Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love

In this thought-provoking episode of the Reformed Brotherhood, Tony Arsenal and Jesse Schwamb delve into the final petition of the Lord's Prayer: "deliver us from evil." The hosts explore the rich theological implications of this request, examining whether it refers to deliverance from evil in the abstract or from the Evil One himself. Through careful analysis of the Greek text and insights from Reformed tradition, they demonstrate how this petition reveals our utter dependence on God for spiritual protection. Whether facing our own sinful nature or the schemes of Satan, the prayer reminds us that we require daily divine deliverance - a humbling truth that lies at the heart of Christian living.

• The petition "deliver us from evil" contains an ambiguity in the original Greek that could refer either to evil in the abstract or to "the Evil One" (Satan).
• Regardless of the grammatical interpretation, the theological truth remains the same: Christians need divine deliverance from both internal sinfulness and external spiritual attacks.
• This petition acknowledges our inability to rescue ourselves from evil, whether that's our own sinful nature or the schemes of Satan.
• The Lord's Prayer is not an "advanced Christian practice" but rather a foundational expression of basic gospel truths about our relationship with God.
• Daily praying for deliverance recognizes an ongoing reality: even as believers who have been justified, we continue to need God's protection and rescue in our sanctification.
• Both Luther and Calvin, despite different emphases, recognized the vital importance of praying for divine deliverance in the Christian life.
• Rather than debating the exact interpretation, believers should focus on implementing this petition as a regular practice in their prayer lives.

The petition "deliver us from evil" serves as a profound acknowledgment of human frailty. As Tony explains, this request recognizes that "we cannot rescue ourselves...whether that's pulling ourselves out of our own just filthy sinfulness, or whether it's delivering us from Satan himself, who we can't defeat by our own power." This prayer runs counter to our culture's emphasis on self-sufficiency and personal strength. By instructing us to pray for deliverance, Jesus reminds us that we are utterly dependent beings who need divine intervention not just for salvation but for daily spiritual protection.

The beauty of this petition lies in its honesty about our condition. Jesse notes that Jesus instructs us to pray this way because "not only is great deliverance necessary, but you are so blind that you don't even see that you're in need of great deliverance." This humbling truth helps us avoid both spiritual pride and despair, pointing us back to the sufficiency of Christ in our ongoing battle against evil.

Many Christians mistakenly view the Lord's Prayer as an "advanced Christian practice" reserved for the spiritually mature. Tony challenges this notion, suggesting that "the basic first level Christian practice would be to memorize the way that God has taught us to communicate with Him." The hosts recommend a simple but powerful approach: selecting one petition or clause from the Lord's Prayer to serve as the center of your daily prayers.

This practical approach recognizes that even those who have been Christians for decades still need the fundamental protection and provision that the Lord's Prayer requests. As Tony observes, "We don't graduate from the reality that we're fallen creatures that need a savior." Luther similarly encouraged believers to "cultivate the habit of falling asleep with the Lord's Prayer on your lips, every evening when you go to bed and again every morning when you get up." Far from being merely ritualistic, this practice serves as a daily acknowledgment of our dependence and a powerful weapon against spiritual attack.

"We don't graduate from the reality that we're fallen creatures that need a savior, and sometimes I think we are in a position where we sort of feel like we do. We lose sight of the fact that we need to come back to the basics of the gospel again and again and again." - Tony Arsenal

"Left to your own devices, you will surely fall into evil and you must be delivered. And in addition to that, the devil is real and so he is going to come at God's people with great energy and with great volition." - Jesse Schwamb

"The bottom line is, we all need on a daily basis deliverance. And so that contingency that we are, in fact, still contingent beings means that we need rescue all the time." - Jesse Schwamb

In this illuminating episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Tony and Jesse dive deeply into the petition "Lead us not into temptation" from the Lord's Prayer. They explore the nuances of this request, examining its implications for our understanding of God's sovereignty and our own vulnerability to sin. The hosts carefully unpack the original Greek text to reveal that we are asking God not to lead us into temptation—acknowledging both His ability to protect us from evil and our complete dependence on His restraining grace. This episode reminds us that prayer is fundamentally an act of faith, where we trust God to continue His good work of protecting us from the depths of our own wickedness while transforming our hearts to desire only what is pure.

