Week 6: Surrendering to God's Perfect Will in All Circumstances
Maturing in Prayer: Learning that God's Permissive Will is Not His Perfect Will • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Week 6: Surrendering to God's Perfect Will in All Circumstances
Week 6: Surrendering to God's Perfect Will in All Circumstances
Key Texts:
Key Texts:
Luke 22:41-42: "And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, 'Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.'"Philippians 2:13: "For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."
Historical Context and Background
Historical Context and Background
Luke 22:41-42:
Time Period: Written by Luke around AD 60-61.
Context: This passage recounts Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, just before His arrest and crucifixion. It is one of the most intense moments in Jesus’ earthly ministry, as He faces immense suffering and death. Jesus fully understands the agony He will endure on the cross, both physically and spiritually, as He takes on the sins of the world. Yet, in this moment of deep distress, Jesus surrenders completely to the Father’s will, demonstrating His perfect submission. This scene is pivotal in Christian theology, showing that true surrender to God’s will sometimes leads to hardship but ultimately results in glory and salvation.
Philippians 2:13:
Time Period: Written by Paul while he was imprisoned, around AD 60-62.
Context: In this letter to the believers in Philippi, Paul encourages them to continue working out their salvation with humility and perseverance, knowing that God is at work in them. Philippians 2 emphasizes both God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. Paul reassures the believers that God is actively involved in their lives, shaping their desires and empowering them to live according to His will. The church in Philippi was facing persecution and internal challenges, and Paul wanted to remind them that God’s will was still being accomplished through them.
Passage Analysis
Passage Analysis
Luke 22:41-42:
Key Theme: Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane is a powerful example of submission to God’s will, even when it leads to suffering. The Greek word for “will” (thelēma) signifies God’s perfect desire and purpose. Jesus’ willingness to say, “Not my will, but yours be done,” demonstrates a complete surrender to the Father’s plan. This moment highlights the tension between human desire (avoidance of pain) and divine purpose (salvation through sacrifice). Jesus models for all believers that surrendering to God’s will can be painful, but it leads to the ultimate good.
Philippians 2:13:
Key Theme: Paul reassures the believers that God is working in them, giving them both the desire and the power to do His will. The Greek word for "work" (energeo) indicates that God’s power is actively at work within believers, shaping their will and enabling them to carry out His purposes. This passage encourages believers to trust that even when they don’t fully understand God’s will, He is still at work in their lives, guiding them according to His good pleasure.
Text and Analysis
Text and Analysis
Luke 22:41-42:
Luke 22:41-42:
"Not my will, but yours be done" (Greek: thelēma): Jesus surrenders His human will to the Father’s divine will, knowing the immense suffering He is about to face. The word thelēma represents God’s perfect plan and desire, which transcends human understanding. This moment captures the essence of true submission, where personal desires are set aside for the fulfillment of a greater, divine purpose.
Practical Example: Consider someone facing a difficult decision, such as staying in a challenging job or ministry position where they feel called but are experiencing hardship. Like Jesus, they may desire relief or a way out, but through prayer and discernment, they realize that God’s will may involve staying the course for a season. Surrendering to God’s will may mean embracing difficulty for the sake of spiritual growth or fulfilling a larger purpose.Application: In your own life, be willing to surrender completely to God’s will, even when it involves difficulty or sacrifice. Trust that God’s plan is ultimately for the greater good. For instance, if you are going through a tough season—whether in relationships, work, or health—pray as Jesus did, asking God to give you the strength to surrender to His will, even if it leads through hardship.
Philippians 2:13:
Philippians 2:13:
"God works in you" (Greek: energeo): The word energeo means to actively work or energize. Paul teaches that God is constantly at work within believers, giving them both the desire (the will) and the ability to carry out His purposes. This is a comforting reminder that we are not left to fulfill God’s will on our own; He empowers us to desire His will and to act on it.
Practical Example: Imagine someone struggling to forgive a person who has wronged them. Forgiveness may feel impossible or undesirable in the moment, but through prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit, God begins to change their heart, giving them both the desire and the strength to forgive. This is God working within them, shaping their will to align with His.Application: As you pray, ask God to work within you to shape your desires and actions according to His purpose. Trust that He is guiding you, even when His will is not immediately clear. For example, if you feel conflicted about a decision or direction in life, pray for God to give you both the desire and the strength to follow His will, even when it requires patience or perseverance.
