Yes, and I suspect Christians drift away because some pastors teach than if you pray just right, then everything will be alright, when they ought to be teaching the need for us to have the attitude of Paul in PHP 4:10-13 even though he encourages believers to pray: "I rejoice greatly in the Lord... I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances... whether well fed or hungry... I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
The Teachings of Jesus (TOJ)
- Thread starter GWH
- Start date
-
Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.
If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!
To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
Here are three more commands of Jesus from MT 5.
TOJ #28: Be trustworthy. [MT 5:33-37] This TOJ against swearing concerns a person’s reputation for integrity. Oaths should not be necessary to bind a promise. {MT 23:16-22}
TOJ #29: Do good even to evil-doers. [MT 5:38-42//LK 6:29-30] The principle Jesus wants to supersede that of limited vengeance or “eye for eye” (EX 21:24, LV 24:20, DT 19:21) is found in Proverbs 25:21-22. Whenever we are insulted, we should consider the source of lies (EPH 6:12). We should be more concerned about our good witness than legal rights (2TM 2:23-26). Paul affirmed this ideal in Romans 12:17-21. This TOJ is elaborated in the next one.
TOJ #30: Love and pray for God’s/your enemies. [MT 5:43-47//LK 6:27-28&32-36] God’s agape/love is unconditional (RM 5:6-8). We should “hate what is evil” (RM 12:9) while loving people we dislike. This teaching is akin to TOJ #14, #16 & #29. However, God’s forgiveness of Sin is conditional upon repentance (TOJ #8 & #114). Some people have interpreted Matthew 5:38-48 as teaching pacifism, as though Jesus would say “And if someone murders your spouse, offer them your children”. I believe such a view fails to harmonize with Romans 13:2-4, which teaches that God works through godly governments to execute, if necessary, murderers and other evil aggressors. Like God’s mercy, Believers’ forgiveness of other sinners is conditional upon their contrition (MT 18:26&29), or else they would be abetting immoral behavior. Thus, forgiving apparently remorseful criminals does not mean canceling the appropriate consequence for their immoral behavior. The best penal policy would seem to be along the lines of enforcing work and restitution to the victims (cf. LK 19:8), and to incarcerate violent criminals until they have demonstrated the fruit of God’s Spirit (MT 18:30-34, GL 5:22-23) long enough to engender confidence in their rehabilitation.
TOJ #28: Be trustworthy. [MT 5:33-37] This TOJ against swearing concerns a person’s reputation for integrity. Oaths should not be necessary to bind a promise. {MT 23:16-22}
TOJ #29: Do good even to evil-doers. [MT 5:38-42//LK 6:29-30] The principle Jesus wants to supersede that of limited vengeance or “eye for eye” (EX 21:24, LV 24:20, DT 19:21) is found in Proverbs 25:21-22. Whenever we are insulted, we should consider the source of lies (EPH 6:12). We should be more concerned about our good witness than legal rights (2TM 2:23-26). Paul affirmed this ideal in Romans 12:17-21. This TOJ is elaborated in the next one.
TOJ #30: Love and pray for God’s/your enemies. [MT 5:43-47//LK 6:27-28&32-36] God’s agape/love is unconditional (RM 5:6-8). We should “hate what is evil” (RM 12:9) while loving people we dislike. This teaching is akin to TOJ #14, #16 & #29. However, God’s forgiveness of Sin is conditional upon repentance (TOJ #8 & #114). Some people have interpreted Matthew 5:38-48 as teaching pacifism, as though Jesus would say “And if someone murders your spouse, offer them your children”. I believe such a view fails to harmonize with Romans 13:2-4, which teaches that God works through godly governments to execute, if necessary, murderers and other evil aggressors. Like God’s mercy, Believers’ forgiveness of other sinners is conditional upon their contrition (MT 18:26&29), or else they would be abetting immoral behavior. Thus, forgiving apparently remorseful criminals does not mean canceling the appropriate consequence for their immoral behavior. The best penal policy would seem to be along the lines of enforcing work and restitution to the victims (cf. LK 19:8), and to incarcerate violent criminals until they have demonstrated the fruit of God’s Spirit (MT 18:30-34, GL 5:22-23) long enough to engender confidence in their rehabilitation.
Actually, I do not think one should be questioning the Written Word of God. It is TRUTH! What is needed is understanding of His Word. That understanding comes from the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Scripture tells us this.
