Podcast Summary: "Submission: ‘Thy Kingdom, Thy Will’"

Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life
Episode: Submission: “Thy Kingdom, Thy Will”
Release Date: February 24, 2025
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.

Introduction: The Power of What We Love

The episode begins with an emphasis on the transformative power of what we choose to love and how authentic prayer can reshape our passions and priorities. Tim Keller sets the stage by highlighting the importance of consistent and faithful prayer in connecting with God and realigning our desires to reflect His will.

Deep Dive into the Lord's Prayer

Understanding the Familiar

Keller revisits the Lord's Prayer, a central element of Christian worship, to unpack its profound implications. He notes, “the most influential religious leader in the history of the world... gave us the Lord's Prayer” (00:35). By analyzing each petition, Keller reveals the depth and radical nature of praying for God's will to be done above our own desires.

The Radical Nature of “Thy Will Be Done”

A significant portion of the sermon focuses on the petition, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Keller explains that this phrase calls for a complete surrender of our will to God’s, rather than a mere request for guidance or blessings. He cites Thomas Watson, a 17th-century writer, who interpreted this as praying for both the ability to follow God's commands diligently and to submit patiently to his inflictions (00:35).

“Our Father who art in heaven... thy will comes before you do any asking. [...] You're not trying to bend God's will to meet yours, but you are melting and softening your will into His.”
— Tim Keller (00:35)

The Challenge of Modern Prayer

Keller addresses the modern skepticism towards religion, referencing early 20th-century critics like Freud and Marx who predicted the decline of religious belief with societal maturation. He counters this by asserting the enduring human need for spiritual connection, emphasizing that prayer remains a vital means to fulfill this need.

“There is in the human heart a relentless need for spiritual experience. That there is a deep need to connect with the infinite and with God.”
— Tim Keller (00:35)

The Importance of Continuous Awareness

Using an analogy of a bustling New York church, Keller illustrates how familiarity can desensitize us to God’s presence. He warns against becoming complacent, urging believers to continually remind themselves of God’s significance in their lives.

“We have to overcome that by continually reminding ourselves of what it is and what it means.”
— Tim Keller (00:35)

Parenting and Temperament: An Unexpected Analogy

In a thought-provoking segment, Keller draws parallels between parenting strategies and the discipline implied in the Lord's Prayer. He references a 1994 Atlantic Monthly article on temperament, highlighting how effective parenting often requires pushing children beyond their natural inclinations to foster growth and wisdom.

“Parenting is intervention, parenting is pushing, parenting is going against the deepest desires in many cases of the child.”
— Tim Keller (07:45)

Wrestling with God: Lessons from Jacob and Jesus

Jacob’s Transformation

Keller recounts the biblical story of Jacob wrestling with God, illustrating the shift from seeking personal blessings to desiring a deeper relationship with God. Jacob’s realization that life isn’t about getting things from God but about knowing Him transforms his approach to prayer.

“Life is not about getting things from God. It's about getting God.”
— Tim Keller (16:13)

Jesus’ Ultimate Submission

Parallel to Jacob’s experience, Keller highlights Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He submits to God’s will despite impending suffering. This ultimate act of surrender exemplifies the essence of “Thy will be done.”

“Prayer is the victory of the lame. Prayer is the victory of the losers, the ones who surrender and say, thy will be done.”
— Tim Keller (16:13)

The Freedom in Submission

Emphasizing the paradoxical freedom found in surrendering to God’s will, Keller explains that true liberation comes not from controlling circumstances but from aligning our desires with divine purpose.

“When you pray thy will be done, you're free. Then you'll be following after the Lord.”
— Tim Keller (16:13)

Conclusion: Embracing the Challenge

Keller concludes by encouraging listeners to embrace the challenging aspects of prayer, recognizing that prioritizing God’s will leads to genuine fulfillment and transformation. He underscores the necessity of placing God at the center of our prayers, ensuring that our requests are secondary to our desire for a deeper relationship with Him.

Notable Quotes:

• Tim Keller:
  “We have to overcome that by continually reminding ourselves of what it is and what it means.” — 00:35

• Tim Keller:
  “Life is not about getting things from God. It's about getting God.” — 16:13

• Tim Keller:
  “Prayer is the victory of the lame. Prayer is the victory of the losers, the ones who surrender and say, thy will be done.” — 16:13

• Tim Keller:
  “When you pray thy will be done, you're free. Then you'll be following after the Lord.” — 16:13

Final Thoughts

"Submission: ‘Thy Kingdom, Thy Will’" is a profound exploration of the Lord's Prayer, urging believers to prioritize God's will above their own. Tim Keller masterfully intertwines biblical narratives, psychological insights, and practical analogies to convey the transformative power of authentic prayer. For those seeking a deeper understanding of prayer and its role in shaping our lives, this sermon offers invaluable guidance and inspiration.

For more sermons and resources, visit www.gospelinlife.com.