Preaching and Teaching Points
Preaching and Teaching Points
1. Jesus’ Surrender (Luke 22:41-42):
1. Jesus’ Surrender (Luke 22:41-42):
Main Idea: Jesus models complete submission to the Father’s will, even in the face of great suffering. His prayer in Gethsemane shows the ultimate act of surrender: letting go of personal desires and embracing God’s will, knowing that it leads to a greater good.Application: Encourage believers to follow Jesus’ example of surrender, trusting that God’s will is always best. Teach that surrendering to God’s will may involve pain or sacrifice, but like Jesus, we can trust that God’s perfect plan leads to greater glory. For example, someone struggling with a difficult family situation might need to surrender their desire for immediate resolution and trust that God is working through the situation for their good.
2. God’s Work in Us (Philippians 2:13):
2. God’s Work in Us (Philippians 2:13):
Main Idea: God is actively at work in shaping our desires and actions according to His will. We are not left to figure out God’s will on our own—He is present within us, guiding and empowering us to live according to His purpose.Application: Remind the congregation that they are not alone in their walk with God—He is working within them, giving them the desire and the ability to follow His will. For example, if someone is feeling spiritually dry or disconnected, encourage them to trust that God is still at work in them, even if they don’t feel it at the moment. Encourage them to pray for God to renew their desires and to keep trusting Him through seasons of uncertainty.
3. Surrendering in Difficulty (Luke 22:41-42):
3. Surrendering in Difficulty (Luke 22:41-42):
Main Idea: True submission to God’s will often comes in times of trial or challenge. Jesus’ surrender in Gethsemane teaches that we are called to submit even when God’s will leads us through suffering or hardship.
Application: Teach the congregation that, like Jesus, we must surrender even when God’s will leads us into difficult circumstances. For example, someone facing a health challenge or a personal loss might struggle with understanding why God’s will allows suffering, but surrendering means trusting that God’s greater plan is being accomplished, even through pain.
4. Trusting God’s Plan (Philippians 2:13):
4. Trusting God’s Plan (Philippians 2:13):
Main Idea: Even when we don’t see the full picture, we can trust that God’s perfect will is for our good. God is at work in our lives, even when we don’t fully understand His plan or when circumstances seem difficult.
Application: Challenge believers to find peace in the knowledge that God’s will is being accomplished, even in times of uncertainty. For example, someone might be praying for guidance in a confusing or unclear situation, like waiting for a job offer or seeking clarity in a relationship. Teach them to trust that God’s will is unfolding, even when answers don’t come immediately, and to continue surrendering to His guidance with patience.
Practical Examples for Teaching
Practical Examples for Teaching
Health and Suffering Example: Imagine someone going through a prolonged illness. They may pray for healing, and while they do not receive it immediately, they begin to understand that God’s will might involve enduring this season to develop a deeper reliance on Him or to be a witness to others. Through this, they learn to surrender their desire for immediate relief to God’s perfect timing and purpose.
Waiting on God's Timing Example: Someone who is waiting on a job opportunity might struggle with frustration or impatience. By surrendering to God’s will, they choose to trust that God is using this waiting period for their growth, either to prepare them for the right opportunity or to deepen their dependence on Him. Instead of rushing into a decision, they pray for God to align their desires with His perfect will, trusting that His timing is better than their own.
Relational Example: A person might be holding onto bitterness after a relationship breakdown. Through prayer and reflection, they begin to understand that God’s will is for them to forgive and let go of the hurt, even though it’s painful. By surrendering their desire for justice or retribution, they experience freedom in following God’s will of reconciliation and peace.
Reflection and Action for Students
Reflection and Action for Students
Main Takeaways:
Main Takeaways:
Luke 22:41-42: Jesus models perfect submission to God’s will, even when it involves suffering. We are called to trust and surrender to God’s plan, knowing that it leads to greater good.
Philippians 2:13: God is actively working within us, shaping our desires and giving us the power to carry out His will. Even when we don’t fully understand His plan, we can trust that He is guiding us according to His good pleasure.
Personal Reflection:
Personal Reflection:
In what areas of your life are you struggling to surrender to God’s will? What holds you back from fully trusting His plan, especially in difficult circumstances?Do you believe that God is working within you, even when you don’t see immediate results or clarity? How can you cultivate more trust in His process?How does Jesus’ example of surrender in the Garden of Gethsemane encourage you in your own prayer life?
Challenge for the Week:
Challenge for the Week:
Surrendering in Prayer: This week, spend time in prayer asking God to help you surrender specific areas of your life to His will. Whether it’s a difficult relationship, a decision you’re facing, or a challenging circumstance, pray for the strength to trust God’s plan and say, “Not my will, but yours be done.” Journal how this surrender brings peace or clarity to your situation.
Memory Verse:
Memory Verse:
Luke 22:42: "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done."
By the end of this week, you will have a deeper understanding of how to surrender to God’s perfect will, even in difficult circumstances. Let this study challenge you to trust God’s plan, knowing that His will is always for your good, even when you don’t see the full picture. Trust in His power, presence, and purpose in every situation.
