The Lord's Prayer | Greg Ford | ONE CHURCH

The Lord's Prayer | Greg Ford | ONE CHURCH

ICEBREAKER:

How did you see God move this last week?

Summary:

The Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew chapters 5 to 7, is a collection of teachings by Jesus Christ. This sermon is structured chiastically, with the Lord's Prayer at its center. Jesus emphasizes the importance of true righteousness, which comes from the heart and not just outward actions. Forgiveness is a central theme in the gospel message.

Key Points:

  1. The Sermon on the Mount is structured chiastically, with the Lord's Prayer at its center.

  2. Jesus teaches that true righteousness comes from the heart, not just outward performance.

  3. Forgiveness is a central theme in the gospel message.

  4. The Golden Rule, found in Matthew 7:12, encapsulates the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.

  5. The Lord's Prayer serves as a model for prayer and emphasizes the importance of forgiveness.

Conclusion:

Understanding the chiastic structure of the Sermon on the Mount helps us see the central themes of Jesus' teachings. It reminds us of the importance of true righteousness, forgiveness, and living out the principles of the gospel in our daily lives.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does the chiastic structure of the Sermon on the Mount help us understand the central message of Jesus' teachings?

  2. In what ways does Jesus challenge traditional interpretations of righteousness in the Sermon on the Mount?

  3. Why is forgiveness emphasized in the Lord's Prayer and how does it relate to the overall message of the sermon?

  4. How can we apply the principles of the Sermon on the Mount, such as the Golden Rule, in our modern-day lives?

  5. What role does prayer play in our understanding of righteousness and forgiveness, based on the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount?

Guided Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you with hearts open to receive your word. Help us to understand the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount and apply them to our lives. Teach us the importance of true righteousness that comes from the heart and guide us in living out the principles of forgiveness and love. May the structure of the Sermon on the Mount remind us of the central message of the gospel. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

One Church