Lesson #102: Prayer: His Kingdom Advanced

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Shorter Catechism Q & A #102

Q. What do we pray for in the second petition?

A. In the second petition (which is, Thy kingdom come) we pray, That Satan’s kingdom may be destroyed; and that the kingdom of grace may be advanced, ourselves and others brought into it, and kept in it; and that the kingdom of glory may be hastened.

Memorize Q&A—Exposition

The Power and Presence of Christ the King: “When Christ Jesus declared, ‘The kingdom of God is at hand’ (Mark 1:15), He was telling us that a piercing light had come into the world of darkness (1 Peter 2:9). This light was the kingdom of grace that would be set within the heart of every believer, manifested through the visible body, the church, permeating every tongue and nation, a kingdom of ‘righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit’ (Rom.14:17).” (LaMay, He Hears My Voice)

What does it mean?

Discuss the meaning of “Satan’s kingdom” in relationship with Christ the Son: Ps. 68:1, 18; Ps. 2

Discuss the meaning of “kingdom of grace” and its advancement: Rev.12:10–11; Ps.67:1–3; Rev. 1:5-6

Discuss the Christians entrance into the kingdom: John 17:9, 20; Rom. 10:1; John 14:1–6.

Discuss the hastening of the kingdom of glory: Rev. 12:10–11; 2 Peter 3:11–13.

What is our practice?

We take an active part, by the Spirit and his Word, to promote moral and righteous conduct in our lives, our homes, our work, and in the communities of civil government. This means an involvement as heads of households, under-shepherds in the church, teaching Biblical truth in education, leadership in government as the Lord gives us gifts, talents, and strength.

Quotes for thought and discussion:

William Symington wrote (Messiah the Prince) that Christ “thus appears, wearing, not only the crown of dominion over the church, but that of dominion over the kingdoms of nature, providence, and grace—over things physical and moral, rational and irrational, animate and inanimate. Things in heaven, in earth, and under the earth, are thus seen to be put under his feet. His kingdom ruleth over all. Ye saints of the most High! Subscribe to him the glory that is due.”

“Christ’s appointment give him a rightful claim to the implicit and conscientious obedience of every moral creature. ‘Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the truth of God perfected’ (1 John 2:3-5). It is as mediatorial King that all his commandments are given, and in this capacity is it that he is to be obeyed. Let men be convinced of this. He is no usurper. Great must be the guilt of refusing him submission; it is to resist lawful authority, to reject the appointment of God.”

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