WEBVTT 00:00:00.560 --> 00:00:06.900 Amen. I'm pleased to have a seat. And if you have a Bible, then please turn with me to Matthew chapter 6. 00:00:08.140 --> 00:00:15.179 And let's pause for just a second and let's pray and let's still our hearts and ask that God would be so gracious 00:00:15.179 --> 00:00:20.800 and teach us many wonderful things about him this morning. So let us pray as we come to Matthew chapter 6. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:38.620 Father in heaven, as we come before you today, we recognize that we do so in the name of your son, Jesus Christ. 00:00:39.939 --> 00:00:47.500 And it's our prayer through him that we ask as we return to your words now that your spirit would take these truths 00:00:47.500 --> 00:00:54.820 and would apply them and plant them deep inside our hearts, that we would leave here changed, 00:00:54.820 --> 00:01:00.280 that we would leave here with a bigger sense, a grander sense of who you are. 00:01:00.799 --> 00:01:06.200 Father, we realize that our only hope is your grace. And so, Father, we fall at your feet this morning 00:01:06.200 --> 00:01:10.560 and worship you for who you are, asking that you be with us now in Jesus' name. Amen. 00:01:12.379 --> 00:01:18.439 Well, here we are then at the penultimate sermon of this little series that we've been in over the last little while, 00:01:18.439 --> 00:01:26.340 thinking about the Lord's Prayer, this pattern prayer that Jesus taught his disciples to pray 00:01:26.340 --> 00:01:31.900 so that their hearts would be aligned to the pattern of his kingdom. 00:01:33.340 --> 00:01:40.500 And so in preparation for this morning, the figure that's been in my head all week is this figure on the screen. 00:01:40.579 --> 00:01:44.859 Now, I really Googled so many times to make sure I had the amount of zeros correct in this, 00:01:44.859 --> 00:01:47.519 so I hope that is correct. If not, you blame Google. 00:01:48.280 --> 00:01:52.439 So the figure that's been in my head this week is 1.534 trillion. 00:01:53.780 --> 00:01:59.239 I wonder if anyone's got any idea as to why that might be in my mind. 00:02:00.459 --> 00:02:04.620 Well, it's the figure that according to research done by the money charity, 00:02:05.739 --> 00:02:11.659 the figure that represents the cumulative debt of every single person in the UK. 00:02:11.659 --> 00:02:19.120 So last year, if you took every single penny that every single person owed and you added it up, 00:02:19.419 --> 00:02:26.060 apparently according to the money charity, you'd get to 1.524 trillion pounds. 00:02:26.960 --> 00:02:29.780 That's a lot of money. A lot of money. 00:02:30.099 --> 00:02:32.699 Remember working in the corporate sector for a few years, 00:02:32.800 --> 00:02:37.840 you learn very quickly that our economy is based on borrowing, it's based on debt. 00:02:37.840 --> 00:02:41.840 Every single one of us here is familiar with what it means to owe money. 00:02:42.599 --> 00:02:44.060 Let me break that down for you, what that means. 00:02:44.120 --> 00:02:49.140 It means the average family in the UK owes just over £56,000. 00:02:50.300 --> 00:02:55.960 The average individual in the UK owes just over £30,000. 00:02:57.199 --> 00:03:01.080 So whether that's mortgages, whether that's student loans, 00:03:01.240 --> 00:03:03.439 whether that's borrowing money from banks, 00:03:03.539 --> 00:03:06.259 whether that's even just borrowing a tenner from your friend, 00:03:06.259 --> 00:03:09.439 that's what that figure is on the screen. 00:03:11.519 --> 00:03:16.179 And this morning, Jesus is going to get us to think about debt. 00:03:19.199 --> 00:03:26.620 He is, in particular, going to prompt us to consider the biggest debt that you and I owe. 00:03:27.479 --> 00:03:30.780 And he's not just going to ask us to consider the biggest debt that you and I owe. 00:03:30.780 --> 00:03:34.780 Actually, he's going to ask us to deal with our debts. 00:03:35.400 --> 00:03:36.740 Here's the big idea for this morning. 00:03:37.900 --> 00:03:39.020 To deal with our debts. 00:03:40.159 --> 00:03:43.539 And of course, Jesus hasn't slipped into financial consultant mode. 00:03:43.620 --> 00:03:46.659 What he's talking about is the reality of sin. 00:03:47.819 --> 00:03:53.780 And all its messiness, sin that's working havoc in our lives and in the world in which we live. 00:03:53.780 --> 00:04:01.020 Our sin against this holy God who made us rebelling against him. 00:04:01.960 --> 00:04:06.939 Our sin, and we're going to be thinking about other people's sin against us. 00:04:08.219 --> 00:04:11.520 Now, immediately you'll sense with those opening reflections, 00:04:11.900 --> 00:04:15.939 you'll sense that we are at the sharp end of this prayer. 00:04:16.060 --> 00:04:20.779 We are on sensitive turf with these words. 00:04:20.779 --> 00:04:28.519 What I mean by that is that these are the words that probably in this prayer most touch our nerves and emotions 00:04:28.519 --> 00:04:34.919 as Jesus goes in loving pursuit, all-out pursuit of our hearts and our minds. 00:04:35.059 --> 00:04:37.279 Jesus wants all of us this morning. 00:04:38.919 --> 00:04:44.179 And I'm sure as we travel through these verses together that God, through his Spirit, 00:04:44.279 --> 00:04:47.299 as his Spirit does his work amongst us and in us, 00:04:47.300 --> 00:04:50.400 for many of us we are going to be convicted. 