The Importance of "Hallowed Be Thy Name"
Summary of a Lesson by Tim Keller
Typically, we pray when we are in trouble. But the Lord’s Prayer starts with “Hallowed by thy name,” instead of asking for our health, life, or happiness (Matthew 6:6-15). Why?
“Hallowed be thy name” can be interpreted as honoring God’s holy name or adoring Him. In the Lord’s Prayer, honoring God comes before asking for our daily bread or life’s necessities (Matthew 6:11).
Typically, our primary focus is on earthly things, such as a job, our children, a girlfriend, or a promotion. We should bring these concerns to God, but not before honoring Him. And we should never be anxious about them (Philippians 4:6).
Honoring God also comes before asking for forgiveness (Matthew 6:12). A man was unfaithful to his wife. Even after he had confessed to God and his wife had forgiven him, he still could not forgive himself. This was because he came from a prudish family, which treated sexual sin as an almost unforgivable offense. Such an upbringing suffocated him. If he had honored God as Lord, rather than considering himself the true arbiter of forgiveness, he should be able to forgive himself since even God had forgiven him.
Honoring God enhances our relationship with Him. God told Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit from one particular tree. Then Satan deceived them into believing that God was keeping the best from them. They wouldn’t have lost trust in God if they had focused on honoring Him.
Why should we honor or adore God? Reasons can be found in the beginning of the Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father in heaven.” “Our Father” implies that He loves us as a father loves his children. “In heaven” signifies His power and holiness. To cover our offenses, Christ sacrificed for us.
We honor God because He is loving, powerful, and holy. Such an attitude gives us the right perspective and priority in life and enhances our relationship with Him.
Summarized from a Tim Keller sermon:
http://www.gospelinlife.com/free-sermon-resource
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfuBKyru-mw
“Hallowed be thy name” can be interpreted as honoring God’s holy name or adoring Him. In the Lord’s Prayer, honoring God comes before asking for our daily bread or life’s necessities (Matthew 6:11).
Typically, our primary focus is on earthly things, such as a job, our children, a girlfriend, or a promotion. We should bring these concerns to God, but not before honoring Him. And we should never be anxious about them (Philippians 4:6).
Honoring God also comes before asking for forgiveness (Matthew 6:12). A man was unfaithful to his wife. Even after he had confessed to God and his wife had forgiven him, he still could not forgive himself. This was because he came from a prudish family, which treated sexual sin as an almost unforgivable offense. Such an upbringing suffocated him. If he had honored God as Lord, rather than considering himself the true arbiter of forgiveness, he should be able to forgive himself since even God had forgiven him.
Honoring God enhances our relationship with Him. God told Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit from one particular tree. Then Satan deceived them into believing that God was keeping the best from them. They wouldn’t have lost trust in God if they had focused on honoring Him.
Why should we honor or adore God? Reasons can be found in the beginning of the Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father in heaven.” “Our Father” implies that He loves us as a father loves his children. “In heaven” signifies His power and holiness. To cover our offenses, Christ sacrificed for us.
We honor God because He is loving, powerful, and holy. Such an attitude gives us the right perspective and priority in life and enhances our relationship with Him.
Summarized from a Tim Keller sermon:
http://www.gospelinlife.com/free-sermon-resource
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfuBKyru-mw