John, Chapter 14:
26But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Proverbs 3:5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
1 Corinthians, Chapter 1:
25Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
27But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
Job questioned God. You remember what God's response was?
Job, Chapter 38:
1Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,
2Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?
3Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.
Questioning God never goes well for folks...
Lastly: My point is while you may have learned from your Study, how is your Study more valuable than the Scriptures? IF one truly seeks to learn from the Gospel of Jesus, one NEEDS to read the Gospel of Jesus. After all, any insight you or I, or any other person offers is just yours, mine, their understanding. Leaning on the Holy Spirit for understanding and studying His Written Word is the best way to truly realize the Truth of Scripture.
John, Chapter 14:
26But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Proverbs 3:5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
1 Corinthians, Chapter 1:
25Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
27But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
Job questioned God. You remember what God's response was?
Job, Chapter 38:
1Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,
2Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?
3Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.
Questioning God never goes well for folks...
Lastly: My point is while you may have learned from your Study, how is your Study more valuable than the Scriptures? IF one truly seeks to learn from the Gospel of Jesus, one NEEDS to read the Gospel of Jesus. After all, any insight you or I, or any other person offers is just yours, mine, their understanding. Leaning on the Holy Spirit for understanding and studying His Written Word is the best way to truly realize the Truth of Scripture.
-
1
- Show all
Okay, now that we have ironed out that misunderstanding, here are the TOJ in the Lord's Prayer, preceded by one concerning the proper attitude to have before praying.
TOJ #31: Have humility. [MT 6:1-8&16-18, 23:5-12] An OT scripture Jesus might have in mind is Amos 4:4-5. He is concerned with why we give or pray more than with how much we contribute or talk. Perhaps the greatest temptation for mature Believers is feeling proud of their moral progress (PR 16:18, 29:23). The satisfaction of pleasing our Lord should be the only reward we desire as we look forward to heaven (MT 25:21&23). Jesus illustrated this trait in the Parable of the Two Prayers {LK 18:10-14}.
Jesus cited young children as examples of humility {MT 18:3-4//LK 18:16-17}. At this time Jesus did not command Believers to give alms or fast or pray, although perhaps He assumed these would be done (MT 9:15). (Notice in the MT 18 passage that v.3, like TOJ #10, is kerygmatic, whereas v.4 is didachaic, cf. the Kerygma thread) However, on other occasions Jesus either commanded prayer (MT 26:41, LK 18:1) or modeled the need to pray (MT 14:23, 26:36). Paul also encouraged Believers to pray (EPH 6:18, 1THS 5:17).
TOJ #32: Pray to God as heavenly Father. [MT 6:9a//LK11:2a]. I find six separate teachings in Jesus’ Sample Prayer. First, addressing God as our heavenly Father connotes that we who pray are children of God, reborn of the Spirit (JN 3:3-8) through union by Faith with God’s Son (RM 8:9-17, 1JN 5:1-6). James 2:19 says demons or ungodly souls may believe in God’s existence, so I suppose they might address God in order to curse Him (JOB 2:9). {JN 17:1}
TOJ #33: Reverence the Creator. [MT 6:9b//LK 11:2b] God’s name refers to His being or essence rather than to a particular word, whether Yahweh, Jehovah or Allah. However, among the names for the personifications of God, Paul believes Jesus should be given preeminence (PHP 2:12-13; TOJ #196).
TOJ #34: Desire God’s will to be done. [MT 6:10//LK 11:2c] This is a significant restatement of TOJ #2. “On earth” begins with the prayer’s own life. Jesus exemplified this teaching when He prayed in Gethsemane before His crucifixion {MT 26:39-42//MK 14:36}. God is not our genie; we are His ministers, who cooperate with His Holy Spirit (PHP 2:12-13) in doing His work (EPH 2:10). Thus, there is an implicit condition in “whatever you ask for”, i.e., we must ask in accordance with God’s will (TOJ #51). I understand that the word “Muslim” means “servant of God” in Arabic. Thus, Christians are Muslims in this sense!
TOJ #35: You may request physical as well as spiritual necessities. [MT 6:11//LK 11:3] God is the ultimate source of material blessings (JM 1:17), and He is concerned about our complete welfare, wanting everyone to be fed, clothed and sheltered {MT 6:32, 25:34-36} as well as saved.
