EXPOSITIONS OF THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT
XXI – “Our Father”
Matthew 6:5-15 November 4, 2007

INTRODUCTION
Last time we said that the Lord’s Prayer serves 2 purposes: 1) it provides a model prayer teaching us how to approach God and speak with Him; 2) it serves as an outline of the whole of the Christian life, underlining life’s priorities and helping us get those priorities into focus.

I. WORSHIPING OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN
In the words, “Our Father,” we find 2 ideas that can be true only of those who know and love the Lord: 1) intimacy with the Father; 2) access to Him because He is Our Father in Heaven. Here we find the Lord Jesus emphasizing the majesty of God. Here we admit how totally dependent we are on Him, recognizing how holy, sinless, and perfect He is, and how unworthy we are to approach Him. Ephesians 2:1-5. I Peter 1:23. We are also reminded that we share spiritual privileges with all who call Him Father, wherever they might be. Notice: Intimacy – Father; adoration – In Heaven; fellowship – our. The tone is set for Christian living. These opening words concentrate our attention on the Glory of God.

II. THE PROPER ORDER FOR PRAYER
This prayer calls for God to be honored and exalted throughout all of Creation. Exodus 20:2-3. The Lord Jesus is telling us that Our Father is to have the preeminence in all things.

III. THE NAMES OF GOD
Scripture has hundreds of Names for God, all of which describe some aspect of His character. Do you hallow the Name of God? If yes, how? Elohim. El Elyon. Jehovah. Matthew 1:21. Jehovah Jireh. Adonai. The Lord Jesus Christ. Alpha and Omega. Ancient of Days. Babe in the Manger. Jesus of Nazareth. Wonderful Counselor. Mighty God. Everlasting Father. Prince of Peace. Righteous Judge. Stony Rock. The Way, the Truth, the Life. Light of the World. Bread of Life. Good Shepherd. Lord of Hosts. King of Kings. Faithful One.

Some of the sources used for this study:
Sinclair B. Ferguson. KINGDOM LIFE IN A FALLEN WORLD.
Philip Graham Ryken. THE PRAYER OF OUR LORD
-- WHEN YOU PRAY: Making the Lord’s Prayer Your Own
J. I. Packer. PRAYING THE LORD’S PRAYER
-- I WANT TO BE A CHRISTIAN
R. Kent Hughes. ABBA FATHER: The Lord’s Pattern for Prayer
Terry L. Johnson. WHEN GRACE COMES ALIVE