Mt 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.

I’d like us to begin this morning by looking at the divine order of this model prayer of Jesus. Nothing that Jesus said or did is left to chance.

It’s opening words, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven, reveals that the focus of prayer, and in reality the focus of life is meant to be Theo centric or God centered, with the ultimate pleasure being experienced in our relationship with God and our ultimate purpose here on earth being that we live for the glory of God.  God’s glory is the sun around which this prayer and our entire life must revolve.

There is an obvious reason for this: God and His kingdom must always take priority over man and his needs. That certainty needs to be underscored, but it should never be stated in isolation from another biblical truth. Since man was made for the glory of God, he can never be what he is intended to be until his life is properly focused on the glory of God. Unless our vision of life is properly focused, the whole of life will be more or less distorted. Sinclair Ferguson

You see beloved, when a person or a church is not living for the will of God and the glory of God, there will be a serious malfunction in that persons life that will distort that persons (or churches) priorities, perspective and world view.

As we move along in our study of this model prayer by Jesus, we see that Jesus begins with (1) the prayer for our daily or physical needs to be met (2) He then moves to the need for forgiveness and cleansing from the defilement and guilt of sin. (3) Lastly, we go to God for the strength to keep us from sins power and attraction.

These specific petitions plainly reveals to us our entire life depends upon the grace, the power and the provision of God. This is why the emphasis needs to be placed on our personal relationship with God. Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name.

You see beloved, as citizens of the kingdom of God, the priority is on relationship and fellowship with God.

• John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
• 1John 1:1 ¶ That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

Our daily bread. What is meant by daily bread is that which is necessary for each day. And what determines what is necessary for each day is Holy Scripture, not Good Housekeeping.

• Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Matt 4.4
• When the devil tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread, Jesus replied that His Father’s Word determined what He needed, not the devil.
• Beloved, this prayer concerning daily bread is speaking about necessities, not luxuries, not lusts as we read in James 4:3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
• The Greek word that is translated daily is epiousios, which is translated by the majority of translations with the word "daily." We get a true idea of the specific meaning of this word from a papyrus fragment with this word on it; and the papyrus fragment was actually a woman’s shopping list! It was a note to remind her to buy supplies of a certain food for the coming day. So, very simply, what this petition means is: "Give me the things we need to eat for this coming day. Help me to get the things I've got on my shopping list when I go out this morning. Give me the things we need to eat when the children come in from school, and the men folk come in from work. Grant that the table be not bare when we sit down together to-day." This is a simple prayer that God will supply us with the things we need for the coming day. Wm Barclay
• When Jesus taught his disciples to pray this petition, there is little doubt in my mind that He was going back to the story of the manna in the wilderness (Exo.16:1-21). The children of Israel were starving in the wilderness, and God sent them the manna, the food from heaven. But there was one condition--they must gather only enough for their immediate needs. If they tried to gather too much, and to store it up, it went bad. They had to be satisfied with enough for the day.
• Interestingly, the word manna means, what is it? Mom’s, can you imagine planning the meals for your family for 40 years that included manna every single day. Honey Nut Cheerios again? Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches again? A Garden Salad for dinner again?

In the Western world we have become so accustomed to our extraordinary affluence that for many of us this petition has lost its power. That can only be because we have lost a biblical view of life. The food we eat is ours only because God upholds the universe and gives us seedtime and harvest. But beyond that, the food we eat nourishes us only because of His blessing. Sinclair Ferguson

Beloved, in our technology driven, affluent age, we have almost forgotten how utterly dependent we are upon God. If God willed it so, we should have no daily bread. He could withhold the sun and its influence; He could stop the rain; He could make our land absolutely barren so that the farmer with all of his modern implements and chemical could not raise a crop. D. Martyn Lloyd Jones.

