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.