• The petition "Lead us not into temptation" is properly understood as a request for God not to lead us into temptation, recognizing that God does sometimes allow His children to experience temptation for their sanctification.
• The Greek text clearly negates the verb "lead," making this a request for God not to do something, rather than a positive request to lead us to a place of safety.
• This petition acknowledges our innate disposition toward sin and our complete dependence on God's protection from both internal and external evil.
• We're not asking God to stop doing something He regularly does, but rather to continue His normative work of protection and restraint that He already provides by grace.
• The prayer is not merely a ritualistic recitation but a transformative meditation that should be prayed thoughtfully, with an understanding of what we're actually asking.
• God's default disposition toward His children is love and protection, not wrath or abandonment to temptation.
• This petition connects to 1 Corinthians 10:13, which promises that God provides a way of escape from temptation—revealing both God's faithfulness and our responsibility when we fall.

When we pray "Lead us not into temptation," we're acknowledging a profound theological truth about both God's sovereignty and our vulnerability. The hosts clarify that the Greek text literally says "do not lead us into temptation" or even more emphatically "never lead us into temptation." This is a negative request—asking God not to do something—which implies that God could potentially lead us into temptation, as He did with Jesus in the wilderness. Yet this doesn't contradict James 1, which states that God tempts no one with evil.

The resolution lies in recognizing that God's normal work is to protect and restrain us from our own sinful desires. When we pray this petition, we're asking Him to continue that protective work. We acknowledge that God, in His wisdom, sometimes allows believers to fall into serious sin for purposes of chastisement and growth, but we're asking Him to shield us from such painful lessons if possible. This is not a prayer that reveals a capricious God who must be persuaded not to harm us, but rather a prayer that acknowledges our complete dependence on His sustaining grace.

This petition reveals the heart of God as our loving Father. As Tony explains, "God doesn't need to be provoked to love. He needs to be provoked to anger. His disposition is love towards us because He's kind and gracious." When we pray "Lead us not into temptation," we're essentially asking our Father to honor His great love toward His children by continuing to fulfill His promises of protection.

The hosts emphasize that God's default is to protect His people and even unbelievers from the depths of their sin through common grace, conscience, and the restraining influence of the law. This petition isn't about changing God's mind but about aligning our hearts with His work of protection while acknowledging our complete dependence on Him. It's a humble recognition that without His restraint, we would pursue our own destruction. In this way, the prayer moves us beyond merely asking for physical protection to desiring heart transformation—that we would grow to desire only what is good and pure, seeking Christ alone rather than the fleeting pleasures of sin.

"What we're asking for here is that God, in his graciousness, would prevent me from having to experience temptation because Jesus has done it on my behalf. We're asking that you would not allow me to be near the allure of sin, do not bring me near to the devil, do not permit me to be in a situation where the enticement of sin will be greater than I can bear." - Jesse Schwamb

"We are not asking God to stop doing something He regularly does. We're asking Him to continue His good work of preserving us. Even when we acknowledge He may at times have a good work involved in not preserving us, we are asking Him to continue that good work that He's already doing." - Tony Arsenal

"Better than being spared from a temptation is to have a heart that doesn't want to even seek the temptation to begin with. What we're asking for is that God would continually transform us in such a way that our sanctification by His power in the Holy Spirit would move us in such a direction that we wouldn't get into the crisis moment, but that we would seek only what is good." - Jesse Schwamb

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In this episode of the Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse and Tony continue their Summer of Prayer series, diving deep into the Lord's Prayer with a focus on the petition, "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." They explore the theological and biblical implications of forgiveness and debt, offering insights into how this prayer reflects the gospel and shapes our relationship with God.

The discussion begins by unpacking the nuanced meanings of the words "debts," "trespasses," and "sins" as they appear in different translations of Scripture. Drawing on historical, linguistic, and theological perspectives, the hosts explain why the word "debts" is particularly significant, emphasizing the relational and covenantal framework that underpins this petition. They also address the practical and spiritual importance of forgiveness in the Christian life, illustrating how God's forgiveness of us should inspire and enable us to forgive others.

As the conversation unfolds, Jesse and Tony highlight the gospel's centrality in this prayer, explaining how Christ's atoning work cancels the debt of sin and restores believers to fellowship with God. The episode concludes with a call to reflect on the profound relational harmony that forgiveness brings, both between God and His people and among believers themselves.

1. The Nuanced Language of Forgiveness: Jesse and Tony explore the terms "debts," "trespasses," and "sins," analyzing their biblical and theological implications while considering historical translation choices.
2. Christ as the Surety of the Covenant of Grace: The hosts discuss how Jesus fulfills the covenantal requirements, bearing the debt of sin and securing salvation for believers.
3. Forgiveness as a Gospel-Centered Practice: They emphasize how God's forgiveness of believers through Christ should compel Christians to forgive others, fostering spiritual growth and relational harmony.