Even our daily bread must not be detached from the glory of God, for we read, 1Cor 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

A question that is often asked is this: Since God already knows what I need before I ask Him (Matt 6.32), what is the purpose of asking Him in the first place? Herein lies one of the beautiful revelations of Scripture. Once again, let me repeat what I said a moment ago, and what I have mentioned in previous studies. The most important purpose for prayer is (1) the will and glory of God and (2) fellowship with God (3) ultimate pleasure and satisfaction in God.

That is one reason why we are exhorted to pray without ceasing (1 Thess 5.17). Beloved, that is another way for God to be telling us to stay close to Me Raymond; talk to Me about everything; learn to live in communion with Me. Learn to delight in Me and My love and goodness Raymond.  

Jesus is going to tell us in the next chapter that we are to keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking. So, one of the major purposes for prayer is that we might stay in communion and fellowship with God. The purpose for prayer is not that we advise God on how to handle this situation or that problem. We pray because we are needy children that love to spend time with our Father and constantly need His direction and power.

• 1Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
• Prayer reminds me of my creature hood, and absolute need for God’s grace, mercy and provision as Jehovah Jireh.

In the sovereign design of God, God will many times use His people to be the means of providing another saints daily bread.

• Jas 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
• I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that when you and I are praying about something or for someone, we must ask God to cause us to be willing to be a part of the answer. This passage is James confirms that statement. By being a part of the answer to prayer, we share in the joy of the goodness and grace of God!
• We must note that Jesus did not teach us to pray: "Give me my daily bread." He taught us to pray: "Give us our daily bread." The problem of the world is not that there is not enough to go round; there is enough and to spare. The problem is not the supply of life's essentials; it is the distribution of them. This prayer teaches us never to be selfish in our prayers. It is a prayer which we can help God to answer by giving to others who are less fortunate than we are. This prayer is not only a prayer that we may receive our daily bread; it is also a prayer that we may share our daily bread with others. Wm Barclay

Since God promises me my daily bread, why do I need to work? Give us this day our daily bread, is not to be interpreted as meaning that we need not work hard or be industrious. Scripture tells us to work as unto The Lord and the Proverbs are replete with warnings about laziness and sloth. Thus, a lazy person that is praying for God to provide him or her daily bread is speaking words that are falling upon deaf ears.

• 2Th 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. 13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

When Jesus ends this portion of the Sermon on the Mount, He is going to mention that it is not God’s will for any of His children to be anxious or worried about anything. Did you know beloved that anxiety and stress are not the will of God for your life? I did not say that you and I would never get anxious or stressed out, I said that neither one of them is the will of God. And what means does God give us to address the anxiety and stress? Listen to Scripture.

• Php 4:6 Be careful (anxious, fret) for nothing; but in every thing (how many things might that be?) by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep (guard, protect) your hearts (your emotions) and minds (your thoughts) through Christ Jesus.

Jesus is going to tell us that the unsaved are concerned about what to eat, what to drink and what to wear. He will then go on to tell us that God clothes the lilies of the filed and provides food for the fowls of the air. Then He goes on to tell us that when we seek first the kingdom of God (when we make seeking the kingdom of God the priority of our lives) all these things shall be added unto you. What 2 things does God promise us? Food and clothing.

• 1Tim 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be  rich (desire to be; are driven by it) fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

When you and I as American Christians compare our standard of living to the rest of the world, we have to admit that we all have much more than we need to live on….

We all are much more blessed than we believe we are….

We all need to learn the virtue of being more thankful….

In spite of all that we have, it is sad to say that the most grumbling, complaining Christians on earth are those who live in abundance as we do. How we need to cultivate a biblical perspective on material things and learn the precious jewel of contentment.

• Php 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
• Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

In a world is in a global financial crisis, and people are filled with more phobias than ever before, for those of us who are in Christ and abiding in Him, we have the promise Ps 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

This Sermon is going to tell us to live every day radically committed to The Lord Jesus Christ, and this particular portion of Jesus message tells us to live one day at a time. Beloved, today is the only day that God gives us to live. Give us Sept 12^th, 2012 our daily bread. It forbids the anxious worry which is so characteristic of the life which has not learned to trust God.

