THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT. Matt. 5, 6, 7 (30)

January 5, 2019

31-7-18

Key: SCHAFF: “When the Lord open his mouth, we should open our ears and hearts” 

GOOD WORKS WITHOUT OSTENTATION. Matt. 6:5-15 … Prayers …7

Matt. 6:9-13, “The Lord’s Prayer” as it is commonly called is so rich and sweet, and because the Saviour expressly gave it, on two occasions, Matt. 6:9-13 and Lk. 11:2-4 as a model of praying continues. We incur debit to God by sins of omission, as truly as by sins of commission Matt. 25:42-45. It is therefore wise to come to God in prayer with a humble heart, and pray as the Psalmist “Lord, search me and know my heart…” Ps. 139:23-24. This does not mean that we should be searching for sins already blotted out by the work of Christ’s redemption. Jer. 50:20, Rom. 3:23-26.

  1. Matt. 6:12 “And forgive us our debits, as we forgive our debtors” The word debit is best illustrated to bring out the meaning by Christ’s example in Matt. 18:21-35. There are three major points here, firstly, the fact that we do sin, secondly, we need forgiveness and thirdly, we should forgives others.
    1. It is believers that are required in the new creation to confess their sin. 1Jn. 1:7-10. “Our thoughts and temptation can come to our mind from many different ways; firstly, the world –from what we see and hear, secondly, the flesh- from our old sinful nature, and thirdly, the devil –from the spirit of the world.” Jack Hayford. Jas. 4:1-2; 1:14-15.
      1. In order to maintan a constant fellowship with God, we should confess our sins. Those who sin but felt they don’t have to tell God will have a hardened heart Jn. 9:40-41, while some will have a heavy heart and walk under the dark cloud of guilt, and still others will have their heart hurt all because of unconfessed sins. Heb. 3:7-13.
    2. God’s forgivness is unconditional. We have an advocate 1Jn. 2:1-2, Is. 44:22. We all need forginess from God and from others, if we realise this and the depth of God’s grace towards us, it will be easier to extend the grace to others.
    3. The need to forgive others. The idea stated by the Lord here simply means that we should not allow unforgiveness on our part be an obstacle to our prayers.
      1. Forgivenes involves, to bear no malice, to abstain from revenge, leaving that to God. Rom. 12:19.
      2. Fogiveness is first and foremost for your own benefit, not that of others. You’re letting the pain and hurt go and moving forward. There should be no obstacle between you, God and any human being. Act. 24:16.
      3. Forgiving spirit is virtue that has been inculcated into the life of a believer. Men who refuse to forgive will incur odium and loss of character.
    4. The bottom line is to be a peace maker. Matt. 5:9, Rom. 12:18, Heb. 12:14. Be at peace with yourself, with God and with others. You cannot change anybody. It is Christ that died for sinners including you.

It continues