Praying Scriptually
Posted By on Thursday, April 12, 2018
6. To what does this prayer proceed in 6:13b? To a triumphant scene in the form of a doxology. Its keynote is the affirmation of the ultimate triumph of God over evil
7. Comment on this doxology: Although the authenticity of this doxology is a matter of serious doubt, to say the least, it certainly is a most appropriate and scriptural conclusion to the Lord’s Prayer
8. Point out the essential principles in this doxology as contained in the following segments:
(1) “For thine is the kingdom” – Affirmation of God’s right to the kingdom. Although Satan, by his rebellion against God, has usurped the rulership of the affairs of men and has become “the god of this world,” II Cor. 4:4, God has nevertheless retained title to the kingdom and his exclusive right to the throne
(2) “And the power” – Affirmation of God’s sovereign power. Even though Satan is “the prince of the power of the air,” Eph. 2:2, “the rulers of the darkness of this world,” Eph. 6:12, God has both the authority and the capability to enforce his right to the kingdom and he will, in due time, terminate Satan’s rule so that “the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ,” Rev. 11:15
(3) “And the glory” – Affirmation of the glory of God. The glory of God is the object of all true prayer for whatever immediate purpose it might be offered. Therefore, we pray for health, not because we want to live longer, but because we want to serve longer. We pray for money, not because we want to spend more, but because we want to give more. We pray for food, not because we enjoy the pleasure of eating, but because we want to be able to carry out his will. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God,” I Cor. 10:31
(4) “For ever” – Affirmation of the ultimate triumph of God. God’s kingdom has come; Satan’s kingdom has been destroyed. His will is done; no other will opposes him. He has forgiven our sins; the accuser of the brethren has been silenced. He has brought temptation to an end; no seducing power remains. He has delivered us from the evil one; neither sin nor Satan can trouble us. “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen”
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