Our Father Part 4
OBJECTIVE
In this module, students will gain a deep understanding of the Our Father Prayer by looking at how the prayer is constructed and what each part means. This prayer has 4 parts or themes so in week 1, students will look at the first few lines in the prayer which reflect the relationship and faith we have with the Lord and the recognition of the Almighty God. Week 2, students will look at the second part of the prayer which reflects on God's kingdom in our lives and the importance of seeking His will and not our own. In week 3, students will focus on the meaning of the daily bread that comes from God. Week 4, we look at how to overcome temptation and evil through hope, faith, and love.
INTRODUCTION - 5 Minutes
The next part in the Our Father Prayer is probably the most obvious in meaning. We ask God to forgive us, but we have to forgive others first. That's too easy The part we are really going to focus on is harder to grasp. Do you know which part I am talking about?
CONTENT (KEY POINTS) - 15 Minutes
"And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one"
- What do you think Christ meant when He said "lead us not?"
Is it possible that God Himself is responsible for tempting us, for sending us the suffering, trials, problems? Of course not. God does not tempt (James 1:13), but He delivers us out of temptation (2 Peter 2:9), and provides a way of escape when we are tempted (1 Cor. 10:13). He also limits the devil from tempting us beyond our ability (1 Cor. 10:13), as He did with Job. But when people of Israel worshipped Idols, they tempted God (Psa. 77:41) and were strongly rebuked (Deu 6:16).
- What do you think is meant by "the evil one" and what is its origin"?
DISCUSSION (Challenge) - 10 Minutes
Evil is the root of rebellion against God or falling away from God. Victory then lies in facing evil with hope, faith, and love in the Lord. We can overcome evil or temptation through hope, faith, and love. Our Lord Himself was tempted so how will we be tempted? Instead of complaining or blaming God for being alone and abandoned, He taught us to trust in God and focus on prayer. He gave us the power to overcome evil. When Christ was suffering alone, at night in the garden, He was abandoned by all, when He "began to be sorrowful and troubled" and all the force of temptation fell on Him, an angel came from heaven and strengthened him. So this part of the Our Father prayer we ask God to teach us that in the face of evil, suffering, and temptation, that our faith isn't shaken; that our hope is not weakened, that our own hearts don't get filled with evil. We learn from this our unfailing trust in God.
CONCLUSION - 5 Minutes
We can overcome evil and temptation when we hold on to faith, love, and hope.
ACTIVITY/HOMEWORK - 5 Minutes
Have students complete the attached activity which they began in week 1.
RESOURCES
- Book: "Our Father"- by Alexander Schmemann
- Youtube video showing impact of temptation: "Temptation Object Lesson"