1. How does the concept of "debts" deepen your understanding of sin and forgiveness in the context of the Lord's Prayer?
2. In what ways does Christ's role as the surety of the covenant of grace encourage you in your walk with God?
3. How can reflecting on God's forgiveness inspire you to extend forgiveness to others in your daily life?

n this episode of the Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse and Tony continue their series on the Lord's Prayer, focusing on the fourth petition: "Give us this day our daily bread." The hosts delve into the profound theological and practical implications of this prayer, exploring how it reflects our dependence on God for both physical and spiritual sustenance. They emphasize the significance of daily trust in God's provision and how this petition reorients our hearts to rely on Him moment by moment.

The conversation highlights the communal nature of the prayer, reminding listeners that this request is not merely individual but collective, emphasizing the interconnectedness of God's people as they seek His provision together. The hosts also explore the Old Testament backdrop of this petition, particularly the provision of manna in the wilderness, and how it points to God's faithfulness in supplying the needs of His people. This ties into the broader biblical theme of trusting in God's timing and grace.

Throughout the episode, Jesse and Tony reflect on how this petition challenges modern self-sufficiency and anxiety about the future. By asking for "daily bread," we are reminded of God's promise to meet our needs one day at a time, encouraging us to live by faith and not by sight. The discussion is rich with practical applications, theological insights, and encouragement for believers to trust in God's goodness and depend on Him daily.

1. The Theology of Daily Bread: The petition for daily bread reflects a reliance on God's provision for both physical and spiritual needs, underscoring His faithfulness and grace.
2. God's Timing and Grace: By asking for daily bread, believers are reminded to trust in God's moment-by-moment provision rather than seeking to secure a lifetime of resources.
3. Communal Dependence on God: The prayer is a collective request, emphasizing the unity of God's people in their shared dependence on His provision.
4. Old Testament Context: The hosts connect the prayer to the provision of manna in the wilderness, showing how God has always met the needs of His people in His perfect timing.
5. Practical Application of Prayer: The episode encourages believers to pray for both their needs and desires, trusting that God delights in providing for His children.

1. How does the petition for daily bread challenge your understanding of dependence on God?
2. In what ways can you practice trusting God for moment-by-moment provision in your life?
3. How does the communal nature of this prayer influence the way you think about your relationships with other believers?
4. What lessons can you draw from the Old Testament story of manna in the wilderness about God's faithfulness?
5. How can you incorporate the practice of praying for daily bread into your personal or family prayer life?

In Episode 351, Jesse Schwamb and Tony Arsenal delve into the rich and profound theology of the Lord's Prayer, specifically focusing on the petition, "Your will be done." The hosts explore the multifaceted nature of God's will, breaking it down into His secret will, revealed will, and discerned will. They emphasize how prayer is less about changing God's plans and more about aligning our hearts with His purposes. By praying "Your will be done," believers are asking for faith to trust God's sovereign plan, obedience to His revealed moral will, and wisdom to make decisions in accordance with His guidance.

The conversation also highlights the practical implications of God's revealed will, as outlined in Scripture. Jesse and Tony discuss how the moral law, the Great Commandment, and the Great Commission provide clear directives for Christians. They challenge listeners to focus on submitting to what God has already revealed, rather than being overly preoccupied with the mysterious or future aspects of God's plan. This petition is presented as a powerful tool for spiritual growth, helping believers to conform their lives to the image of Christ.

Throughout the episode, the hosts provide relatable anecdotes and examples, including insights into how prayer shapes us, rather than simply being a means to gain answers. They encourage listeners to embrace the discipline of prayer, emphasizing that even the act of praying is empowered by the Holy Spirit. This episode serves as both a theological deep dive and a practical guide to understanding and living out God's will through prayer.

1. Understanding the Three Facets of God's Will: God's will is categorized into His secret will (what He has not revealed), His revealed will (His moral law and commands), and His discerned will (practical decisions guided by wisdom). Prayer aligns us with these aspects.
2. The Role of Obedience in Prayer: By praying "Your will be done," believers commit to obeying God's revealed will as outlined in Scripture, such as the Ten Commandments, the Great Commandment, and the Great Commission.
3. Prayer as a Transformative Practice: Prayer is not about changing God's plans but about transforming our hearts to trust His sovereignty and submit to His revealed purposes.
4. Practical Applications of God's Will: The episode emphasizes focusing on what is clear in Scripture rather than becoming consumed by the unknown aspects of God's plan.
5. Encouragement to Pray Regularly: The hosts challenge listeners to participate in the two-minute prayer challenge, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a consistent prayer life.

