In his sermon "Our Father in Heaven," Paul Mahan addresses the significance of prayer in the life of a believer, emphasizing that it is fundamental to one's relationship with God. He argues that true prayer is marked by sincerity and communion with God rather than a performative act intended for public admiration, drawing distinctions between the Pharisaical practice of prayer and the authentic prayer taught by Christ. Scripture references such as Matthew 6:5-9 are employed to illustrate the need for heartfelt prayer, as well as John 8:44 and Romans 9:6-8 to clarify that not all are children of God by default—only those born of God through faith in Christ. Mahan highlights the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty in prayer, stating that kingdom work and personal sanctification derive from God’s will alone, underscoring the Reformed doctrine of grace and the believer's reliance on God's power.
Key Quotes
“Prayer is vital to the life of a believer. I heard someone say it is the breath, the life’s breath of a believer that he gives when he first gives that new birth, born of God.”
“The children of God are children by God's choice. And by new birth, you must be born again.”
“We need to pray: 'Lord, send your Holy Spirit... Let it set our affection, our hearts, our minds, everything right now on things above.'”
“If any man can save you, another man can damn you. But what God does is forever, and it's eternal.”
The Bible emphasizes that prayer is vital for believers, as it is considered their life's breath.
Prayer is depicted in Scripture as essential for the life of a believer, akin to their life's breath. Jesus taught that men ought always to pray and not lose heart (Luke 18:1) because without Him, we can do nothing but sin. This highlights the importance of constant communion with God, relying on His strength and guidance through prayer in all circumstances. The apostles echoed this sentiment in their writings, reinforcing the call to 'pray without ceasing' (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Through prayer, believers express their dependence on God, acknowledge His sovereignty, and seek His will in their lives.
Luke 18:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:17
God is our Father by His sovereign choice and by the new birth through faith in Christ.
The relationship of believers to God as their Father is grounded in Scripture, emphasizing that not all humanity can claim God as Father. According to John 1:12-13, it is those who receive Christ and believe in His name who are given the right to become children of God. This new birth is a sovereign work of God, not based on human effort or lineage (Romans 9:6-8). Jesus makes it clear in John 8 that those who do not recognize Him cannot claim God as their Father. Thus, true sonship comes by divine election, grace, and faith in Christ, signifying a profound spiritual transformation.
John 1:12-13, John 8:42, Romans 9:6-8
Recognizing God's sovereignty brings comfort and assurance to believers, knowing He controls all things.
God's sovereignty is a central theme in Scripture, reminding believers that He rules over all creation and is in control of every aspect of life (Psalm 103:19). Understanding God's absolute sovereignty provides believers with comfort in times of uncertainty. It affirms that nothing happens outside of His divine plan and purpose (Ephesians 1:11). Furthermore, this recognition leads to a humble dependence on God for all things, affirming that salvation is entirely His work, not ours. Consequently, acknowledging God's sovereignty encourages believers to submit to His will and trust in His good and gracious plans, knowing that He works all things for their ultimate good (Romans 8:28).
Psalm 103:19, Ephesians 1:11, Romans 8:28
It signifies a prayer for God's reign to be realized in our lives and the world.
'Thy kingdom come' reflects a desire for the comprehensive reign of God, both spiritually in the hearts of believers and in the world at large. Jesus preached about the Kingdom of God, which is established through His work and is a manifestation of His authority and rule over all creation. This part of the Lord's Prayer is a plea for God's dominion to take effect, penetrating our lives and the lives of others, ultimately culminating in the fulfillment of His eternal kingdom. It shows the believer's longing for transformation, where God's will is done on earth as it is in heaven, aligning their desires with God's perfect purpose and His overarching authority over human affairs.
Matthew 6:10, Luke 17:20-21
Comments
Your comment has been submitted and is awaiting moderation. Once approved, it will appear on this page.
Be the first to comment!