Forgive Us Our Debts
Sermon Notes
Enter The Story - The Lord’s Prayer
1. Introduction: The Power of the Lord’s Prayer
Reference: Matthew 6:9-13
Key focus: The phrase “forgive us our debts” and its significance.
2. Defining Key Terms
Debts (Trespasses): Our moral and spiritual obligation owed to God due to sin, leading to separation from His holiness.
Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Grace: The unearned, undeserved favor of God offering forgiveness and a restored relationship through Jesus.
Ephesians 2:8-9: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith…”
Justice: The fair and righteous application of God’s law, ensuring sin receives its due consequence.
Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…”
Mercy: Compassionate forgiveness where God withholds deserved punishment.
Titus 3:5: “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.”
3. Understanding Grace and Mercy
Grace Defined: Receiving forgiveness and salvation we do not deserve.
Illustration: “Hell’s Best Kept Secret” by Ray Comfort.
Mercy Defined: Not receiving the punishment we do deserve.
4. The Role of Justice in God’s Plan
God’s Justice: Ensures truth and fairness, holding all actions accountable.
Romans 2:1-2: The caution of judgment and hypocrisy.
If God is just, how does He grant grace without compromising justice?
5. The Gospel: The Good News
John 3:16: “For God so loved the world…”
The Gospel is central because it highlights our need for a savior.
6. The Transformative Power of “Forgive Us Our Debts”
Hope and Renewal:
1 John 1:9: God’s faithfulness in forgiving and cleansing us.
Restored Relationship with God:
Romans 5:1: Justification through faith brings peace.
Freedom from Guilt and Shame:
Psalm 103:12: Removal of our transgressions.
A New Purpose:
2 Corinthians 5:17: Becoming a new creation in Christ.
Eternal Life:
Titus 3:7: The hope of eternal life through grace.
7. Conclusion: The Hope in “Forgive Us Our Debts”
Emphasis on God’s grace and mercy bringing hope and renewal.
Psalm 103:12: A reminder of God’s profound removal of sin.
Encouragement: If you have lost hope, pray as Jesus taught: “Forgive me my debt.”
8. Practical Application Points
Daily Prayer Practice: Integrate the Lord’s Prayer into your daily routine, focusing on the phrase “forgive us our debts” to seek God’s forgiveness and extend forgiveness to others.
Reflect on Grace and Mercy: Take moments throughout the day to acknowledge where you’ve experienced God’s grace and mercy, fostering a heart of gratitude.
Forgive Others: Actively work on forgiving those who have wronged you, mirroring God’s forgiveness toward us.
Live Justly and Humbly: Strive to uphold justice in your actions, understanding that God’s justice is perfect.
Share the Gospel: Use opportunities to share the message of grace, mercy, and hope with others, emphasizing the transformative power of Jesus’ sacrifice.
Maintain Hope: When facing guilt or shame, remind yourself of God’s promise of cleansing and renewal, anchoring your hope in Him.