TOJ #36: Admit your faults as you forgive others theirs. [MT 6:12//LK 11:4a] The second part of this teaching echoes #14. Genuine saving Faith motivates loving forgiveness. Confession is the key to having a right relationship with God (1JN 1:9), which is manifested by mercy (TOJ #148). {MK 11:25, MT 18:15-17}.
TOJ #37: Pray for power to resist temptations. [MT 6:13//LK 11:4b] This also was a major theme of Paul’s instruction about prayer (EPH 1:17-19, PHP 1:9-11, CL 1:10-12) as well as of James’ (JM 4:2, 1:5,12-13). Jesus reiterated this teaching on the Mount of Olives before He was betrayed. {MT 27:41//MK 14:38//LK 22:40&46} We know that God will always grant this prayer request (1CR 10:13). This prayer seems equivalent to protection from the evil one {JN 17:15}.
TOJ #31: Have humility. [MT 6:1-8&16-18, 23:5-12] An OT scripture Jesus might have in mind is Amos 4:4-5. He is concerned with why we give or pray more than with how much we contribute or talk. Perhaps the greatest temptation for mature Believers is feeling proud of their moral progress (PR 16:18, 29:23). The satisfaction of pleasing our Lord should be the only reward we desire as we look forward to heaven (MT 25:21&23). Jesus illustrated this trait in the Parable of the Two Prayers {LK 18:10-14}.
Jesus cited young children as examples of humility {MT 18:3-4//LK 18:16-17}. At this time Jesus did not command Believers to give alms or fast or pray, although perhaps He assumed these would be done (MT 9:15). (Notice in the MT 18 passage that v.3, like TOJ #10, is kerygmatic, whereas v.4 is didachaic, cf. the Kerygma thread) However, on other occasions Jesus either commanded prayer (MT 26:41, LK 18:1) or modeled the need to pray (MT 14:23, 26:36). Paul also encouraged Believers to pray (EPH 6:18, 1THS 5:17).
TOJ #32: Pray to God as heavenly Father. [MT 6:9a//LK11:2a]. I find six separate teachings in Jesus’ Sample Prayer. First, addressing God as our heavenly Father connotes that we who pray are children of God, reborn of the Spirit (JN 3:3-8) through union by Faith with God’s Son (RM 8:9-17, 1JN 5:1-6). James 2:19 says demons or ungodly souls may believe in God’s existence, so I suppose they might address God in order to curse Him (JOB 2:9). {JN 17:1}
TOJ #33: Reverence the Creator. [MT 6:9b//LK 11:2b] God’s name refers to His being or essence rather than to a particular word, whether Yahweh, Jehovah or Allah. However, among the names for the personifications of God, Paul believes Jesus should be given preeminence (PHP 2:12-13; TOJ #196).
TOJ #34: Desire God’s will to be done. [MT 6:10//LK 11:2c] This is a significant restatement of TOJ #2. “On earth” begins with the prayer’s own life. Jesus exemplified this teaching when He prayed in Gethsemane before His crucifixion {MT 26:39-42//MK 14:36}. God is not our genie; we are His ministers, who cooperate with His Holy Spirit (PHP 2:12-13) in doing His work (EPH 2:10). Thus, there is an implicit condition in “whatever you ask for”, i.e., we must ask in accordance with God’s will (TOJ #51). I understand that the word “Muslim” means “servant of God” in Arabic. Thus, Christians are Muslims in this sense!
TOJ #35: You may request physical as well as spiritual necessities. [MT 6:11//LK 11:3] God is the ultimate source of material blessings (JM 1:17), and He is concerned about our complete welfare, wanting everyone to be fed, clothed and sheltered {MT 6:32, 25:34-36} as well as saved.
TOJ #36: Admit your faults as you forgive others theirs. [MT 6:12//LK 11:4a] The second part of this teaching echoes #14. Genuine saving Faith motivates loving forgiveness. Confession is the key to having a right relationship with God (1JN 1:9), which is manifested by mercy (TOJ #148). {MK 11:25, MT 18:15-17}.
TOJ #37: Pray for power to resist temptations. [MT 6:13//LK 11:4b] This also was a major theme of Paul’s instruction about prayer (EPH 1:17-19, PHP 1:9-11, CL 1:10-12) as well as of James’ (JM 4:2, 1:5,12-13). Jesus reiterated this teaching on the Mount of Olives before He was betrayed. {MT 27:41//MK 14:38//LK 22:40&46} We know that God will always grant this prayer request (1CR 10:13). This prayer seems equivalent to protection from the evil one {JN 17:15}.