Podcast Summary: "Struggle: Thy Will Be Done" - Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life
Podcast Information:
- Title: Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life
- Host/Author: Tim Keller
- Description: Sermons by Tim Keller, founder of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NYC and NY Times best-selling author of ”The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism.” For more sermons and resources, visit www.gospelinlife.com.
- Episode: Struggle: Thy Will Be Done
- Release Date: February 7, 2025
Introduction
In the episode titled "Struggle: Thy Will Be Done," Pastor Tim Keller delves deep into the profound yet challenging aspect of prayer—submitting to God's will even amidst intense personal agony and struggle. Drawing from the biblical narrative of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, Keller explores the essence of genuine prayer and its transformative power in the believer's life.
Scripture Foundation
The episode begins with a reading of Matthew 26:36-46 by Speaker B at [00:37], setting the stage for Keller's exploration:
"Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane... 'My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me yet not as I will, but as you will.'"
This passage highlights Jesus' profound anguish and his ultimate submission to God's plan, serving as the cornerstone for the sermon.
Understanding "Thy Will Be Done"
The Complexity of Prayer
At [02:29], Speaker C (Tim Keller) emphasizes the widespread desire to pray more effectively:
"Every part of the Lord's Prayer... assumes a lot of knowledge about what the Bible teaches about that phrase... Your prayer would be infinitely enabled and empowered."
Keller underscores that understanding each element of the Lord's Prayer is crucial for meaningful and effective communication with God.
Cultural Context vs. Divine Will
Keller addresses the tension between American cultural values and the biblical call to submit to God's will:
"Most of us in America believe a few simple propositions... Choice is a good thing... Authority is inherently suspect." [C, 05:30]
He contrasts these values with Jesus' teaching to pray, "Thy will be done," which challenges the cultural emphasis on personal autonomy and skepticism of authority.
The Agony of Gethsemane
Magnitude of Jesus' Suffering
At [07:45], Keller reflects on the depth of Jesus' agony:
"My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death." [B, 00:37]
He compares Jesus' experience to that of martyrs like Hugh Latimer, highlighting the unprecedented nature of Jesus' internal struggle, intensified by his awareness of impending divine judgment.
Immediacy of the Agony
Keller explores why Jesus experiences this intense agony before the crucifixion, citing Jonathan Edwards' interpretation:
"God brought him and set him at the mouth of the furnace... to voluntarily enter into it and bear it for sinners." [C, 19:52]
This immediate experience ensures that Jesus' obedience is entirely voluntary, contrasting with cultural notions of compulsion.
Model for Personal Prayer Life
Integrity and Trust
Keller presents Jesus as the ultimate model of integrity and trust in prayer:
"Thy will be done means... I will obey you even if I don't agree with what you've said... I will trust you even though I do not understand." [C, 20:44]
He encourages believers to emulate Jesus' honesty and trust, even when facing incomprehensible challenges.
Emotional Honesty in Prayer
Highlighting the importance of being emotionally authentic with God, Keller asserts:
"It's emotionally healthy to yell, just like the psalmist... but then in the end you say, 'But Thy will be done.'" [C, 20:44]
He advocates for expressing genuine emotions in prayer, followed by a surrender to God's will as exemplified by Jesus.
Application to Daily Life
Keller challenges listeners to adopt Jesus' mindset in their prayer life:
- Obedience Without Reward: Commit to obeying God regardless of personal gain or recognition.
- Trust Beyond Understanding: Rely on God's wisdom even when His plans are unclear or difficult.
- Endurance Through Struggle: Draw strength from Jesus' example to persevere through life's trials.
He reassures believers that embracing this approach to prayer fosters a resilient and steadfast spirit, akin to becoming "creatures of stone and steel" impervious to despair and weariness.
Conclusion and Final Prayer
In the closing segments, Keller synthesizes his teachings into a heartfelt prayer, encouraging listeners to internalize the lessons from Jesus' agony:
"For my heart's desire unto thine is bent, I aspire to a full consent. Thy will be done." [C, 20:44]
He emphasizes that such prayers, rooted in the life and sacrifice of Jesus, empower believers to live with integrity, trust, and unwavering obedience.
Final Thoughts
The episode "Struggle: Thy Will Be Done" offers a profound exploration of prayer, inviting listeners to deepen their relationship with God by understanding and practicing the submission that Jesus exemplified. Through meticulous scripture analysis and relatable illustrations, Tim Keller provides both a theological foundation and practical guidance for cultivating a robust and authentic prayer life.
For more sermons and resources, visit www.gospelinlife.com.