must read, hear and obey the word if we would have it wash us. We have been crucified with Christ, yet we are exhorted to make no provision for the flesh to fulfill its lusts (Romans 13:14). And so in praying, “Your will be done,” we are asking that God would do his part in this work, and that we would have all we need to do our part in it, in working out our salvation with fear and trembling. Surely God will give (and has given) all that we need for life and godliness.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 [16] Rejoice always. [17] Pray without ceasing. [18] In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.
[see also Ephesians 5:20 regarding giving thanks for all things.]

Hebrews 10:35-36 [35] Therefore don’t throw away your boldness, which has a great reward. [36] For you need endurance so that, having done the will of God, you may receive the promise.

Hebrews 13:20-21 [20] Now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an eternal covenant, our Lord Jesus, [21] make you complete in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 2:11-16 [11] Beloved, I beg you as foreigners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; [12] having good behavior among the nations, so in that of which they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they see, glorify God in the day of visitation. [13] Therefore subject yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether to the king, as supreme; [14] or to governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evildoers and for praise to those who do well. [15] For this is the will of God, that by well-doing you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: [16] as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God.

1 Peter 4:1-2 [1] Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind; for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin; [2] that you no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.


Wednesday, August 13, 2014

The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 6: Your Kingdom Come

The Lord’s Prayer
Lesson 6: Your Kingdom Come


Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be your name;
Your kingdom come;
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors;
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil.
For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.
Amen.


Matthew 6:10a Let your Kingdom come.
Matthew 6:10a [ASV] Thy kingdom come.


KINGDOM
KING'DOM, n. [king and dom, jurisdiction.]
1. The territory or country subject to a king; an undivided territory under the dominion of a king or monarch.
2. The inhabitants or population subject to a king. The whole kingdom was alarmed.

"kingdom." Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language. 2014. http://1828.mshaffer.com/d/word/kingdom (13 August 2014).


The Main Points for This Lesson:

A kingdom is a country and a people subject to (that obey) a king. God's kingdom is a heavenly kingdom. Jesus is the king of this kingdom. He rules over all those who love and obey him. The laws of his kingdom are good and true. They teach us to love the king and the citizens of the kingdom, by doing what is good and right in the sight of God.

Today, God's kingdom is within the hearts of his people. It does not have earthly boundaries, but exists wherever men love and obey the king and his laws. This kingdom today is in the midst of the kingdom of this world, where Satan has dominion, and the subjects of that (the world’s) kingdom are all those who do not obey God. God's kingdom today exists in meekness and humility.

One day, Jesus Christ, the king, will come again with the kingdom in power and great glory. In that day, the king will separate the bad from the good, the disobedient from the obedient. Those who would not be part of his kingdom on earth will be cast out at the judgment day. Those who turned from sin to serve and obey the living God, will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. We must watch and pray today, we must walk as good citizens of God’s kingdom today, if we desire to enter the kingdom in that day.

The Lord's Prayer teaches us both how to pray and how to live.

When we pray, “Your kingdom come,” we are asking for two things.

We are asking that God's kingdom would come into this dark and sinful world today through the changed hearts and lives of men. This includes praying that the ungodly would repent of their sin and turn to serve and obey Jesus Christ. It also includes praying that the children of God (the citizens of God’s kingdom today) would grow unto salvation, that our (my and their) love for and obedience to the great king would increase and abound more and more.

We are also asking that the kingdom of our Father in heaven would come soon in power and great glory. We are asking that Jesus would return so that we can live with him in his kingdom; that what we now see dimly, or in a riddle, we would soon see face to face.

How does “Your kingdom come” teach us to live? It teaches us that we should obey, and desire to obey the king and his laws. Would it not be absurd to pray for God's kingdom to come while we, through our disobedience to him and his laws, served and strengthened the kingdom of his enemy? It teaches us to store up our treasure in God's heavenly kingdom, and not to store up treasure on earth. It teaches us to watch and pray, that we may be ready for the return of the king, that he may find us obedient and faithful to him when he comes.


Suggestions:

Open each lesson with prayer for the teacher and the students and this class time.

Begin by reminding the children that we are learning about the Lord's Prayer, and that this lesson is about the second petition (or request) in the Lord's Prayer - “Your kingdom come.”

Give a simple explanation of what a kingdom is. It is the country and people over which a king rules.