00:04:53.280 --> 00:04:55.180 And for many of us this might hurt. 00:04:56.960 --> 00:05:00.960 And for some of us this might even bring back really painful memories, 00:05:00.960 --> 00:05:03.900 whether it's recent or whether it's distant, of forgiveness. 00:05:04.240 --> 00:05:06.259 But here's the promise why we should hang on. 00:05:06.259 --> 00:05:13.480 Because if we listen, and if we take what Jesus is saying to heart, 00:05:14.000 --> 00:05:22.000 then there is immense freedom, and there is immense joy to be found in his words. 00:05:22.079 --> 00:05:24.680 Because remember, as we think about this whole area of forgiveness, 00:05:24.839 --> 00:05:26.019 remember who is speaking here. 00:05:26.099 --> 00:05:26.680 This is Jesus. 00:05:27.920 --> 00:05:30.259 He is not like the demon headmaster. 00:05:30.920 --> 00:05:32.959 If you were like me, you used to watch that show when you were young. 00:05:32.959 --> 00:05:37.539 He's not like the demon headmaster that once he's found out what his pupils are doing, 00:05:37.639 --> 00:05:41.799 he sends them to detention and watches them as he makes them write outlines. 00:05:42.019 --> 00:05:43.899 Maybe that was my experience of detention. 00:05:44.839 --> 00:05:45.639 He is not like that. 00:05:45.719 --> 00:05:47.459 He is a loving saviour. 00:05:47.539 --> 00:05:48.799 He is the king of his people. 00:05:50.179 --> 00:05:51.779 And he's the great lover of souls. 00:05:52.959 --> 00:05:55.560 And he is the great physician. 00:05:55.560 --> 00:06:00.280 And when he dons the gown, and when he places his chair, 00:06:00.459 --> 00:06:02.959 when he goes to do surgery on our hearts, 00:06:03.000 --> 00:06:07.680 we have to understand and know that his knife is the one that brings life. 00:06:09.420 --> 00:06:12.819 Jesus is going to operate on our hearts this morning. 00:06:14.399 --> 00:06:17.340 And with all that as backdrop to get us thinking, 00:06:17.480 --> 00:06:20.300 here's the words that Jesus tells his disciples to pray. 00:06:20.300 --> 00:06:27.300 And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. 00:06:27.980 --> 00:06:28.819 That's from the NIV. 00:06:30.160 --> 00:06:33.520 Now immediately you'll see that when it comes to facing up to forgiveness, 00:06:33.740 --> 00:06:36.020 this is what Jesus is prompting his disciples to do, 00:06:36.060 --> 00:06:37.100 face up to forgiveness. 00:06:37.560 --> 00:06:41.199 You'll see that Jesus wants his disciples to think along two axes. 00:06:42.800 --> 00:06:46.280 There's the Godward axis, the first bit of that sentence. 00:06:46.279 --> 00:06:49.339 And then there's the manward axis. 00:06:50.379 --> 00:06:54.059 So all I want to do this morning is just to get us to think about those two axes 00:06:54.059 --> 00:06:55.439 as it plays out in our lives. 00:06:55.519 --> 00:06:59.479 So what I want to suggest is that there are five ways that praying this prayer 00:06:59.479 --> 00:07:02.199 for the disciple should impact them. 00:07:03.239 --> 00:07:05.739 Now, if you know me well enough, you'll know that I love to alliterate. 00:07:06.279 --> 00:07:07.719 And these are all going to begin with C. 00:07:08.279 --> 00:07:10.159 Now, if you have, I should have mentioned this at the start, 00:07:10.199 --> 00:07:11.259 if you have one of these notices, 00:07:11.399 --> 00:07:13.759 you'll notice that there's space for sermon notes on the back. 00:07:13.759 --> 00:07:16.199 So please encourage me, write something down that I can see. 00:07:16.500 --> 00:07:17.599 We're taking this away. 00:07:17.899 --> 00:07:20.219 But this is how this is going to plan and play out in our lives. 00:07:20.740 --> 00:07:22.759 Five ways that this is going to impact us. 00:07:23.439 --> 00:07:24.079 Ready for this? 00:07:25.180 --> 00:07:25.980 Give me something. 00:07:26.719 --> 00:07:27.539 Yeah, ready for this. 00:07:27.599 --> 00:07:27.719 Great. 00:07:27.819 --> 00:07:31.219 Here is the Godward axis and the manward axis. 00:07:31.819 --> 00:07:35.000 Here is the first way that this should impact us. 00:07:35.099 --> 00:07:36.480 Firstly, it should confront us. 00:07:36.480 --> 00:08:06.460 Friends, let me ask you, as you say, 00:08:06.480 --> 00:08:08.400 sit here this afternoon. 00:08:09.780 --> 00:08:12.500 When was the last time you stilled yourself and stopped yourself, 00:08:12.640 --> 00:08:13.800 found yourself on your knees, 00:08:13.920 --> 00:08:15.840 thinking about the gravity of your sin? 00:08:19.980 --> 00:08:22.180 Because here is Jesus lovingly, 00:08:22.340 --> 00:08:23.080 do you see what he's doing? 00:08:23.140 --> 00:08:25.400 He's stopping his disciples in their tracks 00:08:25.400 --> 00:08:29.200 and he's forcing them to face up for their need of forgiveness. 00:08:29.199 --> 00:08:34.500 And what he's doing is he's seeking to create in his disciples, 00:08:34.720 --> 00:08:35.220 if you like, 00:08:35.279 --> 00:08:37.220 a pair of spiritual antennae 00:08:37.220 --> 00:08:41.460 that are receptive to the spiritual battle that they are in 00:08:41.460 --> 00:08:43.659 when it comes to sin. 00:08:43.659 --> 00:08:48.319 And I wonder if some of us here this morning, 00:08:48.480 --> 00:08:53.419 have we got too friendly and too comfortable with our sin? 00:08:55.679 --> 00:09:00.539 I remember being at school when Steve Irwin came on the scene, 00:09:01.959 --> 00:09:03.379 broke onto the scene. 