Prayer is about renunciation

Preaching Outline on Matthew 6:10 – Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Introduction to Matthew 6:10

Tonight, we’re going to consider the phrase: “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” So far in this sermon series, we have discovered that prayer is a dialog between us and our heavenly Father. We can rest in that relationship. We have seen that prayer must include elements of adoration, exaltation and praise. We must revere Him at all times!

As we advance in the model of prayer, we will learn that prayer is also about renunciation. In our prayer life, we must grow to the point where we lay everything we are on His altar and surrender our totality and will to the will of our heavenly Father. This is not always easy, but it is absolutely necessary if we want to be all that God has saved us to be (Romans 12:1-2).

We should take a few minutes to reflect on God’s will and how we should respond to it. I want to preach on the theme: “Prayer is about renunciation”.

I. GOD’S WILL: A DEFINITION

(Illustration: What is God’s will? No preacher could fully describe it in a lifetime, let alone in a message. But I’ll try to clarify).

Some see God’s will as the authoritarian rule of a dictator. They submit resentfully, preferring to do something else if they could!
Others see it as inevitable and surrender out of resignation, not faith. There is no joy in this submission. Example: The early church prayed for Peter’s release (Acts 12:1-17), but did not believe that he would be released.
Some people think that prayer is an attempt to bend God’s will so that it aligns with ours.

Problem: All these visions are flawed. God is sovereign, but he invites us to pray. Prayer is not to do our will in heaven, but for His will to be done on earth, through us (Matthew 6:10). Prayer is about him: your name, your kingdom, your will. The fervent prayer of a righteous man can do much (James 5:16).

Let’s be clear:

A. God’s Decreed Will:
Some events are immutable: creation, the order of the universe, salvation, judgment on sin. They are determined by God and nothing will stop them (Isaiah 14:24; Romans 8:28; Ephesians 1:9-11). There is no point in praying to change them.

B. God’s Desired Will:
Things that God desires, but which may not come to pass (e.g. 2 Peter 3:9). Even if not fulfilled, His sovereign plan remains.

C. In the verse in question, “will” comes from thelo (Greek):
It refers to the decreed will. We should pray that God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

II. GOD’S WILL: AN EXAMPLE

In Hebrews 1:14 and Psalm 103:20, we see that angels do God’s will without murmuring, with joy and love. On earth, however, God’s will is violated: sin, rebellion, false doctrines… Satan is the “god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4).

We need to cry out: “Your will be done here as well as there!”

III. GOD’S WILL: A DUTY

When I pray “Your will be done”, I’m asking for my life to be conformed to His Word. It means giving myself as a living offering (Romans 12:1-2), imitating Jesus in Gethsemane: “Not my will, but yours” (Luke 22:42).

How?

Seeking wisdom to know Him (Psalm 119:27).
Desiring to do His will (Psalm 119:32).
Finding the strength to fulfill it (Philippians 2:12-13).

Conclusion of Matthew 6:10

If God is our Father, if we cherish His name and want His kingdom, we must surrender to His will. Have you given everything to the altar? Are you committed to His will?

When we submit, we honor God, sanctify His name and advance His kingdom in us and in the world.

Preaching Outline on Matthew 6:10 – Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Prayer is about renunciation – Matthew 6:10