Matthew 6:12 - “Debts, Debtors and Forgiveness”
- In the Lord’s model for prayer, we are taught to begin by acknowledging the sovereign nature of God and His design for humanity. We ask for God’s name to be set apart, God’s Kingdom to come and His will be done, and soon it becomes very evident that the act of forgiveness is a central part of that design. What comes to mind when you hear the word “forgiveness”?
- Our Lord uses the word “debts” as a synonym for “sin”. This financial term helps one understand the consequences of our rebellion against God and our need for redemption. In what ways does sin make us indebted to God? What are some debt-reduction strategies we use in an attempt to reduce our debt to God? Why are they ineffective?
- Why should a holy and just God forgive sinful and rebellious people? What does Colossians 1:13-14 and 2:13-15 say about Christ’s role in God’s sovereign act of forgiveness? Why are we called to stand on level ground before the cross of Jesus Christ?
- Read Matthew 18:21-35 and meditate on this parable of the unmerciful servant. How does this story instruct you in praying for God’s forgiveness and for a forgiving spirit?
- Augustine calls this petition- a “terrible petition”. How is this petition essentially an inventory of our relational lives? Why can we view this petition as a graciously terrible petition?
- Matthew 6:14-15 connects one’s request for God to forgive our debts (something we owe to Him) with the need to forgive our debtors (something owed to us). Why are they connected? Why does the forgiveness one receives from God demand the need to extend forgiveness to another?
- Any act of forgiveness requires the one who forgives to acknowledge the sinfulness of sin. How do you respond to those who say that forgiveness minimizes sin?
- How does forgiveness and justice interact? Give some biblical examples which illustrate that forgiveness is not a substitute for justice? (hint: David- Psalm 51; Zacchaeus- Luke 19)
- Forgiveness, justice, repentance, reconciliation, and church discipline all have their proper place in the life of a local church. Why is it very tempting to lump all these issues together under the rubric of forgiveness and forget their distinctions?
- It is said that “reconciliation takes two people and forgiveness requires one.” Do you agree or disagree? How might forgiveness initiate a process that MAY lead to reconciliation?
- If properly understood, this is an incredibly healthy petition for individuals, the church and the world. Why is our prayer for forgiveness from God and for a forgiving spirit essential for spiritual health? Think of specific ways that forgiveness shows God’s glory in these three categories.
- Bring your life before our Father in heaven and ask for His forgiveness for your sins? Then ask Him if there is anyone that you need to forgive? This week, forgive as you have been forgiven.
Ask the Lord to use this meditation of His Word to increase our love for Him and for each other as we seek to live daily by the grace of God.
Matthew 6:11 - “Give Us Today Our Daily Bread”
- After praying for God’s name to be set apart, God’s Kingdom to come and His will be done, Jesus teaches his disciples the importance of seeing all life under God’s control. Have you ever thought that praying for daily bread is important to God? How is this prayer connected to the first three petitions? The final two?
- Make a list of the items for which you regularly pray. Where are you most dependent on God? Where are you least dependent? What needs to be added to the list?
- Asking God to “give” us the basic necessities of life means that we recognize Him as the source of all good gifts. Why is that hard to remember in America? What are some ways that you can express your gratefulness to God for His provisions in your life?
- What is the importance of the word “us” in this petition? How can God use His people to answer that prayer?
- Read Exodus 16:1-35 and record how this important part of Israel’s history teaches us of our need for dependence upon God. How does this passage describe certain attitudes in God’s people? What’s the root of these attitudes? What is God’s response to their attitudes?
- How we use our “daily” provisions matters to God. Are there changes that you need to make in the use of those provisions? What might those changes include?
- In what way does Christianity encourage us to live a day-at-a-time life? (Check out Matthew 6:25-34 and James 4:13-17). Based on this request, how should a Christian view wealth and financial planning?
- How does praying about more than ourselves (we, our, us) keep our prayers from being selfish? Why is it hard to pray for “our daily bread”?
- At Bethel Grove, what are some ways that we can grow in sharing the resources God has given to this fellowship?
Ask the Lord to use this meditation of His Word to increase our love for Him and for each other as we seek to live daily by the grace of God.
Matthew 6:10 - “Your Will Be Done”
- What is the one front-burner issue that you are facing which deals with God’s will for your life? How does God’s Word address your issue?
- How does praying for God’s will to be done in situations change your attitude toward the issues?
- Why is Scripture an essential resource for knowing God’s design for life? In what ways do you find it difficult to study God’s word and apply his truth to everyday life? What must change in your approach to Scripture in order to listen to his Word?
- Deuteronomy 29:29 states: “the secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed to us belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the word of this law.” What do you think Moses is saying in this verse? How can this verse give perspective about the future that is unclear?
- Psalm 103:19-22 tells us angels are obedient servants who do the Lord’s bidding. In what way does Psalm 103 passage help us understand the phrase in the Lord’s Prayer - “on earth as it is in heaven”? What’s the difference between praise and obedience? How are they complimentary?
- Jesus stated that his “food was to do the will of the one who sent him and to finish his work” (John 4:34). Why might Jesus describe doing God’s will in these terms? What can we learn from Jesus as we seek to follow God’s will?
- In the Garden of Gethsemane, as he anguished over the suffering that was ahead, Jesus asked the Father to take away the cup of wrath; if He was willing. Then Jesus prayed, “Not my will but yours be done. Some theologians think that we should never pray these words as we petition the Father. Did Jesus show a lack of faith? Do you show a lack of trust when you ask that the Father’s will be done instead of demanding it to be done? Why or why not?
- In what ways is it hard for you to submit to God by praying this prayer?
- What steps need to be taken for you to submit more to the ways of God this week?
Ask the Lord to use this meditation of His Word to increase our love for Him and for each other as we seek to live daily by the grace of God.