00:09:03.500 --> 00:09:05.899 Every boy in class wanted to be Steve Irwin. 00:09:05.980 --> 00:09:08.259 If you remember him, Steve Irwin, the Australian zookeeper, 00:09:08.259 --> 00:09:11.439 he had the show known as the Crocodile Hunter. 00:09:14.220 --> 00:09:15.159 What is he doing? 00:09:15.259 --> 00:09:17.379 He's doing crazy things with crocodiles. 00:09:17.500 --> 00:09:18.659 He's feeding crocodiles. 00:09:18.759 --> 00:09:19.259 He's poking crocodiles. 00:09:19.899 --> 00:09:22.139 He's seeking crocodiles out on their terrain. 00:09:22.580 --> 00:09:24.279 And he's trying to swim with crocodiles. 00:09:24.360 --> 00:09:25.740 He's trying to wrestle with crocodiles. 00:09:25.799 --> 00:09:26.980 And I'm watching this thinking, 00:09:27.080 --> 00:09:28.379 does he know these are crocodiles? 00:09:30.179 --> 00:09:32.600 I mean, honestly, did he skip that class in biology? 00:09:32.819 --> 00:09:35.059 Did he not watch Crocodile Dundee? 00:09:35.059 --> 00:09:38.379 Maybe even TikTok and Peter Pan could have got Steve Irwin 00:09:38.379 --> 00:09:41.279 to that conclusion that these are not animals that you mess with. 00:09:43.339 --> 00:09:45.500 What does he do when he gets bored of crocodiles? 00:09:45.619 --> 00:09:47.879 He turns his attention to stingrays. 00:09:49.319 --> 00:09:50.939 He goes swimming with stingrays. 00:09:52.299 --> 00:09:53.099 And what happens? 00:09:53.199 --> 00:09:55.839 One of them stings him in the heart and he dies, 2006. 00:09:57.539 --> 00:09:59.239 Remember the shock in the media at the time, 00:09:59.319 --> 00:10:00.039 this tragic death. 00:10:00.099 --> 00:10:00.939 And it was a tragic death, 00:10:00.979 --> 00:10:02.099 but the shock in the media at the time, 00:10:02.159 --> 00:10:03.099 how could this have happened? 00:10:03.100 --> 00:10:05.279 And we're sitting there thinking, 00:10:05.420 --> 00:10:06.680 what else did you expect? 00:10:09.399 --> 00:10:10.659 Friends, when it comes to sin, 00:10:10.740 --> 00:10:11.620 let me ask you seriously, 00:10:11.720 --> 00:10:13.600 there are some of us swimming with stingrays. 00:10:15.480 --> 00:10:18.000 Do we understand what we're doing? 00:10:18.139 --> 00:10:19.440 They may be little stingrays. 00:10:19.620 --> 00:10:20.740 They may be big stingrays, 00:10:20.899 --> 00:10:22.899 but a stingray is still a stingray. 00:10:23.220 --> 00:10:24.300 And that sting will hurt. 00:10:25.480 --> 00:10:28.920 Do you see how these words that Jesus is telling his disciples to pray 00:10:28.920 --> 00:10:32.399 is forcing them to be constantly examining their hearts 00:10:32.399 --> 00:10:35.659 and to be daily on their knees before their heavenly father, 00:10:35.759 --> 00:10:35.959 saying, 00:10:36.079 --> 00:10:36.319 Father, 00:10:36.419 --> 00:10:38.419 I know that I have wandered to the water 00:10:38.419 --> 00:10:41.419 and I know you have told me that it's not safe to go there. 00:10:41.679 --> 00:10:42.699 Would you forgive me? 00:10:43.480 --> 00:10:46.519 And would you help me to get out of the water? 00:10:48.620 --> 00:10:50.340 These words should confront us, 00:10:50.459 --> 00:10:50.639 friends, 00:10:50.720 --> 00:10:53.240 as to the seriousness of our sin. 00:10:53.240 --> 00:10:54.200 And secondly, 00:10:54.560 --> 00:10:55.799 they should comfort us. 00:10:57.399 --> 00:10:59.060 Because when we ask for forgiveness, 00:10:59.659 --> 00:11:02.639 we have to understand and know that God has resoundingly 00:11:02.639 --> 00:11:06.220 and finally given the answer to that question in Christ. 00:11:07.139 --> 00:11:09.500 That if our trust is in him as our savior, 00:11:10.139 --> 00:11:14.960 if we know him as the one who has taken our sin upon himself on the cross, 00:11:14.960 --> 00:11:21.320 and as we know him as the one who credits us with his perfect God-honoring life 00:11:21.320 --> 00:11:23.680 because our lives are hidden in him, 00:11:24.320 --> 00:11:27.879 then we know that not only are we forgiven of our past sins, 00:11:27.980 --> 00:11:28.940 of our present sins, 00:11:29.019 --> 00:11:31.060 of our future sins because of his grace, 00:11:31.800 --> 00:11:32.800 but more than that, 00:11:32.879 --> 00:11:35.360 we are deemed righteous in God's sight 00:11:35.360 --> 00:11:40.340 and God amazingly adopts us as his sons and daughters, 00:11:40.480 --> 00:11:43.360 all because we are in Jesus Christ. 00:11:43.360 --> 00:11:44.279 That is the gospel. 00:11:45.680 --> 00:11:50.039 And it is incredible that you and I have added nothing to our salvation, 00:11:50.399 --> 00:11:50.879 but God, 00:11:51.080 --> 00:11:53.460 moved out of his sheer love, 00:11:54.620 --> 00:11:56.740 has sent his son in our place to die for our sin. 00:11:58.340 --> 00:11:59.379 And so we sing, 00:11:59.899 --> 00:12:02.039 when Satan tempts me to despair 00:12:02.039 --> 00:12:04.980 and he tells me of the guilt within, 00:12:06.000 --> 00:12:08.019 that upward I look to the cross 00:12:08.019 --> 00:12:10.279 and see him there who made an end 00:12:10.279 --> 00:12:11.800 to all my sin 00:12:11.799 --> 00:12:15.539 because the sinless Savior died. 00:12:16.699 --> 00:12:18.779 My sinful soul is counted free 00:12:18.779 --> 00:12:22.599 because God the just is satisfied 00:12:22.599 --> 00:12:24.620 to look on him 00:12:24.620 --> 00:12:26.199 and pardon me. 00:12:27.159 --> 00:12:28.179 That is the gospel. 