Week 1: "Misplaced Desires: Seeking God’s Kingdom First"

Theme:

Aligning Our Prayers with God’s Will

Key Scripture References:

James 4:3 - "You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures."Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."John 6:14-15 - "The people tried to make Jesus king by force, but He withdrew because their desires were worldly."

Main Points and Examples:

1. Identifying Misplaced Desires:

Explanation:Misplaced desires arise when our prayers are driven by self-centered ambitions, comfort, or personal gain instead of focusing on God's kingdom purposes. Such desires reflect a heart that prioritizes personal pleasure over divine will.

Examples:

The Israelites Demanding a King (1 Samuel 8:4-22): The Israelites, desiring to be like other nations, demanded a human king, rejecting God as their true King. This desire led to significant negative consequences, including the rise of kings who often led Israel away from God’s ways. Teaching Example: Reflect on how sometimes we want what everyone else has, forgetting that God's plan for us might be different and better.

James and John’s Request for Positions of Honor (Mark 10:35-40): James and John sought positions of honor in Jesus’ kingdom, driven by ambition and a misunderstanding of what true greatness meant. Jesus’ response highlighted that greatness in His kingdom is about service, not power. Preaching Point: Our ambitions, even in spiritual matters, must be checked against God's definition of greatness—humility and service.

The Jews Wanting a Political Messiah (John 6:14-15): After Jesus fed the 5,000, the crowd tried to force Him into becoming a political king. They were driven by the desire for a worldly ruler, not understanding Jesus' mission of spiritual redemption. Contemporary Illustration: Consider how people today might want Jesus to fulfill their material or political desires, missing His deeper purpose of spiritual transformation.

2. The Consequences of Misplaced Desires:

Explanation:When our desires do not align with God's will, the outcomes can be detrimental, even if God temporarily allows those desires to be fulfilled. Misplaced desires can lead to spiritual discontent, missed blessings, or even judgment.

Examples:

The Israelites’ Desire for a King (1 Samuel 8:4-22): God granted their request for a king, but it led to oppression and eventual division within Israel. Their demand reflected a lack of trust in God’s unique leadership. Teaching Example: Just because God permits something doesn't mean it's His perfect will for us. Reflect on how some of the things we insist on might bring unforeseen consequences.

David’s Prayer for His Child’s Life (2 Samuel 12:15-23): David fervently prayed for the life of his child born out of sin with Bathsheba, but God did not grant this request. This story highlights how some prayers, rooted in sin or misguided desires, may not align with God’s sovereign plan. Preaching Point: Not all prayers are answered the way we hope, especially when they arise from circumstances or desires that contradict God’s holiness.

Jesus’ Rebuke of Peter (Matthew 16:21-23): Peter, out of love, tried to protect Jesus from suffering. However, his desire was contrary to God’s redemptive plan, earning him a stern rebuke. Application: Sometimes, even well-intentioned desires can go against God’s larger plan. We must learn to submit our desires to His wisdom.

3. Aligning Desires with God’s Kingdom:

Explanation:Our prayers should reflect a deep desire to see God's will accomplished on earth, prioritizing His kingdom over personal ambitions. When our hearts align with God's purposes, our prayers become powerful tools for His glory.

Examples:

Jesus’ Prayer in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46): Jesus modeled perfect submission by aligning His desires with the Father’s will, even when it involved great suffering. His prayer, “Not my will, but Yours be done,” epitomizes the heart of kingdom-focused prayer. Practical Reflection: When faced with difficult decisions or desires, use Jesus' prayer as a model for surrendering to God's will.

Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom (1 Kings 3:5-14): Solomon, when given the opportunity to ask for anything, requested wisdom to govern God’s people. This request aligned with God’s purpose for him as a leader and brought great blessings. Preaching Example: Teach the value of seeking God’s wisdom above personal gain or recognition, and how God honors such prayers.

Hannah’s Prayer for a Child (1 Samuel 1:9-20): Hannah’s prayer was deeply connected to her commitment to dedicate her child to God’s service. Her desire aligned with God’s purpose, leading to the birth of Samuel, a key figure in Israel’s history. Application: Reflect on how our deepest desires, when aligned with God’s will, can lead to significant spiritual breakthroughs.

Practical Application:

Prayer Exercise:Encourage the congregation to write down their top three desires. Have them reflect on whether these desires align with God’s kingdom values, using Matthew 6:33 as a guide. Challenge them to reshape any desires that prioritize self over God’s purposes.

Small Group Discussion:Facilitate discussions where members can share experiences of pursuing desires that led them away from God’s will and how realigning those desires brought them closer to God. Encourage discussions on how to continually seek God’s kingdom first in prayer.

Summary:

In this first week of our series, we've explored the dangers of misplaced desires in our prayer life. By looking at scriptural examples, we've seen how desires that prioritize self over God's kingdom can lead to negative outcomes, even if temporarily fulfilled. True alignment with God's will in prayer comes from a heart that seeks first His kingdom and righteousness, just as Jesus demonstrated in Gethsemane. This week, let’s commit to examining our own desires and bringing them into alignment with God’s kingdom purposes, trusting that He will add all other things we need.

Reflection and Commitment:

Reflect on the desires driving your prayers. Are they rooted in self-interest, or do they reflect a heart that seeks God's will above all? This week, let’s pray for the Holy Spirit to realign our desires with God's kingdom, ensuring that our prayers are powerful, effective, and aligned with His heart.

By guiding your congregation through these scriptural principles, you will help them develop a deeper, more effective prayer life that is truly aligned with God's heart. Encourage them to continually evaluate their desires, seeking God’s kingdom first in every aspect of their lives.