Daily exercises in the Christian life

Lu 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For Christ to live in me and through me, I must learn to die to self daily. This basic truth of discipleship will revolutionize a marriage, a family, a church. Jesus first, Others second, myself last.  

Ac 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, {from...: or, at home} 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. We are saved to live in community beloved. It is our personal responsibility to connect with other saints throughout the week. Nobody can live a fruitful Christian life who lives in isolation from the rest of the body of Christ.

Ac 17:11  These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. It is vital that every Christian have a daily time alone with The Lord in prayer and in His Word. Be a Psalm 1.1-3 saint….

Heb 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Accountability is an important part of fellowship. It is unloving to allow another Christian to walk after the flesh or the things of the world. Open rebuke is better than secret love.

But I want to close with something that may be a bit controversial,

Give us this day our daily bread…..Jesus told us that He is The Bread of Life.

It is in Christ and nothing else that we have life and that more abundantly beloved. Jesus is The Bread of Life, nothing more, nothing less and nothing else.

Saints, no church or denomination is the total package….the Only Total Package is Jesus Christ….beware of buying into the thinking that the real men who love Jesus only wear a shirt and tie, or blue jeans and black sneakers, or Hawaiian shirts or polo shirts, or a clergy collar. Beware of making a part of the body the entire body of Christ.

Beware of thinking that there is only one way to worship God….no instruments, only acoustic instruments, all instruments, only Hymns, only contemporary music, black gospel, white gospel….beware of worshipping styles of music instead of the King of Kings.

Beware of the subtle substitutes for Jesus, clothed in Christian clichés or lingo….I say this in fear and trembling and with great caution, but say it I must. There are a lot of trends and fads that Christians are following today in an effort to find meaning and purpose in life…there are a lot of “isms” and in the body of Christ.

Pentecostalism, Arminianism, Calvinism, Tulipism, Fundementalism, Biblical intellectualism, textual criticism, small group “ism”, emotionalism, KJV only “ism”, Sacramentalism, dispensationalism, Covenant theology……

Beware of hero worship in the body of Christ. Beloved if you find yourself quoting this person or that person more than but I say unto you, you are exalting the clay over the Potter. If you are spending more time listening to this person or that person than you are alone with Jesus Christ, congratulations, you have fallen into the trap Corinthianism….I am of Paul, I am of Apollos, I am of Peter, etc….

Beloved, as we are learning from Jesus in this model prayer, all real ministry and fellowship stems from the heart overflow of your personal fellowship with The Lord Jesus Christ and the leading of His Holy Spirit. Whenever you or I look to “something” or “someone” to make our Christianity meaningful or fulfilling, you have fallen upon the landmine of an “ism”. Paul’s reply to those who put him or any other instrument of God on a pedestal?

• 1Cor 2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Beloved, whenever you mix Jesus Christ with any “ism” or “hero”, the “ism” or the “hero” becomes the focus of your life or ministry and Jesus inevitably takes the back seat. Jesus gives, life, not any “ism”….Jesus redeems your soul, not any “ism”….

Beloved, may your life and the life of this far from perfect church family always revolve around the Person of Jesus Christ, His gospel, His glory and His honor…..

The key to escaping any “ism” is found in Mal 3.7 Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.

John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me…..Jesus MUST increase, and I/we must decrease.

Remember that after 3 years of sitting under the teaching of Jesus, the one thing that Jesus wanted to know about Peter after His resurrection was this….Peter, do you love Me?

One of the many tings that we can learn from the godly Mary, the mother of Jesus was this….my soul does magnify The Lord, and my spirit does rejoice in God my Saviour!

My friend, do you know the risen Lord Jesus as your Savior? Look unto Jesus and be saved, says the Scripture. When the OT exhorts us to seek God’s face, that was the NT way of saying to seek Jesus, for in 2 Cor 4.6 we read that we see the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.