00:12:28.319 --> 00:12:29.799 Do you not love singing about it? 00:12:30.219 --> 00:12:33.620 Isn't there something wonderful about singing gospel truths 00:12:33.620 --> 00:12:35.899 that gets them right down into our soul? 00:12:35.899 --> 00:12:38.539 Friends, this is the gospel. 00:12:40.480 --> 00:12:41.779 Some of us here today 00:12:41.779 --> 00:12:44.539 and you feel like Satan has got you in a headlock 00:12:44.539 --> 00:12:46.860 because of your guilt. 00:12:47.720 --> 00:12:49.039 What we need to understand 00:12:49.039 --> 00:12:52.259 is that Satan would have us look anywhere else, 00:12:53.120 --> 00:12:53.720 Facebook, 00:12:54.500 --> 00:12:54.840 Google, 00:12:55.039 --> 00:12:56.199 anywhere else, 00:12:56.539 --> 00:12:57.659 rather than at the cross. 00:12:58.240 --> 00:12:59.199 Because the cross 00:12:59.199 --> 00:13:01.620 is the power of God unto salvation. 00:13:01.620 --> 00:13:03.639 The cross is where we find identity 00:13:03.639 --> 00:13:04.379 and purpose 00:13:04.379 --> 00:13:05.159 and forgiveness 00:13:05.159 --> 00:13:06.779 and newness of life. 00:13:08.600 --> 00:13:09.879 Do you need to recall 00:13:09.879 --> 00:13:12.860 that glorious gospel truth 00:13:12.860 --> 00:13:14.000 this morning? 00:13:15.259 --> 00:13:17.659 Scottish preacher called Robert Murray McShane 00:13:17.659 --> 00:13:18.899 from way back in the day 00:13:18.899 --> 00:13:20.039 used to tell his congregation 00:13:20.039 --> 00:13:22.480 that when they were feeling the burden of sin, 00:13:22.600 --> 00:13:23.639 when they were feeling like 00:13:23.639 --> 00:13:25.240 they were taking a few hits from Satan, 00:13:26.480 --> 00:13:27.860 for every one look at their sin, 00:13:28.519 --> 00:13:30.879 they had to take ten looks at Jesus on the cross. 00:13:32.620 --> 00:13:32.919 Remember, 00:13:33.419 --> 00:13:34.639 when I was young, 00:13:34.700 --> 00:13:35.659 my mom always taught me 00:13:35.659 --> 00:13:37.440 when I was having a tantrum 00:13:37.440 --> 00:13:38.919 to go away and count to ten. 00:13:39.539 --> 00:13:39.759 Do you remember 00:13:39.759 --> 00:13:40.960 parents used to do that? 00:13:41.120 --> 00:13:42.379 Well, it's what he was saying there. 00:13:43.379 --> 00:13:44.659 When you feel that weight, 00:13:45.379 --> 00:13:46.899 take a step back and count to ten. 00:13:48.039 --> 00:13:49.019 Just look at the cross 00:13:49.019 --> 00:13:50.299 again 00:13:50.299 --> 00:13:51.419 and again 00:13:51.419 --> 00:13:52.460 and again 00:13:52.460 --> 00:13:53.580 and again 00:13:53.580 --> 00:13:54.720 and again 00:13:54.720 --> 00:13:56.299 and again 00:13:56.299 --> 00:13:57.460 and again 00:13:57.460 --> 00:13:58.279 and again 00:13:58.279 --> 00:13:59.180 and again 00:13:59.179 --> 00:14:00.179 and again 00:14:00.179 --> 00:14:01.759 because Jesus paid it all 00:14:01.759 --> 00:14:03.719 and all to him I owe. 00:14:04.559 --> 00:14:06.059 Sin had left a crimson stain 00:14:06.059 --> 00:14:07.379 but he washed it white as snow. 00:14:07.500 --> 00:14:07.699 Friends, 00:14:07.779 --> 00:14:09.799 we need to live in that truth 00:14:09.799 --> 00:14:12.699 because if you are a Christian here this morning, 00:14:12.779 --> 00:14:14.479 then the truth is that sin is not the thing 00:14:14.479 --> 00:14:15.579 that identifies you. 00:14:16.000 --> 00:14:17.719 Jesus is the one who defines you. 00:14:17.720 --> 00:14:20.139 In Jesus, 00:14:20.259 --> 00:14:20.840 we have a Savior 00:14:20.840 --> 00:14:22.160 who ever holds us. 00:14:22.639 --> 00:14:23.139 In Jesus, 00:14:23.300 --> 00:14:24.000 we have a Savior 00:14:24.000 --> 00:14:25.379 who ever stands for us. 00:14:25.680 --> 00:14:26.180 In Jesus, 00:14:26.340 --> 00:14:26.740 gloriously, 00:14:26.860 --> 00:14:27.420 we have a Savior 00:14:27.420 --> 00:14:29.019 who ever pleads for us 00:14:29.019 --> 00:14:30.440 at the right hand of the Father. 00:14:30.440 --> 00:14:33.660 And there is now, 00:14:34.140 --> 00:14:34.560 therefore, 00:14:34.760 --> 00:14:35.800 no condemnation 00:14:35.800 --> 00:14:38.280 for those who are in Christ Jesus. 00:14:39.600 --> 00:14:40.480 This is not 00:14:40.480 --> 00:14:41.380 Romans 8, 00:14:41.660 --> 00:14:42.400 verse 1, 00:14:42.560 --> 00:14:43.720 not just for a tapestry 00:14:43.720 --> 00:14:44.380 on the wall. 00:14:44.700 --> 00:14:45.660 It's not just a truth 00:14:45.660 --> 00:14:46.280 to emblazon 00:14:46.280 --> 00:14:48.040 on the side of an Ikea coffee cup. 00:14:48.240 --> 00:14:49.320 It is a truth to tattoo 00:14:49.320 --> 00:14:50.820 on every single chamber 00:14:50.820 --> 00:14:52.140 of our hearts. 00:14:53.420 --> 00:14:54.800 In Christ we stand. 00:14:57.120 --> 00:14:57.960 In Jesus, 00:14:58.100 --> 00:14:59.260 our lives could not be 00:14:59.259 --> 00:15:01.379 in better hands. 