2014.9.7 礼拝

Matthew 6:9-13 “Pray”
Kids: Looking at the picture of David fighting Goliath – Why did David fight? For the reward as found in 1 Samuel 17:25? He fought in “the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel” and “let the whole world know that there is a God.” And proved no weapon was needed in the fight. (1 Samuel 17:45-47).
David wanted to build the temple for God, however, it was actually Solomon who was able to build the temple. Solomon knew that “even highest heaven could not contain you. Much less this temple I have built!” and prayed, “May your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, this place of which you said, ‘My Name shall be there,’ (1 Kings 8;27-29).
He also prayed for the foreigners who “come from the distant land because of your name…and do whatever the foreigner asks of you so that all the people of the earth may know your name and fear you…and may know that this house I have built bears your Name.” (1 Kings 8:41-44).
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The great works of David and Solomon were not for themselves but that God’s name be worshiped. Matthew 6:9 – “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”
Therefore, when we pray, it should not be just for ourselves but ultimately to worship God and that His will be done.
The purpose of God’s great works: “hallowed be your name”, that we would know his wonderful works, which brings joy to God.
Isaiah 29:22-23 – “No longer will Jacob be ashamed; no longer will their face grow pale. When they see among them their children, the work of my hands, they will keep may name holy; they will acknowledge the holiness of the Holy One of Jacob, and will stand in awe of the God of Israel.”
God works to prove His name is Holy, that all people will know His name and how wonderful. Ezekiel 36:23 – “I will show the holiness of my great name…Then the nations will know that I am the Lord, declares the Sovereign Lord, when I show myself holy through you before their eyes.”
Why you were saved.
Ephesians 1:5-6 – he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will – to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
While God wants to save us, our salvation is not his ultimate plan but that we will know His love and how wonderful He is.
We have been saved and promised to inherit the Kingdom of God. Why? So that we will be the praise of God. Ephesians 1:11-12 – In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be the praise of his glory.
Why do we receive the Holy Spirit? It is the guarantees our right to inherit the Kingdom of God and ultimately to praise the glory of God.
Ephesians 1:13-14 – And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession – to the praise of his glory.
What is our joy? Is it the same as what David felt, Solomon or Paul felt? Our purpose and joy should be to fulfill God’s plans.
Matthew 6:9 – your kingdom come, your will be done. Kingdom of God is to be under control of God’s love.
Matthew 6:31-33 – God already knows all our needs. Jesus tells us not to worry about worldly needs –food, drinks, wears etc., “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”