We have been examining the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) and looking at its significance.
While we do not have to pray this exactly the way that it is shown to us, it is a model given to us on how to pray and approach God. That prayer model is the following:
Matthew 6:9-13 – KJV – “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen”.
Last issue, we looked at the portion of Scripture that said “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven”, examining what it means to have the Kingdom of God come within our hearts and see if we are reflecting a lifestyle that reflects God’s Kingdom (Romans 14:17) and if we are seeking His Kingdom first as He has stated in His Word (Matthew 6:33). I’d like to look at the rest of that portion of Scripture which says “…. Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven”. One thing is very clear; are we truly seeking God’s will for our lives? Now, we have to forgive the language of the King James. Other translations, such as the NIV which says “Your will be done…”; so, Jesus let us know that we are to pray for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Do we co-labor with God in prayer that His will would be established on the earth? Not only are we to be praying for His will to be established, but do we know for sure that we are in the midst of God’s will? One thing we know that is within the scope of God’s will is His desire to see people come into His Kingdom; that people may hear the Good News of the Gospel and give their lives to Him. The Great Commission that was assigned to the church is clearly stated in the book of Matthew.
Matthew 28:19-20 – NLT – Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
The Great Commission, as it is known, was to go out and make disciples. What is a disciple? As I learned years ago, a disciple is a “disciplined learner” who follows after the teachings of the one they are learning from. For us as Christians, discipleship means following after our Lord, Jesus Christ. God wants disciples who follow after His Son, Jesus, accepting His teachings, obeying His commands, and imitating His life of love, service, and sacrifice, empowered by the Holy Spirit and living a life pleasing to Him.And as disciples of Christ, it is needful that we learn to obey God’s Word for His Word is His will. We have the Bible that tells us specifically what His will is. 2 Timothy says this:
2 Timothy 3:16-17 – NIV – All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Scripture is given to us to train us in righteousness so that as servants of God, we will be equipped properly to serve Him. It clearly tells us what God’s will is for our lives. Here are some Scriptures that describes what God’s will is:
1 Thessalonians 4:3 – NKJV – For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality.
1 Peter 2:15 – NKJV – For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—
John 17:17 – Amplified Classic – Sanctify them [purify, consecrate, separate them for Yourself, make them holy] by the Truth; Your Word is Truth.
God’s Word describes His will. The question that we must ask ourselves is, are we truly in alignment with His Word or are we more prone to be conformed to the thinking of this world system, which oftentimes is in opposition to the Lord. Scripture warns us in Romans 12:2 not to be conformed to this world, but to be renewed in our minds. If we are following His Word, then we can be assured that we are aligning with His will as we grow daily in our spiritual life. Do we ask things of Him when we pray that align with His will or are we asking amiss (James 4:3)? Remember the words of John in the 1st epistle of John:
1 John 5:14 – NKJV – Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
So, I encourage all of us as Christians to check in on ourselves to see if we are really obeying the Word of God. Are we sincerely following the teachings of Jesus Christ? Are we walking in obedience to His Word and to the Holy Spirit which help guide us into God’s will for our lives? These are things that I constantly review, not to always be “turned inward” in a selfish comparison, but to ensure that what I am doing is pleasing to Him.
We will continue or study in our next issue. God Bless!