00:15:02.679 --> 00:15:03.080 Now, 00:15:03.120 --> 00:15:03.899 you might be asking the question 00:15:03.899 --> 00:15:05.279 I was asking myself this week. 00:15:05.360 --> 00:15:07.080 If Jesus has forever paid 00:15:07.080 --> 00:15:07.700 for my sins, 00:15:07.779 --> 00:15:08.539 then why bother praying 00:15:08.539 --> 00:15:09.080 for forgiveness? 00:15:11.659 --> 00:15:12.600 That's a good question. 00:15:13.899 --> 00:15:15.100 Surely the answer 00:15:15.100 --> 00:15:18.039 is that Jesus drives 00:15:18.039 --> 00:15:18.740 his disciples 00:15:18.740 --> 00:15:19.879 to this place 00:15:19.879 --> 00:15:21.220 so that they can daily know 00:15:21.220 --> 00:15:22.259 for themselves 00:15:22.259 --> 00:15:24.419 the joy of forgiveness 00:15:24.419 --> 00:15:26.319 and daily know 00:15:26.319 --> 00:15:27.539 and experience 00:15:27.539 --> 00:15:29.000 his transforming grace 00:15:29.000 --> 00:15:29.740 and power 00:15:29.740 --> 00:15:30.460 in their lives. 00:15:32.759 --> 00:15:33.460 Perhaps you're here 00:15:33.460 --> 00:15:33.919 this morning 00:15:33.919 --> 00:15:34.799 and you wouldn't call 00:15:34.799 --> 00:15:35.980 Jesus your king 00:15:35.980 --> 00:15:37.679 or your saviour. 00:15:39.100 --> 00:15:39.320 Friends, 00:15:39.539 --> 00:15:40.539 it's delighted 00:15:40.539 --> 00:15:41.279 that you're here 00:15:41.279 --> 00:15:42.940 to think about 00:15:42.940 --> 00:15:43.399 these things. 00:15:43.500 --> 00:15:44.440 It's Jesus Christ, 00:15:44.519 --> 00:15:45.460 the gospel is held out 00:15:45.460 --> 00:15:46.440 to you this morning. 00:15:46.960 --> 00:15:47.720 Let me ask you, 00:15:47.840 --> 00:15:48.720 what are you going to do 00:15:48.720 --> 00:15:49.200 with your guilt 00:15:49.200 --> 00:15:50.019 and your wrongs? 00:15:51.379 --> 00:15:52.320 Here is a saviour 00:15:52.320 --> 00:15:53.399 who offers to take 00:15:53.399 --> 00:15:54.259 your burdens 00:15:54.259 --> 00:15:55.139 upon himself 00:15:55.139 --> 00:15:56.659 and find rest 00:15:56.659 --> 00:15:57.679 and peace 00:15:57.679 --> 00:15:58.699 with God. 00:15:59.899 --> 00:16:01.179 Know that in Jesus Christ 00:16:01.179 --> 00:16:02.460 forgiveness and peace 00:16:02.460 --> 00:16:03.939 are on offer 00:16:03.939 --> 00:16:05.000 through him. 00:16:05.840 --> 00:16:07.319 What a saviour we have. 00:16:09.220 --> 00:16:11.019 These words should comfort us. 00:16:11.159 --> 00:16:11.460 Thirdly, 00:16:11.519 --> 00:16:12.519 they should change us. 00:16:13.799 --> 00:16:14.799 As we experience 00:16:14.799 --> 00:16:15.419 God's grace, 00:16:15.500 --> 00:16:16.100 as we think about 00:16:16.100 --> 00:16:17.480 the size of our sin debt 00:16:17.480 --> 00:16:18.139 that he paid, 00:16:18.220 --> 00:16:18.799 as we consider 00:16:18.799 --> 00:16:20.360 the lengths that he went to 00:16:20.360 --> 00:16:21.379 to make our redemption 00:16:21.379 --> 00:16:22.039 possible, 00:16:22.039 --> 00:16:23.240 you and I cannot 00:16:23.240 --> 00:16:24.099 remain the same. 00:16:26.259 --> 00:16:26.939 As we consider 00:16:26.939 --> 00:16:27.639 the magnitude 00:16:27.639 --> 00:16:28.459 of what it means 00:16:28.459 --> 00:16:29.299 to be God's people 00:16:29.299 --> 00:16:30.139 as those who have been 00:16:30.139 --> 00:16:31.459 chosen and redeemed 00:16:31.459 --> 00:16:32.539 by God, 00:16:33.000 --> 00:16:34.339 that he has set apart 00:16:34.339 --> 00:16:35.419 to live as what? 00:16:36.459 --> 00:16:37.539 A city on a hill. 00:16:38.899 --> 00:16:39.860 Salt and light 00:16:39.860 --> 00:16:40.620 in the world. 00:16:41.620 --> 00:16:42.620 Light to the nations. 00:16:44.000 --> 00:16:44.699 A kingdom of fruit. 00:16:44.719 --> 00:16:45.399 You can go on 00:16:45.399 --> 00:16:45.980 and on and on. 00:16:46.480 --> 00:16:46.919 It's interesting, 00:16:47.019 --> 00:16:47.199 do you know what 00:16:47.199 --> 00:16:48.279 the most common 00:16:48.279 --> 00:16:49.199 New Testament word is 00:16:49.199 --> 00:16:50.299 that describes God's people? 00:16:51.299 --> 00:16:51.699 Saints. 00:16:52.039 --> 00:16:54.179 Saints. 00:16:56.519 --> 00:16:57.740 The world would see 00:16:57.740 --> 00:16:58.639 and look into us 00:16:58.639 --> 00:16:59.500 and see the greatness 00:16:59.500 --> 00:17:00.360 of our God. 00:17:00.639 --> 00:17:00.879 You see, 00:17:00.959 --> 00:17:01.860 this prayer is 00:17:01.860 --> 00:17:02.759 from the heart 00:17:02.759 --> 00:17:03.679 of a child of God 00:17:03.679 --> 00:17:04.740 that beats for holiness. 00:17:06.500 --> 00:17:07.180 That says, 00:17:07.259 --> 00:17:07.420 Lord, 00:17:07.460 --> 00:17:08.799 I know my sinful heart. 00:17:09.659 --> 00:17:10.659 Would you forgive me 00:17:10.659 --> 00:17:12.319 for going my way? 00:17:12.559 --> 00:17:13.680 And would you help me 00:17:13.680 --> 00:17:14.500 by your spirit 00:17:14.500 --> 00:17:15.319 who you have sent 00:17:15.319 --> 00:17:16.000 because you love me 00:17:16.000 --> 00:17:17.220 so much to live in me? 00:17:17.420 --> 00:17:18.039 Would you help me 00:17:18.039 --> 00:17:19.339 to go your way? 00:17:20.079 --> 00:17:20.859 That your spirit, 00:17:20.859 --> 00:17:22.599 as he works in me, 00:17:23.139 --> 00:17:23.959 would help me say 00:17:23.959 --> 00:17:25.139 no to my kingdom 00:17:25.139 --> 00:17:27.299 and building my kingdom? 00:17:27.599 --> 00:17:28.519 And would it say yes 00:17:28.519 --> 00:17:29.479 to building your kingdom? 