The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1932-09-29
Lesson for October 2
THE CHRISTIANS DEVOTIONAL
LIFE

IlfE
GOLDEN TEXT-But grow in grace
and in the knowledge of our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory
now and for ever.
LESSON TEXT-Matthew 6:5-15;
Daniel 6:10; II Timothy 3:14-17.
PRIMARY ToPIc-Talking to God.
JUNIOR TOPIC-What Real Prayer
Is.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR
TOPIC-The Christians Devotional
Life.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOP
Ic-The Means Of Christian Growth.
The Christians growth is by means
Of his devotional life. It requires the
symmetrical development of his un-
a1erstanding and heart. Bible study
and prayer go hand in hand. The
believers affections need proper d.
rection and exercise.
I. The Christians Prayer Life
(Matt. 6:6-15).
In Christ's teaching in this passage
on prayer we note:
1. False prayer wv. SO. This con-
Sists.
a. In one praying to be seen and
heard of men ". 81. Many prayers
uttered in public are false. for the
supreme consideration is what the
people think rather than what God
thinks. Men who thus pray get a
reward but not from God.
n Tn uoi1 ranotitionc
81. This does not mean that we should
ask but once for the thing desired, for
we have examples Of Christ and Paul
praying three times for the same
thing Matt &c 1916; II Cor. 1921, 81 {;
but rather that the use of meaning
less repetitions, reiterations Of empty
sentences be avoided.
! 2. True prayer ". g.. Real prayer
is communion of the child of God
with his heavenly Father Life for it's
fullest development needs both soil
tude and companionship. God. our
Creator, knew what our natures re-
Quire. Therefore, he commands both
public and private prayer (Heb. 10:
rs; Matt. 6:6).
8. The model prayer wv. 9-13). This
was given in response to the dis
ciples' request that the Lord would
teach them to pray duke 11:D.
a. A right relationship-"Our Fa-
ther" ". 81. Only those who have
become children Of God by faith in
Jesus Christ can pray Alright.
b. A right Observation-Disclosures be
thy name" wv. 9, 10Y. When one
realizes that he has been delivered
from the power of darkness and trans
lated into the kingdom of his dear
Son (Col 1879 by being child Of
God, he cannot help pouring out his
soul in gratitude and praise, intense
ly longing for the kingdom. the right
eous rule of Christ on the earth.
c. A right spirit wv. lib. This
spirit involves
~ Trust which looks to God for
the supply Of daily need. We are de-
pendent upon him for our daily food.
With all mans boosted progress he
(2) The spirit of love which results
in forgiveness Of others. God will not
listen to the prayers Of one who has
an unforgiving spirit.
(3) That of holiness which moves
one to pray and not to be led into
temptation and moves him to long to
be delivered from the Evil One.
az Regular prayer (Dan. 6:10).
Though prohibited by royal decree
from asking a petition from any god
or man except the king. Daniel did
not depart from his regular custom
of prayer to God three times day.
%. The Christians Bible Study III
Tim. 3:14-17).
This scripture exhibits the value
of the Holy Scriptures. Devotional
life undirected by the Scriptures will
develop in a wrong direction. The af-
fections need to be disciplined
through the understanding.
1. The Scriptures able to make one
wise unto salvation ". 15). Saliva
ton is in Christ alone. It is secured
through faith in his finished work on
the cross. True wisdom leads to Christ
crucified since there is none other
name under heaven given among men,
whereby we must be saved" (Acts
APP, land without shedding OF
blood is no remission" (Heb. 9:22).
Q. The Scriptures discipline the life
wv. lG. ~. In the Scriptures doc
trine is set forth, the standard of
conduct which is absolutely needed.
The only place to find Gods stand
ard of life is in his Holy Word. 1t
not only exhibits the divine stand
ard. hut 1t reproves; that is. refutes
error. The way to deal with error is
not denunciation. but the positive
presentation of truth. Then. too. it
corrects; that is. sets straight many
Of the dislocations of personal and
social conduct The Word Of God not
only sets straight. but instructs in
righteousness and equips for service.