– We can only know the true nature of God as Father from the Scriptures.
– The Lord’s Prayer teaches prayer, but it also teaches us how to relate to God as Father, and what he is like
– This series is designed to help us
– Understand our Father better through what is revealed in the Lord’s Prayer
– Come to know him better & enjoy our Father-God
– Be a more Father-God-like father to our children (if we have them)
– Represent Father-God more accurately to the world and thus make him more attractive for people to get to know
Introduction, Matthew 6:9-13
– ““This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven Father-God is nearby; hallowed be your name, Father-God is holy; your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Father-God is powerful; Give us today our daily bread.Father-God is caring; And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven debtors. Father-God is forgiving; lead us, not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one – Father-God is our protector.
Our Father God is our protector
Prevent Devil from taking advantage or our trials
1. What causes us to doubt God’s protection?
Harm done to us by authority figures
Painful life experiences that we feel are unfair
“…the life of faith does not protect us from the pit. Rather, the power of God brings us out of the pit to new life which is not the same as pre-pit existence.” Location 670 Walter Brueggemann, Praying the Psalms
“Though we will suffer problems, accidents or trials, God gets the last word. Nothing can happen to us that God cannot redeem.” Smith, James Bryan. The Good and Beautiful God (p. 61). John Murray Press. Kindle Edition.
We cannot protect our children from all harm – does lead us to doubt God’s ability to protect us from harm?
2. What are some of the consequences of not trusting God’s protection and taking matters into our own hands to protect ourselves?
We hoard and lack generosity
“Living from a condition of scarcity, we learn that we must protect what we have. If we give it away, we might end up in dire straits.” Smith, James Bryan. The Good and Beautiful God (p. 85). John Murray Press. Kindle Edition.
We do not heal from sin, shame, guilt
3. What are some scriptures that assure us of God’s protection?
1. Psalm 23 / Jn 10
2. 1 Cor 13:4-8. ‘Love’ stands for God
3. 1 Cor 10:13
4. Rom 8:26-27
5. Psalm 121
6. 2 Thess 3:3-4
7. Eph 1:13
8. Jn 17:12ff
Discussion about God
1. If Father God is our protector, what does this mean?
2. If Father God is our protector, how can we be more aware of this reality?
3. If Father God is our protector, how can we enjoy his protection?
Discussion about us as fathers
1. What does it mean to be a protector for our children?
1. Kids feel safe to talk to us – the door is always open
2. My Dad is there for me
3. Guidance
4. Assistance
5. “Use me as an excuse”
2. How can we help our children be more aware of our protection?
3. What can we do so that our children enjoy our protection?
Conclusion
Protection changes over time as we grow
“Father of goodness, look upon us, we who live in this miserable state of woe. We know that children cannot find a better condition than to be with their loving father, who feeds them, gives them drink, clothes them, protects them and shields them from all needs. Gracious Father, take us, your miserable children, to be with you in heaven.” A Short Meditation on the Lord’s Prayer (1526) By Balthasar Hubmaier
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).
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“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)
God bless, Malcolm