00:17:29.559 --> 00:17:30.079 That the values 00:17:30.079 --> 00:17:30.740 of that kingdom 00:17:30.740 --> 00:17:31.659 would become mine. 00:17:33.339 --> 00:17:34.399 And the fruit 00:17:34.399 --> 00:17:35.919 of the spirit 00:17:35.919 --> 00:17:36.799 would be evident 00:17:36.799 --> 00:17:37.939 for all to see 00:17:37.939 --> 00:17:39.719 in my life. 00:17:39.720 --> 00:17:40.160 love, 00:17:40.720 --> 00:17:41.860 joy, 00:17:43.120 --> 00:17:43.559 peace, 00:17:45.000 --> 00:17:45.600 patience, 00:17:46.680 --> 00:17:47.059 kindness, 00:17:48.299 --> 00:17:48.600 goodness, 00:17:49.920 --> 00:17:50.660 faithfulness, 00:17:51.279 --> 00:17:51.860 gentleness, 00:17:52.500 --> 00:17:54.180 and self-control. 00:17:55.660 --> 00:17:56.140 I tell you what, 00:17:56.220 --> 00:17:57.160 that's the kind of tree 00:17:57.160 --> 00:17:57.880 that I want to be. 00:17:57.880 --> 00:17:59.980 I want people to be 00:17:59.980 --> 00:18:00.640 seeing that truth 00:18:00.640 --> 00:18:01.400 in my own life. 00:18:03.440 --> 00:18:04.660 Beating for holiness. 00:18:04.860 --> 00:18:05.319 Let me ask you, 00:18:05.360 --> 00:18:06.000 particularly when it comes 00:18:06.000 --> 00:18:06.860 to your character. 00:18:07.859 --> 00:18:08.059 Friends, 00:18:08.119 --> 00:18:08.639 how often 00:18:08.639 --> 00:18:09.839 are you asking God 00:18:09.839 --> 00:18:10.859 that by his grace 00:18:10.859 --> 00:18:11.839 he would help you change? 00:18:13.019 --> 00:18:14.639 To become more like Jesus? 00:18:16.619 --> 00:18:17.379 Kevin DeYoung 00:18:17.379 --> 00:18:18.439 in his great little book 00:18:18.439 --> 00:18:19.479 that I really encourage 00:18:19.479 --> 00:18:19.979 you to read, 00:18:20.039 --> 00:18:21.119 he's got some spare time 00:18:21.119 --> 00:18:21.699 over the summer, 00:18:22.379 --> 00:18:22.799 it's called 00:18:22.799 --> 00:18:24.479 The Hole in Our Holiness. 00:18:24.959 --> 00:18:25.740 He writes this, 00:18:25.799 --> 00:18:27.039 the best looking Christian, 00:18:27.500 --> 00:18:28.359 great way to start 00:18:28.359 --> 00:18:28.679 a quote, 00:18:28.759 --> 00:18:28.979 isn't it? 00:18:29.459 --> 00:18:30.679 The best looking Christian 00:18:30.679 --> 00:18:31.619 is the one 00:18:31.619 --> 00:18:32.399 who is growing 00:18:32.399 --> 00:18:33.159 by the spirit 00:18:33.159 --> 00:18:34.139 into the likeness 00:18:34.140 --> 00:18:34.620 of Jesus. 00:18:35.800 --> 00:18:36.840 Such a simple 00:18:36.840 --> 00:18:38.120 and yet such a profound 00:18:38.120 --> 00:18:39.759 truth. 00:18:41.100 --> 00:18:41.720 His prayer should 00:18:41.720 --> 00:18:42.640 confront us, 00:18:43.360 --> 00:18:44.060 this prayer should 00:18:44.060 --> 00:18:44.900 comfort us, 00:18:45.280 --> 00:18:46.020 this prayer should 00:18:46.020 --> 00:18:47.040 change us, 00:18:48.060 --> 00:18:48.960 and so as we move 00:18:48.960 --> 00:18:49.540 from thinking about 00:18:49.540 --> 00:18:50.520 the Godward axis 00:18:50.520 --> 00:18:51.300 of this prayer, 00:18:51.420 --> 00:18:51.980 let's now turn 00:18:51.980 --> 00:18:52.720 to consider the 00:18:52.720 --> 00:18:53.520 manward axis 00:18:53.520 --> 00:18:54.220 of this prayer. 00:18:56.720 --> 00:18:58.300 As we also 00:18:58.300 --> 00:18:58.940 have forgiven 00:18:58.940 --> 00:19:00.620 our debtors. 00:19:00.619 --> 00:19:03.119 that is hard. 00:19:06.439 --> 00:19:07.119 And Jesus 00:19:07.119 --> 00:19:08.019 asks his disciples 00:19:08.019 --> 00:19:08.579 to examine 00:19:08.579 --> 00:19:09.359 their own hearts, 00:19:10.459 --> 00:19:11.500 having received 00:19:11.500 --> 00:19:12.059 this forgiveness 00:19:12.059 --> 00:19:12.619 from God, 00:19:12.699 --> 00:19:13.399 knowing the forgiveness 00:19:13.399 --> 00:19:14.199 in their lives, 00:19:14.500 --> 00:19:15.459 to consider 00:19:15.459 --> 00:19:16.279 their relationships 00:19:16.279 --> 00:19:17.279 with other people. 00:19:19.299 --> 00:19:20.219 And he draws 00:19:20.219 --> 00:19:21.119 a direct link, 00:19:21.179 --> 00:19:21.679 do you see it, 00:19:21.699 --> 00:19:22.479 between the forgiveness 00:19:22.479 --> 00:19:23.299 that we receive 00:19:23.299 --> 00:19:24.039 from God 00:19:24.039 --> 00:19:25.539 and the forgiveness 00:19:25.539 --> 00:19:26.399 that we extend 00:19:26.399 --> 00:19:27.239 to other people. 00:19:28.319 --> 00:19:29.379 Because forgiveness 00:19:29.380 --> 00:19:31.620 is right at the heart 00:19:31.620 --> 00:19:33.160 of Jesus' kingdom. 00:19:34.540 --> 00:19:34.980 Therefore, 00:19:35.980 --> 00:19:36.400 forgiveness 00:19:36.400 --> 00:19:37.460 is to be right 00:19:37.460 --> 00:19:38.000 at the center 00:19:38.000 --> 00:19:39.000 of the hearts 00:19:39.000 --> 00:19:40.800 of his kingdom people. 00:19:42.600 --> 00:19:43.580 And so as we think 00:19:43.580 --> 00:19:44.580 about the natural 00:19:44.580 --> 00:19:45.400 implications 00:19:45.400 --> 00:19:46.860 that flow 00:19:46.860 --> 00:19:47.900 from Jesus' words 00:19:47.900 --> 00:19:48.280 there, 00:19:48.680 --> 00:19:50.180 we have to conclude 00:19:50.180 --> 00:19:51.240 that this is very hard. 00:19:53.300 --> 00:19:54.000 As we think about 00:19:54.000 --> 00:19:55.420 the challenge 00:19:55.420 --> 00:19:55.960 that that brings 00:19:55.960 --> 00:19:56.800 to our lives, 00:19:58.040 --> 00:19:58.720 it should definitely 00:19:58.720 --> 00:19:59.660 fall into the 00:19:59.660 --> 00:20:00.460 I wish you just 00:20:00.460 --> 00:20:00.980 hadn't said 00:20:00.980 --> 00:20:01.940 that category. 