Prayer Is About Releasing
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· 18 viewsPrayer for forgiveness is one the most improtant things we can do.
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Prayer Is About Releasing
Prayer Is About Releasing
8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Matthew 6:8-13
We are going to be continuing series on prayer that I started last month, as the title suggests we going to look at releasing. Why would you think that this important. It is important because our prayer lives, the reality of God’s presence in our lives, and the closeness and power in our fellowship rest on how well we deal with our sin problem, both vertically (toward God) and horizontally (in our lives).
We are going to be continuing series on prayer that I started last month, as the title suggests we going to look at releasing. Why would you think that this important. It is important because our prayer lives, the reality of God’s presence in our lives, and the closeness and power in our fellowship rest on how well we deal with our sin problem, both vertically (toward God) and horizontally (in our lives).
I. This prayer involves a confession
I. This prayer involves a confession
prayer lives, the reality of God’s presence in
When we pray this prayer, we are confessing before the Lord that we have a problem. This is a truth that many believers have trouble with, but the fact is, we may be saved but we can and do still sin. This sad fact is made plain in , .
our lives, and the closeness and power in our
1 John 1:8-10
fellowship rest on how well we deal with our
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
problem. This is a truth that many believers
have trouble with, but the fact is, we may be
It is also clear from the testimony of the apostle Paul in .
sin problem, both vertically and horizontally.
Romans
saved but we can and do still sin. This sad
14 So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. 15 I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. 16 But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. 17 So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.
18 And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. 19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. 20 But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.
21 I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. 22 I love God’s law with all my heart. 23 But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. 24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? 25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.
His experience is one we all share don’t we? We need a clear consciousness of our sins! Many believers act as though they think sin is something that happens to others but not to them. As a result, they never go to the altar to pray. They never confess their wrongdoings and shortcomings. They never go to another believer and say, “I’m sorry. I hurt you, and I was wrong.”
fact is made plain in , .
We all have a problem with sin in our lives, and we all need help dealing with that problem. It is also true that if we are ever to get the help we need to deal with our sin problem, we need to admit our guilt before God.
we all share.
to refer to our sins. This is one of the words
The Lord’s Prayer in uses the word “debts” to refer to our sins. This is one of the words used in the New Testament when speaking of sin. Let’s look at these words and where each can be found.
lives, and we all need help dealing with that
We need a clear consciousness of our
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
R
sins! Many believers act as though they think
used in the New Testament when speaking
problem. It is also true that if we are ever
sin is something that happens to others but
to get the help we need to deal with our sin
L
of sin. Let’s look at these words and where
21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
This particular word sinned grk - hamartano is used several times in the New Testament and means “miss the mark.” It is an archery term and is used to refer to an archer shooting an arrow that falls short of its target. It refers to the fact that in our sins, we all miss the standard of God’s perfect righteousness.
each can be found.
problem, we need to admit our guilt before
not to them. As a result, they never go to
particular word is used several times in the
Eph 2
1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,
God.
the altar to pray. They never confess their
bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
New Testament and means “miss the mark.”
wrongdoings and shortcomings. They never
13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,
Col 3:1
Co
go to another believer and say, “I’m sorry. I
and . This word is often translated as “offense” or “trespass” in the New Testament. It carries the idea of slipping or falling. It refers to sins that result from carelessness instead of intentional disobedience.
It is an archery term and is used to refer to
and . This word is often translated as “offense” or “trespass” in the New Testament. It carries the idea of slipping or falling. It refers to sins that result from carelessness instead of intentional disobedience.
9 but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
“trespass” in the New Testament. It carries
hurt you, and I was wrong.”
Jame
an archer shooting an arrow that falls short
the idea of slipping or falling. It refers to sins
of its target. It refers to the fact that in our
This word sin is usually translated as “transgression.” It refers to “an Prayer is about releasing intentional crossing of the boundaries established by God in His Word.” This is a far more conscious sin than the preceding two.
Prayer is about
that result from carelessness instead of intentional
1 John
4 Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.
sins, we all miss the standard of God’s perfect
23
disobedience.
23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
righteousness.
releasing intentional crossing of the boundaries established
intentional crossing of the boundaries established
In the word is usually translated either as “iniquity” or “transgression.” It literally means “without the Law” or “lawlessness.” shows it is direct and open rebellion against God, His ways, and His Word.
word is usually translated either as “iniquity”
, It speaks of “debt, debtor or ought.” It refers to something that is “owed to another party.” Here, Jesus says that our sin is like a debt owed to God and to our fellow man. So, when I pray, “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors,” I am confessing to the Lord that I have a problem with sin in my life and that I recognize that I owe God a debt I cannot pay on my own. Remember the parable that Jesus told Simon?
by God in His Word.” This is a far
40 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.”
So he said, “Teacher, say it.”
41 “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?”
43 Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.”
And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.” 44 Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. 45 You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. 46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. 47 Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.”
48 Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
Luke
as “debt, debtor or ought.” It refers to
or “transgression.” It literally means
more conscious sin than the preceding two.
“without the Law” or “lawlessness.” It is
This Prayer Involves A Cry
This Prayer Involves A Cry
something that is “owed to another party.”