Talk about God's kingdom. You can ask the children who is the king of God's kingdom (Jesus). You can ask who are the people in God's kingdom (ie. Christians, those who love and obey the king and his laws). If you have a map or globe available, ask the children to show you where is the land or country where Jesus rules over his kingdom. You can explain that Jesus' kingdom is different from earthly kingdoms. Now at this time, God’s kingdom is in the hearts and lives of those who love and obey him in any country or land. One day, Jesus will come again and rule over all.

You can use the three stories below (John 18:33-37; Matthew 13:24-30,36-43; Matthew 25:1-13) to teach the children about God's kingdom. They can help to teach what it means to pray for God's kingdom to come, and also how we should live as those who desire God's kingdom to come.

Close the lesson with prayer related to the subject and the students. Pray the Lord's Prayer together.


Stories:

John 18:33-37 [33] Pilate therefore entered again into the Praetorium, called Jesus, and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” [34] Jesus answered him, “Do you say this by yourself, or did others tell you about me?” [35] Pilate answered, “I’m not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered you to me. What have you done?” [36] Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not of this world. If my Kingdom were of this world, then my servants would fight, that I wouldn’t be delivered to the Jews. But now my Kingdom is not from here.” [37] Pilate therefore said to him, “Are you a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this reason I have been born, and for this reason I have come into the world, that I should testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”
This story shows that Jesus is a king. He is the king of a different sort of kingdom. If he was king of an earthly kingdom, he and his subjects would have fought with earthly weapons. However, his kingdom is not of this world. His kingdom is the kingdom of God, the kingdom of heaven. At this time, his kingdom conquers with love, humility and meekness. This king and his kingdom conquers others not by killing others, but by dying on behalf of others, by blessing those who curse you, and by praying for those who persecute you. Those who repent of their sin, and obey the king, they will be received by the king into his kingdom when it comes in power and great glory.

Matthew 13:24-30 [24] He set another parable before them, saying, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field, [25] but while people slept, his enemy came and sowed darnel weeds also among the wheat, and went away. [26] But when the blade sprang up and produced fruit, then the darnel weeds appeared also. [27] The servants of the householder came and said to him, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where did this darnel come from?’ [28] “He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and gather them up?’ [29] “But he said, ‘No, lest perhaps while you gather up the darnel weeds, you root up the wheat with them. [30] Let both grow together until the harvest, and in the harvest time I will tell the reapers, “First, gather up the darnel weeds, and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”
Matthew 13:36-43 [36] Then Jesus sent the multitudes away, and went into the house. His disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the darnel weeds of the field.” [37] He answered them, “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, [38] the field is the world; and the good seed, these are the children of the Kingdom; and the darnel weeds are the children of the evil one. [39] The enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. [40] As therefore the darnel weeds are gathered up and burned with fire; so will it be at the end of this age. [41] The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will gather out of his Kingdom all things that cause stumbling, and those who do iniquity, [42] and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be weeping and the gnashing of teeth. [43] Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
The kingdom of God is both now and yet to come. Now, it is within the hearts of those who love and obey the king. Now, mixed in with the children of the kingdom are children of the evil one. One day, the king will come in power. Those who did not turn from their sin in this life, will be cast out then. Those who humbly obeyed the king now, will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father then.

Matthew 25:1-13 [1] “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom. [2] Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. [3] Those who were foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them, [4] but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. [5] Now while the bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept. [6] But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Behold! The bridegroom is coming! Come out to meet him!’ [7] Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. [8] The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ [9] But the wise answered, saying, ‘What if there isn’t enough for us and you? You go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ [10] While they went away to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. [11] Afterward the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us.’ [12] But he answered, ‘Most certainly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ [13] Watch therefore, for you don’t know the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
This story of the ten virgins again reminds us that the kingdom of God is both now and coming. We must watch and pray now if we desire to be received into his kingdom then.


More Stories and Examples:

Matthew 13:1-53 – All but the first parable in this chapter begin with (or include; v52) the phrase, “the kingdom of heaven is like.” Jesus explains the first parable by saying the seed is “the word of the kingdom.” All of these give some idea of what God's kingdom is like, and our relation to that kingdom.
3-9,18-23 – Parable of the sower/farmer
24-30,36-43 – Parable of the darnel weeds of the field
31-32 – The mustard seed
33 – Yeast/leaven
44 – The treasure in a field
45-46 – The pearl of great price
47-50 – The fishing dragnet
52 – The scribe who is a disciple of the kingdom of heaven