00:20:03.779 --> 00:20:04.380 Wouldn't it? 00:20:06.019 --> 00:20:06.600 I think it's 00:20:06.600 --> 00:20:07.259 the fourth thing 00:20:07.259 --> 00:20:08.519 that as we pray 00:20:08.519 --> 00:20:09.039 this prayer, 00:20:09.160 --> 00:20:10.360 Jesus' words do to us, 00:20:10.420 --> 00:20:11.100 they massively 00:20:11.100 --> 00:20:12.000 challenge us 00:20:12.000 --> 00:20:14.759 to face up 00:20:14.759 --> 00:20:15.339 to forgiveness. 00:20:17.079 --> 00:20:17.460 Now if you've got 00:20:17.460 --> 00:20:18.079 your Bibles there, 00:20:18.200 --> 00:20:18.839 Matthew 6, 00:20:18.900 --> 00:20:19.519 let's do a little bit 00:20:19.519 --> 00:20:20.279 digging in Matthew's 00:20:20.279 --> 00:20:20.559 Gospel, 00:20:20.680 --> 00:20:21.400 you'll see Jesus 00:20:21.400 --> 00:20:23.319 underscore the point 00:20:23.319 --> 00:20:25.259 at verse 15 00:20:25.259 --> 00:20:26.480 and 14 00:20:26.480 --> 00:20:27.579 of chapter 6. 00:20:28.720 --> 00:20:30.500 And you can do 00:20:30.500 --> 00:20:31.079 this in your own 00:20:31.079 --> 00:20:31.720 time afterwards, 00:20:32.039 --> 00:20:33.180 he further explains 00:20:33.180 --> 00:20:33.660 and illustrates 00:20:33.660 --> 00:20:34.319 that point 00:20:34.319 --> 00:20:35.380 in chapter 18 00:20:35.380 --> 00:20:35.940 as he tells 00:20:35.940 --> 00:20:36.680 the parable 00:20:36.680 --> 00:20:37.660 of the unforgiving 00:20:37.660 --> 00:20:38.120 servant. 00:20:39.279 --> 00:20:40.019 Now let me just 00:20:40.019 --> 00:20:41.579 quickly walk us 00:20:41.579 --> 00:20:42.299 through that parable 00:20:42.299 --> 00:20:43.019 because it's so 00:20:43.019 --> 00:20:43.500 important. 00:20:43.960 --> 00:20:45.000 Peter asked Jesus, 00:20:45.180 --> 00:20:45.360 Lord, 00:20:45.500 --> 00:20:46.319 how often, 00:20:46.500 --> 00:20:47.059 and this is a 00:20:47.059 --> 00:20:47.880 cracking question, 00:20:48.279 --> 00:20:49.319 how often do I 00:20:49.319 --> 00:20:49.880 need to forgive 00:20:49.880 --> 00:20:50.519 my brother who 00:20:50.519 --> 00:20:51.460 sins against me? 00:20:53.079 --> 00:20:54.039 His question is 00:20:54.039 --> 00:20:54.519 essentially, 00:20:54.680 --> 00:20:54.960 Jesus, 00:20:55.180 --> 00:20:55.839 when can I 00:20:55.839 --> 00:20:57.180 legitimately stop 00:20:57.180 --> 00:20:57.880 with his whole 00:20:57.880 --> 00:20:58.779 forgiveness game? 00:21:00.600 --> 00:21:01.380 When Jerry Maguire 00:21:01.380 --> 00:21:02.120 showed me the money, 00:21:02.279 --> 00:21:03.560 Peter's saying, 00:21:03.840 --> 00:21:04.700 show me the number. 00:21:04.840 --> 00:21:06.080 When can I stop 00:21:06.080 --> 00:21:06.900 showing forgiveness 00:21:06.900 --> 00:21:08.240 to my brother? 00:21:10.160 --> 00:21:10.920 Now given that the 00:21:10.920 --> 00:21:11.740 rabbis of the day 00:21:11.740 --> 00:21:12.440 are saying three, 00:21:13.720 --> 00:21:14.600 you have to commend 00:21:14.600 --> 00:21:15.259 Peter here. 00:21:15.539 --> 00:21:16.080 What does he have 00:21:16.080 --> 00:21:16.720 a shot at? 00:21:16.840 --> 00:21:17.140 Seven. 00:21:19.840 --> 00:21:21.039 What does Jesus say? 00:21:21.320 --> 00:21:22.460 Blows him out of the 00:21:22.460 --> 00:21:22.759 water. 00:21:22.880 --> 00:21:24.640 He says 77 00:21:24.640 --> 00:21:26.060 or 70 times 7. 00:21:26.300 --> 00:21:27.400 We'll go for 77. 00:21:28.400 --> 00:21:29.259 Talk about upping 00:21:29.259 --> 00:21:30.420 the ante from Jesus. 00:21:30.660 --> 00:21:31.180 Now there's Old 00:21:31.180 --> 00:21:32.160 Testament significance 00:21:32.160 --> 00:21:33.060 to that number, 00:21:33.180 --> 00:21:34.000 the background of which 00:21:34.000 --> 00:21:34.860 we just don't have time 00:21:34.860 --> 00:21:35.759 to go into today, 00:21:35.980 --> 00:21:36.900 except to say that 00:21:36.900 --> 00:21:37.800 Jesus is saying that 00:21:37.800 --> 00:21:38.820 if the world is so 00:21:38.820 --> 00:21:40.440 often about revenge, 00:21:40.700 --> 00:21:41.580 then the hearts of 00:21:41.580 --> 00:21:42.320 the people of my 00:21:42.320 --> 00:21:43.100 kingdom are to be 00:21:43.100 --> 00:21:44.560 so radically and 00:21:44.560 --> 00:21:45.780 contrastingly different 00:21:45.780 --> 00:21:46.320 to that. 00:21:48.100 --> 00:21:49.420 Jesus tells the story 00:21:49.420 --> 00:21:51.640 of a servant 00:21:51.640 --> 00:21:54.200 who owes a very 00:21:54.200 --> 00:21:55.620 large debt. 00:21:55.759 --> 00:21:56.720 The way he tells it 00:21:56.720 --> 00:21:57.259 there, the way he 00:21:57.259 --> 00:21:58.019 explains it, 00:21:58.460 --> 00:21:59.080 is for us to 00:21:59.080 --> 00:21:59.880 recognize that this 00:21:59.880 --> 00:22:00.820 is not just an 00:22:00.820 --> 00:22:01.759 astronomically big 00:22:01.759 --> 00:22:03.300 debt, actually this 00:22:03.300 --> 00:22:03.940 is a debt that he 00:22:03.940 --> 00:22:05.440 has got zilch chance 00:22:05.440 --> 00:22:06.340 of repaying. 