1. What does it mean to align your heart with God's will in your daily life?
2. How can understanding the distinctions between God's secret, revealed, and discerned will deepen your prayer life?
3. Are there areas in your life where you are more focused on discovering God's secret will rather than obeying His revealed will?
4. How does praying "Your will be done" help shape your understanding of obedience and faith?
5. What steps can you take to cultivate a more consistent and meaningful prayer life?

In this episode of the Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse Schwamb and Tony Arsenal continue their exploration of the Lord's Prayer, focusing on the phrase, "Thy Kingdom Come." Broadcasting from the picturesque Ocean Grove, New Jersey, the hosts delve into the theological richness of this petition and its implications for the Christian life. They discuss how this portion of the prayer emphasizes God's sovereignty and the advancement of His Kingdom, centering specifically on the salvation of the elect and the spread of the Gospel.

The hosts reflect on the historical and doctrinal context of "Thy Kingdom Come," drawing upon the Westminster Confession to highlight its teaching on the destruction of sin and Satan's dominion, as well as the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. They also touch on contemporary theological debates, such as Christian nationalism, contrasting these with the biblical understanding of the Kingdom as primarily spiritual and salvific.

Additionally, the episode features lighter moments, including humorous observations about parallel parking in Ocean Grove and reflections on providence in everyday life. The hosts' engaging discussion underscores the deep significance of prayer and invites listeners to meditate on the transformative power of God's Kingdom in their own lives.

1. The petition "Thy Kingdom Come" emphasizes the spiritual and salvific nature of God's Kingdom, focusing on the destruction of sin and Satan and the salvation of the elect.
2. The Westminster Confession provides a framework for understanding the Kingdom as the propagation of the Gospel and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.
3. The hosts contrast the biblical concept of God's Kingdom with modern ideas of Christian nationalism, emphasizing the Kingdom's spiritual dimensions over political applications.

1. What does it mean to pray for the coming of God's Kingdom in both a spiritual and practical sense?
2. How does the Lord's Prayer challenge our understanding of God's sovereignty and our role in His redemptive plan?
3. In what ways can we actively participate in the propagation of the Gospel and the building of God's Kingdom?

• In this episode of the Reformed Brotherhood, Tony and Jesse delve into the first petition of the Lord's Prayer, "Hallowed Be Thy Name." They explore the deep theological significance of this phrase, emphasizing its call for reverence, worship, and a desire for God's name to be made holy among the nations. The discussion highlights how this petition is not just a declaration of God's holiness but a request for God to act in revealing His glory to the world and His people.

  The hosts unpack the meaning of the word "hallowed," explaining its connection to holiness, consecration, and God's supreme worth. They stress the idea that this prayer is missional in nature, as it seeks the redemption of the world and calls for the transformation of hearts to see God's greatness. The conversation also ties this petition to the Ten Commandments, showing the connections between honoring God's name in prayer and in our daily lives.

  Additionally, Tony and Jesse reflect on the practical implications of this petition for modern Christians. They discuss the cultural loss of reverence for God's name and the importance of showing God's holiness through our lives. They also encourage listeners to participate in the two-minute prayer challenge, a practical habit to deepen one's connection with God.

  Key Points:
  1. The first petition of the Lord's Prayer, "Hallowed Be Thy Name," is a request for God to reveal His holiness and glory to the world.
  2. The word "hallowed" carries significant meaning, encompassing holiness, consecration, and God's supreme worth.
  3. This petition has profound missional and salvific implications, calling for the transformation of hearts to honor and worship God.
  4. The hosts draw connections between the Lord's Prayer and the Ten Commandments, emphasizing the importance of honoring God's name in both prayer and daily living.
  5. The cultural decline in reverence for God's name highlights the need for Christians to pray for and reflect God's holiness.
  Questions for Reflection:
  1. What does it mean for God's name to be "hallowed" in your life and in the world?
  2. How does the first petition of the Lord's Prayer challenge you to prioritize God's glory in your daily actions and prayers?
  3. In what ways can Christians live out the call to honor God's name in a culture that often disregards it?
  4. How does understanding the holiness of God deepen your prayer life and spiritual growth?
  5. What practical steps can you take to make prayer a more consistent and transformative habit in your life?

