This study was first taught on November 3, 2010

Topic: The Believer’s Responsibilities (2): Prayer (12)

No audio available for this study.

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Background
The last time we met for bible study, we looked at the request not to be led into temptation and deliverance from the evil one.

We noted that the word ‘temptation’ could be negative and positive: the negative being the devil’s entrapment or ensnaring; while the positive is God’s way of building us up and proving us through tests, trials or tribulation. We saw that the difference between being ensnared or trapped, and being tested or proven is that the former is the result of our being drawn and enticed by our own lusts into committing sin intentionally; while the latter is God’s way of testing our faith and ensuring that those things that entice and ensnare no longer have control or influence over us. We saw that a Christian can never be led by God into a trap, to intentionally commit sin; neither does He set traps. He may however, permit us to be examined by the devil having prepared us for success. Such examinations are within the parameters that God has already prepared us for, for He will not allow us to be tempted above that which we able to bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). We also saw that if we fall into sin unintentionally, He will deliver us from the machination of the evil one, provided we confess that sin.

We said that praying “Lead us not into temptation” is asking God to remove from our lives, inordinate desires, lusts, pride, ambition, and indeed anything that can give the devil room to trip us up. We observed that God enables us to avoid snares and traps, through escape routes such as: (a) giving us advance warning; (b) getting us to watch and pray always; (c) challenging us to live soberly and in moderation in everything; (d) getting us to stay close to our Lord Jesus Christ at all times; (e) making us to be in readiness with the word of God; and (f) encouraging us to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

We also affirmed that it is our responsibility as believers in Christ to pray against entering into the snare of the enemy; and where we do unfortunately step into one of the enemy’s snares, to also cry to God for deliverance.

Scripture Text(s)
Matthew 6:13b
Tonight, we want to close the subject of prayer by looking at the doxology, “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.” We pray that the Holy Spirit will guide us through this study, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
The word ‘doxology’ is taken from two words, ‘doxa’, meaning praise, honour, esteem or glory; and ‘logos’, meaning word. Thus a doxology is our declaration of the honour we ascribe to God, or simply praising or glorifying God. Interestingly, our scripture text (a doxology) is only recorded in Matthew’s account of Jesus’ teaching on prayer; and, it is said that in some ancient manuscripts it does not even appear. We do not intend to enter into this argument, but wish to look at the implication of this doxology in context and in general.
Matthew 6:13; 1 Chronicles 29:10-13; 1 Timothy 6:14-16; Psalm 24:1, 7-10; 22:28; Revelation 5:13; 7:12; Daniel 3:14-18; 4:24-37; Matthew 8:1-3; Luke 4:25-29; 2 Kings 4:18-27; Revelation 4:11; Isaiah 53:10; Psalm 50:23a.

Conclusion
Although men may choose to argue the inclusion of the doxology in Matthew’s account of Jesus’ teaching on prayer, yet we can affirm through the scriptures that this doxology is not unscriptural. This particular doxology is similar to the one David spoke in the Old Testament, and we have seen that the early apostles also made doxological declarations. It should therefore not be contented whether or not the Lord Jesus included these remarks in the prayer. We can see its relevance in the context of v. 13, when we paraphrase the verse: “You can lead me away from temptation, and deliver me from the claws of the evil one: because this realm in which we live is part of Your kingdom (of which You alone are King); and You have the ability and authority to do so; and it is all for Your glory (the manifestation of Who You really are – the King of kings, the longsuffering God, the God who makes all things good in His time, and so on) forever (not for a season, or in certain ages). And this we affirm for sure!”

Indeed, a doxology like the one we are studying is something every believer in Christ must be able to append to his prayer; for God’s will that we praise Him, and worship Him for Who He is. Indeed, it is in praising God that His glory is revealed!

This particular doxology speaks of God’s sovereignty, and challenges us to submit to it. Thus, while we do not doubt God’s ability, authority, majesty, rule, and excellency, we realize that our requests are still subject to His willingness to do what we’ve asked for, in the light of His Omniscience, and to this, we gladly yield; for it brings Him glory! And this is our uttermost goal – His glory!

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