The Great Sermon on the Mount: True Christians Have a Great Understanding
The Greatest Hindrance to Prayer: An Unforgiving Spirit
Matthew 6:14-15
As we continue our study through the Sermon on the Mount, we come to Chapter six where Christ addresses the three acts of righteousness. The Pharisees believed that DOING these three acts (Alms, Prayer and Fastening) they would become holy and acceptable to God. Christ shows us that hypocrites (actors/imposters) wish for an audience to be seen and heard. He teaches us that we are to go into our private prayer closet, shut the door and pray. Motive is the key. Last week we looked at the Way to Pray . . . here are ten motives to pray.
10 Motives for Prayer . . . (from Pastor Walls)
1. Desire for the Lord's glory (Lord's prayer)
2. Desire for fellowship with God (Ps 42:1, Ps 84: 1, 2;)
3. Desire for needs to be met (Mat 6:11)
4. Desire for wisdom (James)
5. Desire for deliverance from trouble (Ps 20:1)
6. Desire for relief from fear and worry (Phil 4)
7. Desire to offer thanks for past blessings (Ps 44)
8. Desire to be freed from guilt of sin (Ps 32:3)
9. Desire for salvation of the lost (Rom 10; I Tim 2)
10. Desire for spiritual growth of believers (Eph 1:15)
Today we are going to examine the Greatest Hindrance to Prayer . . . an Unforgiving Spirit.
THE WARNING –
7But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
THE METHOD –
9After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11Give us this day our daily bread. 12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
TODAY’S TEXT –
THE HINDRANCE –
14For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
I. Prerequisites to forgiveness (6:14-15)
1. He must confess his sins (1 John 1:9; cp. 1 John 1:8-10).
2. He must have faith in God: (Hebrews 11:6).
3. He must repent and turn to God in a renewed commitment
4. He must forgive those who have wronged him (Matthew 6:14-15).
Hard feelings or anger against a person is sin. It is evidence that a person has not truly turned from his sins and that he/she is not really sincere in seeking forgiveness.
II. the promise to forgive and to be forgiven (6:14)
14For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
III. the warning: refusING to forgive and be unforgiven. (6:15)
15But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Remember: Your responsibility, by God’s enabling, is to consistently apply the divine principles and truths you have heard (Phil. 2:12-13; 1 Tim. 4:7-9; James 1:22-27). As you meditate on this passage, ask yourself:
V How does God want my beliefs / actions to change?
V How can I accomplish this change?
V What is the first step toward bringing about that change?
Because of Calvary