In this episode, Jesse Schwamb and Tony Arsenal delve into the profound theological implications of the preface to the Lord's Prayer, "Our Father in Heaven." They explore how this phrase reveals the dual nature of God as both transcendent and immanent, emphasizing His sovereignty and intimacy. Drawing from Matthew 6 and the Westminster Larger Catechism, the hosts highlight how Jesus' instruction to pray to "Our Father in Heaven" directs believers to approach God with both reverence and confidence.

Tony and Jesse reflect on the significance of God's sovereignty in heaven, describing it as His unopposed kingdom where His will is perfectly carried out. They discuss how this understanding shapes our prayers, reminding us to focus on God's character and majesty rather than merely our immediate needs. They also emphasize that God's transcendence does not negate His closeness; instead, it magnifies His grace as He condescends to draw near to His children.

Through practical insights, historical theology, and personal anecdotes, the hosts challenge listeners to reorient their prayer lives. They invite the audience to reflect on how the Lord's Prayer serves as both a model and a filter, helping believers align their petitions with God's will and encouraging deeper communion with Him.

1. The Dual Nature of God in Prayer: The phrase "Our Father in Heaven" reveals God's transcendence and immanence, inviting believers to approach Him with reverence and intimacy.
2. God's Sovereignty in Heaven: God's kingdom in heaven is characterized by His unopposed rule, where His will is perfectly accomplished, contrasting with the earthly realm.
3. The Transformative Power of Prayer: Prayer is not merely about presenting requests but about reshaping our hearts and aligning our desires with God's will.
4. Theological Depth of the Lord's Prayer: The prayer serves as a robust framework for understanding God's character and as a guide for meaningful, reverent prayer.
5. Practical Application: The hosts encourage listeners to adopt the "Two-Minute Prayer Challenge," beginning their prayers with reflections on God's sovereignty and fatherly love.

1. What does the phrase "Our Father in Heaven" reveal about God's character and how we should approach Him in prayer?
2. How does understanding God's sovereignty in heaven reshape the way you pray and view your daily needs?
3. In what ways can the Lord's Prayer serve as a filter for aligning your petitions with God's will?
4. How does the balance of God's transcendence and immanence encourage both reverence and intimacy in your relationship with Him?
5. What steps can you take to make prayer a more meaningful and theologically grounded practice in your life?

In this episode, Tony Arsenal and Jesse Schwamb dive deep into the theological and practical significance of the opening words of the Lord's Prayer, "Our Father." They explore how these two simple yet profound words set the tone for Christian prayer, emphasizing the intimate relationship believers have with God as their Father. The hosts highlight the privilege of addressing God in this familial way, as well as the communal aspect of prayer implied in the word "Our."

The discussion includes an analysis of the unique fatherly nature of God, which is distinct from human parenthood yet resonates deeply with how He cares for and provides for His children. Tony and Jesse also touch on the Trinitarian framework of prayer, emphasizing how the entirety of the Godhead participates in the act of prayer and our relationship with God. They discuss how God's role as Father invites believers to approach Him with confidence and trust, knowing He desires to answer their prayers in line with His will and for their ultimate good.

The episode also serves as an introduction to a new series on the Lord's Prayer. The hosts encourage listeners to embrace the "two-minute prayer challenge," using the Lord's Prayer as both a model and a starting point for personal and communal prayer. They stress the importance of revisiting the basics of prayer and rediscovering its transformative power in the life of every believer.

1. The Fatherly Nature of God: The episode unpacks the significance of addressing God as "Father" and how this reflects His care, provision, and intimate relationship with believers.
2. The Communal Aspect of Prayer: Through the use of the word "Our," Jesus teaches that prayer is not just an individual act but one rooted in the shared identity of God's people.
3. Theological Depth of the Lord's Prayer: Tony and Jesse discuss the Trinitarian nature of prayer and how approaching God as Father encompasses the work of the entire Godhead.
4. Practical Prayer Tips: The hosts encourage listeners to incorporate the Lord's Prayer into their daily routines, using it as both a prescribed prayer and a template for personal petitions.

1. What does it mean to you personally to address God as "Our Father" in prayer?
2. How does the communal nature of the Lord's Prayer challenge the way you think about prayer as an individual practice?
3. In what ways can you incorporate the "two-minute prayer challenge" into your daily routine to deepen your prayer life?
4. How does understanding the Trinitarian nature of God influence your approach to prayer?