First Petition Bible Study
Author: Pastor Russ Kampfer
April 25, 2018
The First Petition Bible Study
What is the First Petition? Hallowed be Thy name.
What does this mean?
God’s name is certainly holy in itself, but we pray in this petition that it may be kept holy among us also. How is God’s name kept holy? God’s name is kept holy when the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity, and we, as the children of God, also lead holy lives according to it. Help us to do this, dear Father in heaven! But anyone who teaches or lives contrary to God’s Word profanes the name of God among us. Protect us from this, heavenly Father!
The Central Thought
We introduce ourselves by name so that others will get to know us and relate to us. Why is knowing and respecting someone’s name necessary for a meaningful relationship?
Read Luke 11:9–13.
How does Jesus teach us to honor His Father’s name?
Answer: As Christians, we honor (hallow) God’s name as Father when we call on Him in faith, proclaim His love for us, and live according to His Word.
In what ways can I honor my Father’s name today?
What is the connection between this petition and the Second Commandment?
Answer: They both deal with the name of God and our use of it. The commandment requires that we do not misuse His name or slander His reputation. Here we pray that we may use it properly.
Exodus 20:7 You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
What is meant by “God’s name”?
Answer: God and His name cannot be separated. His name includes who He is, what He does, and His very presence among us.
Isaiah 42:8 I am the LORD; that is My name; My glory I give to no other, nor My praise to carved idols.
Psalm 9:1–2 I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of Your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.
Exodus 20:24 In every place where I cause My name to be remembered I will come to you and bless you.
Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I among them.
What are we asking when we pray that God’s name be kept holy?
Answer: We pray that God our Father would help us to keep His name holy by
- speaking truthfully about His Word;
Jeremiah 23:28 Let him who has My word speak My word faithfully.
John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.
- living according to His Word.
Matthew 5:16 Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.
Read Luke 19:1–9, about Zacchaeus, who resolved to live the Christian life after coming to faith.
How is God’s name profaned?
Answer: Our Father’s name is profaned, that is, dishonored
- when anyone teaches something as His Word that is in fact not His Word;
Jeremiah 23:31 Behold, I am against the prophets, declares the LORD, who use their tongues and declare, “declares the LORD.”
- when anyone lives contrary to His will as expressed in His Word.
Romans 2:23–24 You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”
How should we deal with those who dishonor God’s name?
- We should gently admonish those who unknowingly misuse God’s name in speech or in teaching.
Galatians 6:1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
2 Timothy 2:23–25 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.
- We should firmly rebuke those who persist in their errors and refuse to repent.
Titus 1:9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
Titus 3:10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him.
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