Lord, Teach Us To Pray: Week Four
Matthew 6:9-13
THREE IDEAS:
God’s Will
On Earth
In Heaven
What we are not talking about:
God’s Will of Direction
God’s Will of Decree
God’s Will of Decree:
“My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose” Isaiah 46:10
“for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.” Acts 4:27-28
What we are not talking about:
God’s Will of Direction
God’s Will of Decree
What we are talking about:
God’s Will of Desire
God’s Will of Desire:
Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification… 1 Thessalonians 4:1-3
For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 1 Peter 2:15
“The difference between earth and heaven is not that God is sovereign over heaven but not over earth. The difference is that every command is fulfilled with cheerful and full obedience in heaven, where that is not the case here on earth.” - Kevin DeYoung
“To experience the glory of God’s will for us means absolute trust. It means the will to do His will, and it means joy.” - Elisabeth Elliot
How To Do God’s Will On Earth:
Pray for God’s Will
Know God’s will
Practice God’s will
And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God, The Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life. Revelation 21:22-27
“My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will. My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” Matthew 26:39, 42
PRAYER PROMPTS
Pray that you would know God’s will revealed in His Word.
Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105)
Pray that you would, by God’s Spirit, practice God’s will in your family, church, and community.
For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2:16-17)
Pray that God’s will would extend all throughout the earth - that the nations would hear His gospel.
And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)
Life Group Discussion Questions
How have you seen your prayer life grow in consistency or in enjoyment since we started this series? What are some ways that you still struggle in your prayer life?
What are some common ways in which people think they can bring heaven to earth?
Discuss the differences between the three different meanings of “God’s Will” that are typically thought of. Why is it important to know what Jesus means in this prayer?
Where in your life right now do you struggle to follow God’s will or commands?
What are some common misconceptions of heaven? How should this verse help stir the Christian’s excitement about being in heaven forever?