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NOT MY WILL

Text: Matthew 26:36-46
21 April 2011

(I) CONSCIOUSNESS OF GOD’S WILL

1. Commitment of doing God’s will

“Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” John 4:34

2. Consistency in doing God’s will

“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.” John 9:4

(II) CONFLICTS OF THE SOUL

“And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and he began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, ‘My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here with me and watch with Me.’ ” Matthew 26:37-38

1. Deep feelings of sorrow

2. Deep distress

3. Desire for support of companionship (friendship)

(III) CONQUERING THROUGH PRAYER

1. Place of prayer

“He went a little farther and fell on His face…” Matthew 26:39a

a) Personal

b) Prostration

2. Petition made

“And prayed, saying, ‘O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.’ ” Matthew 26:39b

a) Deep trust in God as Father

b) Deep sorrow because of anticipated suffering and death

c) Desiring to fulfil only the Father’s will

3. Painful discovery

“Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, ‘What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.’ ” Matthew 26:40-41

a) Closest disciples found sleeping

b) Their spirit was willing but their flesh was weak

4. Praying again

“Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, ‘O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.’ And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy.” Matthew 26:42-43

a) Perseverance in prayer

b) Petition change

i) If this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it

ii) You will be done

c) Prevailing despite failure of the disciples to watch alongside

4. Power of Prayer

“So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then He came to His disciples and said to them, ‘Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.’ ” Matthew 26:44-46

a) Readiness to face suffering

b) Rising to meet the challenge of great suffering and death