Thine Not Mine

Introduction

In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name
Your Kingdom come, Your Will be done, on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive our debts as we forgive our debtors
And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one
For Yours is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory forever.
Amen. Matthew 6:9–13

This closing statement provides focus, perspective, and hope. It reminds us that regardless of what is happening in the world, what we achieve in ministry, how well we fare in our kingdom assignments, it is ultimately God’s kingdom, enabled by His power, and He alone deserves all glory. Thine, not mine.

Is this Line a Part of the Original Text of Matthew?

In certain translations such as the New International and English Standard versions, this line is omitted. In the New American Standard Bible, it appears as a footnote.

Some would say it is not part of the original text and was only in the 5th century that it was added. In Luke 11:1-4, it does not record it as well. They believe that the line was added by the early Church as Jewish prayers typically closed with words of praise and spontaneous doxologies so the church added this line

Some would say that it is, otherwise, the prayer would end rather abruptly. In Luke’s context, the prayer was different, Jesus was on the way to the cross, hence it is alright to end with “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

In Matthew, the prayer was taught in the context of the Sermon on the Mount, teaching about the kingdom of God. Hence, it is proper to end a declaration of God’s kingdom, power, and glory.

Regardless, it brings a focus that in the end, it is about the kingdom of God. It gives the proper perspective that it is about God, not me. It provides eschatological hope that we do not see or experience it fully yet, but we declare what will be.

We can look at 1 Chronicles 29:10–13, Psalm 145:10–13, and 2 Timothy 4:17–18 for the Biblical basis of the last line.

God’s Kingdom Not Mine

It is God’s kingdom. He is sovereign, and He is in total control. Israel asked for a king.  Although David was a good and great king, he openly acknowledged God as the King. David was only God’s earthly agent.

In the following Scriptures, we see that God establishes all authority,

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Romans 13:1

And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding. Daniel 2:21

For exaltation comes neither from the east Nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, And exalts another. Psalm 75:6–7

I gave you a king in My anger, And took him away in My wrath. Hosea 13:11

In the nations, God raises up good leaders and allows evil leaders. In the Church, God can remove churches, ministries, and assignments. Revelation 2:5.

God ‘gives’ us the kingdom i.e. the benefits and privileges to enjoy, but the kingdom is still His, and His alone. Daniel 2:36

God’s Timing and Will

David intended to build the temple but was redirected by God. We cannot control God, or try to make things happen. We can only be responsible for what we have been tasked to do.

Ministry and Assignment Implications

Whose kingdom am I building? Thine or mine? I am not the king. God is.

We may not appear to be “on top” or “in control”, but that is because God’s kingdom is a different kingdom. Remember, the kingdom of God is first and foremost within us, the rule and reign of the king (Revelation 11:15). It is still God’s kingdom that will prevail in the end.

God’s Power Not Mine

Dunamis is Greek for the ability to get things done. Do not confuse our talents and gifts with the power of God. We can do a lot without the power of God.

God’s Power
God’s power is in the Word. Only the true word of God has any power. To know His Word is to know and experience His power. His power is in the Holy Spirit as it is given to us (Acts 1:8; 2 Timothy 1:7). As we pray, we will experience His power as well. We cannot on our own, and as we petition to God, He enables us.

The power of faith and obedience can be seen in the Bible when one takes one step out and God comes through like Moses parting the Red Sea in Exodus 14.

The power of Godliness is seeing God in the man, where the man being is like his God (Titus 1:1). Godliness is personal piety and devotion to God.

Counterfeit Power?
A different spirit, a different gospel, or a different Jesus may be preached to deceive the world as the serpent deceived Eve (2 Corinthians 11:3–4). Be mindful of hyper prophecy (1 John) and supernatural manifestations with lying signs and wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:9–10).

True Power: Our Weakness. God’s Power
In both 1 Corinthians 1:26–31 and 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 Paul writes that it is through our weaknesses that God’s power is seen.

Jesus warns us to not be like the rulers of the Gentiles who desire high positions to lord over the others. But to serve as the Son of Man as He did not come to be served, but to serve (Matthew 20:24–28).

God’s Glory Not Mine
Glory in Greek is Kabod meaning weightiness or heaviness) or Doxa meaning praise (2 Chronicles 5:13-14). What would happen If God’s glory came into this room now?

The glory Of God has two types, Intrinsic glory is the revelation of all that God is. It is the total of all His divine perfections and holy attributes. There is nothing that man can do to add to the intrinsic glory of God. He is who He is.

Ascribed glory is praise and honour due to His Name. Such glory is to be ascribed to Him alone.

God’s kingdom is established by His power.  Therefore, rightly, all glory belongs to Him and Him alone (1 Corinthians 1:31 Cf Jeremiah 9:23-24).

Ministry Implications: Earthen Vessels

When all is said and done, God receives all the glory. We are only jars of clay that carry this treasure of the glory of God (2 Corinthians 4:7).

Many seek to please men because we want to receive praise and glory from them. How would ministry change if we only lived for the praise of God, seeking to please Him? (Galatians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:4).

The Hope Of Glory: When We Glorify God, He Will Glorify Us
As we grow and mature in Christ, the Hope of Glory is seen (Colossians 1:27–29). When we fulfil our assignments, the Hope of Glory is seen (John 17:4–5). When we suffer with and for the sake of Jesus, the Hope of Glory is seen (Romans 8:16–17).

The extent of our glory will be our resurrected body for eternal existence (1 Corinthians 15:40–41).

Forever AMEN!

God’s kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, from generation to generation. Kings, rulers, prime ministers, and presidents will come and go. But God will still be on His throne. God’s power is forever. He created all things, He sustains all things, and He will hold all things together. God’s glory is forever.

He deserves all praise and glory. And He will receive that forever and forever! Amen!

Conclusion

The prayer started with an acknowledgement of the greatness, closeness, and awesomeness of God. We long for His kingdom to come, and for His will to be done, on earth as it is in heaven. We recognize our part in the execution of His will through our kingdom assignments and we request resources for provisions for the mission. We realize the need for forgiveness and restoration in our relationships. We wrestle with temptations and test through trials, seeking to stay on track with the purposes of God and His kingdom.

Amidst the challenges and struggles we face in this world, we can pray with confidence Because God’s kingdom will be established, by God’s power, for God’s glory. Forever.

It is all about HIM, not ME, THINE NOT MINE.