Lesson 56

What do we ask God to do when we pray the Second Petition?

What is God’s kingdom? Luke 1:33 …and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end. Christ rules…

What is God’s kingdom? Luke 17:20-21 Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you.” in our hearts

What is God’s kingdom? John 18:36-37 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.” “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” Christ rules within us through his Word

Key Point #1 God’s kingdom is Christ’s rule in our hearts by his Word.

How is God’s kingdom established in our hearts? Romans 5:5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. God sends the Holy Spirit…

How is God’s kingdom established in our hearts? James 1:18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. God sends the Holy Spirit to work faith

Key Point #2 God’s kingdom comes into our hearts when God sends the Holy Spirit to work faith in us.

What are the results when the Holy Spirit works faith in us and Christ begins his rule in our hearts? John 8:31-32 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” faith in the truth of salvation Christ’s rule results in…

What are the results when the Holy Spirit works faith in us and Christ begins his rule in our hearts? 2 Corinthians 5:15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. the desire to live a life devoted to Christ Christ’s rule results in…

Key Point #3 The results are that we believe God’s Word of salvation and live lives devoted to Christ.

Since Christ already rules in our hearts, why do we still keep praying for God’s kingdom to come? Mark 9:24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” to strengthen our faith We continue to pray for God’s kingdom…

Since Christ already rules in our hearts, why do we still keep praying for God’s kingdom to come? John 10:16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. to bring many others to believe We continue to pray for God’s kingdom…

Key Point #4 We continue to pray for God’s kingdom to come so that our faith is strengthened and so that many other people are brought to faith in Jesus.

Agree or Disagree? We pray for God’s kingdom to come so that more people will live in peace and so this world will be a better place to live.

Some Americans believe that Christ used to rule in the hearts of many people in this nation but now, for the most part, he doesn’t. They think the way to fix this is to make laws about abortion, mercy killing, homosexuality, prayer in public schools, and other similar issues. Would this help America to become a nation in which God’s kingdom is spreading? Why or why not?

Projects… Find out how many people live in your community (the country / the world) and how many claim to be Christians. Find out how many missionaries currently serve in our synod’s foreign missions. What does this all tell us about praying the Second Petition?

Agree or Disagree? Our synod should not try to start new congregations in the United States, since many people in other countries need to hear the gospel so desperately.

Evaluate… If God wants to bring people in foreign countries to faith, he will – our prayers really don’t make a difference.

Rudy skipped the Sunday service at his church because he didn’t feel like going. But he still prayed the Lord’s Prayer at home. He figured that since he prayed, “Your kingdom come,” the Holy Spirit would still strengthen his faith. What was wrong with Rudy’s idea?

After studying the Second Petition, Mary says to you: “Since the Second Petition includes the request that others would come to faith in Jesus, it has to be one of the most important of all the petitions in the Lord’s Prayer.” How would you respond to Mary’s conclusion?

Lesson 56 I ask that God will strengthen my faith and bring many other people to faith in Jesus.

Vocabulary… “God’s Kingdom” Jesus’ rule in our hearts through his Word