Matthew 22:1-14 [1] Jesus answered and spoke again in parables to them, saying, [2] “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king, who made a marriage feast for his son, [3] and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the marriage feast, but they would not come. [4] Again he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “Behold, I have prepared my dinner. My cattle and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the marriage feast!”’ [5] But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his merchandise, [6] and the rest grabbed his servants, and treated them shamefully, and killed them. [7] When the king heard that, he was angry, and sent his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. [8] “Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited weren’t worthy. [9] Go therefore to the intersections of the highways, and as many as you may find, invite to the marriage feast.’ [10] Those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together as many as they found, both bad and good. The wedding was filled with guests. [11] But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man who didn’t have on wedding clothing, [12] and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here not wearing wedding clothing?’ He was speechless. [13] Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and throw him into the outer darkness; there is where the weeping and grinding of teeth will be.’ [14] For many are called, but few chosen.”

Luke 9:51-56 [51] It came to pass, when the days were near that he should be taken up, he intently set his face to go to Jerusalem, [52] and sent messengers before his face. They went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, so as to prepare for him. [53] They didn’t receive him, because he was traveling with his face set towards Jerusalem. [54] When his disciples, James and John, saw this, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from the sky, and destroy them, just as Elijah did?” [55] But he turned and rebuked them, “You don’t know of what kind of spirit you are. [56] For the Son of Man didn’t come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” They went to another village.


Other Verses:

ENTERING THE KINGDOM

Mark 1:14-15 [14] Now after John was taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom of God, [15] and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News.”

Colossians 1:12-13 [12] giving thanks to the Father, who made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; [13] who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of his love;

Mathew 5:19-20 [19] Whoever, therefore, shall break one of these least commandments, and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. [20] For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 7:21-23 [21] Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?’ [23] Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.’

Mark 8:38-9:1 [8:38] For whoever will be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man also will be ashamed of him, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” [9:1] He said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste death until they see the Kingdom of God come with power.”
In one sense, the kingdom of God is within us. It is here now. In another sense, the kingdom of God is yet to come, or yet to come in the fullness of power. This will happen with the return of Jesus Christ. If we are unwilling to die to self in this life, unwilling to deny ourselves, taking up our cross daily, then, at Christ's return in power, we will be cast out and find the second death a terrible end to a life of no self-denial.


SEEKING FIRST THE KINGDOM

Matthew 6:31-33 [31] “Therefore don’t be anxious, saying, ‘What will we eat?’, ‘What will we drink?’ or, ‘With what will we be clothed?’ [32] For the Gentiles seek after all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. [33] But seek first God’s Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 [7] I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith. [8] From now on, there is stored up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.

Hebrews 13:12-14 [12] Therefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people through his own blood, suffered outside of the gate. [13] Let us therefore go out to him outside of the camp, bearing his reproach. [14] For we don’t have here an enduring city, but we seek that which is to come.


ABOUT THE KINGDOM

Matthew 18:1-4 [1] In that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” [2] Jesus called a little child to himself, and set him in their midst, [3] and said, “Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn, and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. [4] Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Luke 17:20-21 [20] Being asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The Kingdom of God doesn’t come with observation; [21] neither will they say, ‘Look, here!’ or, ‘Look, there!’ for behold, the Kingdom of God is within you.”

Romans 14:17 for the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.


COMPARE GOD'S KINGDOM WITH SERVING OTHER KINGS AND THEIR KINGDOMS

Deuteronomy 28:45-48 [45] All these curses will come on you, and will pursue you, and overtake you, until you are destroyed; because you didn’t listen to Yahweh your God’s voice, to keep his commandments and his statutes which he commanded you. [46] They will be for a sign and for a wonder to you and to your seed forever. [47] Because you didn’t serve Yahweh your God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, by reason of the abundance of all things; [48] therefore you will serve your enemies whom Yahweh sends against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in lack of all things. He will put an iron yoke on your neck, until he has destroyed you.
We can choose to serve God in his kingdom with all the blessings of his kingdom. Or we can serve the enemies of the Lord without the blessings of God, and find instead hunger, thirst, nakedness, and lack of all things.

Isaiah 8:5-7 [5] Yahweh spoke to me yet again, saying, [6] “Because this people have refused the waters of Shiloah that go softly, and rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah’s son; [7] now therefore, behold, the Lord brings upon them the mighty flood waters of the River: the king of Assyria and all his glory. It will come up over all its channels, and go over all its banks.
Here is an example of God's people rejecting God's kingdom and it wonderful goodness. Instead, they chose to serve God's enemies. In the end they found not freedom, but slavery and death at the hands of the merciless enemies of God.