Thy Kingdom Come
 

Thy Kingdom Come—A Prayer of Surrender and Sovereignty

In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus teaches us to say, "Thy kingdom come," a phrase that encapsulates a profound acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and a heartfelt yearning for His reign to manifest in our lives and the world around us. This petition is not merely a request for a future event but a declaration of our desire for God's rule to be established here and now.

When we speak of a kingdom, we inherently refer to the presence of a king. In this context, God is the sovereign ruler, the ultimate authority over all creation. Isaiah 44:6 affirms this, stating, "Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God." This verse underscores the exclusivity and supremacy of God's rule, leaving no room for other deities or powers.

Jesus' ministry emphasized the spiritual nature of God's kingdom. In Luke 17:20-21, He explains that the kingdom does not come with observable signs but is within or among us. This indicates that God's reign begins internally, transforming hearts and minds, rather than establishing a physical dominion.

The establishment of God's kingdom is closely linked to the church. In Matthew 16:18-19, Jesus speaks of building His church and giving the keys of the kingdom of heaven to Peter. This connection illustrates that the church serves as the embodiment of God's kingdom on earth, where believers live under His lordship.

Furthermore, Romans 14:17 describes the kingdom of God as "righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." This depiction moves beyond external rituals, focusing on the internal virtues that characterize those who live under God's rule.

In Revelation 11:15, we see the culmination of God's kingdom: "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever." This prophetic vision assures us of the ultimate fulfillment of our prayer, where God's reign is universally recognized.

Therefore, when we pray, "Thy kingdom come," we are expressing our commitment to live under God's authority, allowing His will to guide our actions and decisions. It is a call for personal transformation and a plea for the world to recognize and submit to God's sovereign rule.

Sermon Outline: "Thy Kingdom Come"

Introduction:

• Reflect on the significance of the Lord's Prayer and its role in guiding our communication with God.
• Emphasize the importance of the phrase "Thy kingdom come" as a central theme in our spiritual lives.

I. Understanding God's Sovereignty

• Explore Isaiah 44:6 to affirm God's position as the sole sovereign ruler.
• Discuss the implications of acknowledging God's exclusive authority in our lives.

II. The Nature of God's Kingdom

• Analyze Luke 17:20-21 to understand the internal and spiritual aspects of God's kingdom.
• Highlight the transformation that occurs within individuals who embrace God's reign.

III. The Church as the Manifestation of the Kingdom

• Examine Matthew 16:18-19 to establish the church's role in representing God's kingdom on earth.
• Encourage active participation in the church as a means of living out kingdom principles.

IV. Characteristics of Kingdom Living

• Delve into Romans 14:17 to identify the virtues of righteousness, peace, and joy as hallmarks of God's kingdom.
• Encourage the congregation to cultivate these qualities in their daily lives.

V. The Fulfillment of God's Kingdom

• Reflect on Revelation 11:15 to provide hope and assurance of God's ultimate reign.
• Inspire the congregation to remain steadfast in their faith, anticipating the full realization of God's kingdom.

Call to Action:

• Invite individuals to examine their lives and identify areas where they need to submit to God's authority.
• Encourage the congregation to actively participate in the church community, embodying the principles of God's kingdom.
• Challenge everyone to be ambassadors of God's kingdom, spreading righteousness, peace, and joy in their spheres of influence.

By embracing the prayer "Thy kingdom come," we commit ourselves to a life of obedience, transformation, and active participation in God's redemptive work. Let us continually seek to align our hearts with God's will, allowing His kingdom to flourish within us and through us.