If our greatest problem is sin, our greatest need is forgiveness. But, practically speaking, we sin on a daily basis. We may be in a permanent relationship with God that can never be affected by sin, but our walk with Him and our daily fellowship with Him can certainly be damaged by the sins that come into our lives.
direct and open rebellion against God, His
Here, Jesus says that our sin is like a debt
2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God;
And your sins have hidden His face from you,
So that He will not hear.
ways, and His Word.
greatest need is forgiveness. But, practically
owed to God and to our fellow man.
speaking, we sin on a daily basis. We
So, when I pray, “Forgive us our debts
i cor
27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
When sin rears its ugly head in our lives, we do not need to hide it. We should never attempt to sweep sin under the rug and pretend it does not exist. Instead of hiding our sins, we should drag them out into the light and confess them as far as they are known. When it comes time to deal with them before the Lord, we should “confess” them to Him. The word “confess” simply means “to agree with, or to say the same thing as, to admit or own” God wants us to reach the same place He is concerning our sins. He wants us to see sin’s horror, its pain, and its perversion as He does. He wants us to deal with sin as He does. He wants us to judge it in our own lives .
may be in a permanent relationship with
as we forgive our debtors,” I am confessing
31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.
1 cor 11:
31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.
lives, we do not need to hide it. We should
to the Lord that I have a problem with sin in
31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.
God that can never be affected by sin, but
.
32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.
my life and that I recognize that I owe God a
This is the only way our sins can be forgiven and our fellowship restored with our Father.
32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.
never attempt to sweep sin under the rug
our walk with Him and our daily fellowship
and pretend it does not exist. Instead of hiding
This simple prayer in vs 12 is about confessing our problem before the Lord and voicing our plea to Him for forgiveness. If we could ever learn to do it His way, we could walk in constant victory before Him.
debt I cannot pay on my own.
with Him can certainly be damaged by the
This prayer involves a condition
This prayer involves a condition
our sins, we should drag them out into
sins that come into our lives (;
our problem before the Lord and voicing
the light and confess them as far as they
our plea to Him for forgiveness. If we could
The most difficult part of this prayer is the last part, the forgiving our debtors part. When this prayer is understood correctly, it is a prayer for God to extend forgiveness to us to the same degree that we extend forgiveness to others.
Cor. 9:27).
When we refuse to maintain fellowship with other believers in the family of God, our relationship with God the Father is affected. Regardless of what anyone does to us in this life, it could never possibly rise to the same level as our guilt before the Lord. Jesus illustrated this truth in .
ever learn to do it His way, we could walk in
is the last part. When this prayer is understood
are known. When it comes time to deal with
is the last part. When this prayer is understood
correctly, it is a prayer for God to extend
15 “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.
18 “Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
19 “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”
22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 27 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.
28 “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 30 And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. 32 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.
35 “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”
Matt 18:15-35
constant victory before Him.
God, our relationship with God the Father is
them before the Lord, we should “confess”
them to Him. The word “confess” simply
affected. Regardless of what anyone does
The lesson is clear: If we expect the Lord to forgive us when we cry out to Him, then we must be quick to forgive those who have wronged us. We are to forgive them to the same level that we have been forgiven (). If we refuse to forgive our brethren, then we should not expect the Lord to forgive us. After all, He is clear that our forgiveness before Him hinges on our willingness to forgive others.
forgiveness to us to the same degree
correctly, it is a prayer for God to extend
that we extend forgiveness to others.
to us in this life, it could never possibly rise
Lord to forgive us when we cry out to Him,
matt 6 14-15
forgiveness to us to the same degree
14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
means “to agree with, or to say the same
thing as.” God wants us to reach the same
that we extend forgiveness to others.
then we must be quick to forgive those who
to the same level as our guilt before the
When we have been wronged, offended, and hurt by others, we are to carry that need before the Lord, leave it with Him, and forgive the offender (). The Bible is clear about this matter: We are to forgive those who offend us and let their offenses go (; , ; ).
12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
Col
Lord. Jesus illustrated this truth in Matthew
have wronged us. We are to forgive them
and hurt by others, we are to carry
place He is concerning our sins. He wants
We are never more like Jesus than when we forgive those who have offended us! So, when we pray this simple prayer, we are saying, “Lord, help us to be more like you!”
to the same level that we have been forgiven
us to see sin’s horror, its pain, and its perversion
that need before the Lord, leave it with Him,
We are never more like Jesus than when we forgive those who have offended us! So, when we pray this simple prayer, we are saying, “Lord, help us to be more like you!”
18:15-35.
Forgiving and being forgiven are more important than we can ever imagine. Praying is about releasing. It is about us releasing our sins into God’s hands of grace, so that we can experience His forgiveness. It is about us releasing the debts others incur in our lives, so that our fellowship with God and with man is not hindered.
as He does. He wants us to deal
and forgive the offender (). The
(). If we refuse to forgive
important than we can ever imagine. Praying
Bible is clear about this matter: We are to
with sin as He does. He wants us to judge it
our brethren, then we should not expect the
is about releasing. It is about us releasing
forgive those who offend us and let their offenses
Lord to forgive us. After all, He is clear that
in our own lives (, ). This is
our sins into God’s hands of grace, so
go (; , ;
our forgiveness before Him hinges on our
the only way our sins can be forgiven and
that we can experience His forgiveness. It
willingness to forgive others (,
our fellowship restored with our Father.
Cor. 13:4-7).
is about us releasing the debts others incur
We are never more like Jesus than
15).
in our lives, so that our fellowship with God
when we forgive those who have offended
and with man is not hindered.
us! So, when we pray this simple prayer,
we are saying, “Lord, help us to be more
like you!”