00:22:06.400 --> 00:22:07.120 He's got no chance 00:22:07.120 --> 00:22:07.820 of repaying this 00:22:07.820 --> 00:22:08.180 debt. 00:22:09.900 --> 00:22:10.300 And so when it 00:22:10.300 --> 00:22:11.820 comes to repaying 00:22:11.820 --> 00:22:12.820 that debt to his 00:22:12.820 --> 00:22:14.420 master, it is little 00:22:14.420 --> 00:22:15.580 surprise that he is 00:22:15.580 --> 00:22:16.539 in no position to 00:22:16.539 --> 00:22:17.120 pay it. 00:22:17.119 --> 00:22:19.239 And his master 00:22:19.239 --> 00:22:20.059 does the expected 00:22:20.059 --> 00:22:20.479 thing. 00:22:20.559 --> 00:22:21.419 He tries to recoup 00:22:21.419 --> 00:22:22.039 his losses. 00:22:22.279 --> 00:22:23.559 He demands that his 00:22:23.559 --> 00:22:25.159 servant and his 00:22:25.159 --> 00:22:25.919 wife and children 00:22:25.919 --> 00:22:27.599 be sold into 00:22:27.599 --> 00:22:28.219 slavery. 00:22:29.459 --> 00:22:30.199 And so when the 00:22:30.199 --> 00:22:31.079 servant comes to 00:22:31.079 --> 00:22:31.819 terms with that 00:22:31.819 --> 00:22:33.379 terrifying possibility, 00:22:34.419 --> 00:22:35.219 the servant does 00:22:35.219 --> 00:22:36.339 what any one of us 00:22:36.339 --> 00:22:37.919 would do if the 00:22:37.919 --> 00:22:38.599 stakes were that 00:22:38.599 --> 00:22:38.959 high. 00:22:40.779 --> 00:22:41.699 Looks in his 00:22:41.699 --> 00:22:42.359 coat pocket, 00:22:42.539 --> 00:22:43.279 looks at the cards 00:22:43.279 --> 00:22:43.959 that he's got left 00:22:43.959 --> 00:22:44.519 to play, and he 00:22:44.519 --> 00:22:45.179 realizes that the 00:22:45.179 --> 00:22:45.799 only one that's 00:22:45.799 --> 00:22:46.199 there is the 00:22:46.199 --> 00:22:46.839 mercy card. 00:22:47.839 --> 00:22:48.539 Master, would you 00:22:48.539 --> 00:22:49.619 have mercy on me? 00:22:50.500 --> 00:22:51.339 He falls at the 00:22:51.339 --> 00:22:51.799 feet of his 00:22:51.799 --> 00:22:52.719 master, pleads for 00:22:52.719 --> 00:22:53.639 more time, because 00:22:53.639 --> 00:22:54.500 he sees that's the 00:22:54.500 --> 00:22:55.179 only card he's got 00:22:55.179 --> 00:22:55.619 to play. 00:22:57.859 --> 00:22:58.619 And the key 00:22:58.619 --> 00:23:01.199 verse in chapter 00:23:01.199 --> 00:23:02.099 18, the one that 00:23:02.099 --> 00:23:02.579 says, and the 00:23:02.579 --> 00:23:03.479 master had what? 00:23:04.259 --> 00:23:05.219 Pity on him. 00:23:05.619 --> 00:23:06.459 The master showed 00:23:06.459 --> 00:23:07.619 him mercy. 00:23:08.759 --> 00:23:09.339 And get your head 00:23:09.339 --> 00:23:09.799 around this. 00:23:09.899 --> 00:23:10.479 See, he doesn't 00:23:10.479 --> 00:23:11.139 just give him one 00:23:11.139 --> 00:23:11.799 more time. 00:23:13.399 --> 00:23:14.139 He doesn't just 00:23:14.139 --> 00:23:15.319 say you've got X 00:23:15.319 --> 00:23:15.919 amount of time to 00:23:15.919 --> 00:23:16.500 pay me back. 00:23:16.500 --> 00:23:17.319 Actually, what he 00:23:17.319 --> 00:23:17.920 does, he goes way 00:23:17.920 --> 00:23:18.440 further than that. 00:23:18.500 --> 00:23:19.440 He writes off the 00:23:19.440 --> 00:23:19.819 debt. 00:23:20.880 --> 00:23:21.940 Can you imagine the 00:23:21.940 --> 00:23:22.940 sense of jubilation? 00:23:23.140 --> 00:23:23.900 Can you imagine the 00:23:23.900 --> 00:23:24.559 inner sense of 00:23:24.559 --> 00:23:25.240 freedom that the 00:23:25.240 --> 00:23:26.440 servant experiences as 00:23:26.440 --> 00:23:27.420 he hears those 00:23:27.420 --> 00:23:27.859 words? 00:23:29.859 --> 00:23:30.339 Well, as the 00:23:30.339 --> 00:23:31.279 servant leaves the 00:23:31.279 --> 00:23:31.940 presence of the 00:23:31.940 --> 00:23:32.559 master, lo and 00:23:32.559 --> 00:23:33.220 behold, on the way 00:23:33.220 --> 00:23:33.720 out, what does he 00:23:33.720 --> 00:23:33.900 see? 00:23:33.980 --> 00:23:34.779 He meets the guy who 00:23:34.779 --> 00:23:35.440 owes him a lot of 00:23:35.440 --> 00:23:35.619 money. 00:23:36.559 --> 00:23:37.259 Now, it's nothing 00:23:37.259 --> 00:23:38.039 compared to the debt 00:23:38.039 --> 00:23:38.660 that he's been let 00:23:38.660 --> 00:23:39.920 off from the 00:23:39.920 --> 00:23:40.240 master. 00:23:40.880 --> 00:23:41.539 But it's still a 00:23:41.539 --> 00:23:41.839 debt. 00:23:41.839 --> 00:23:44.139 He doesn't 00:23:44.139 --> 00:23:44.939 show mercy to the 00:23:44.939 --> 00:23:45.599 guy who owes him 00:23:45.599 --> 00:23:45.839 debt. 00:23:45.879 --> 00:23:46.519 When he realizes 00:23:46.519 --> 00:23:47.179 that this isn't 00:23:47.179 --> 00:23:47.439 going to be 00:23:47.439 --> 00:23:48.259 repaid, he throws 00:23:48.259 --> 00:23:48.839 him in prison. 00:23:49.359 --> 00:23:49.819 And when the 00:23:49.819 --> 00:23:50.879 master finds out, he 00:23:50.879 --> 00:23:52.079 is absolutely 00:23:52.079 --> 00:23:53.159 livid. 00:23:54.939 --> 00:23:56.019 And then come the 00:23:56.019 --> 00:23:56.980 crushing and 00:23:56.980 --> 00:23:58.159 challenging words of 00:23:58.159 --> 00:23:59.179 Jesus, the sting in 00:23:59.179 --> 00:23:59.799 the tail to the 00:23:59.799 --> 00:24:00.199 parable. 00:24:01.199 --> 00:24:02.379 This is how my 00:24:02.379 --> 00:24:03.539 heavenly father will 00:24:03.539 --> 00:24:04.639 treat each of you 00:24:04.639 --> 00:24:06.279 unless you forgive 00:24:06.279 --> 00:24:07.319 your brother or 00:24:07.319 --> 00:24:08.179 sister from the 00:24:08.179 --> 00:24:08.559 heart. 00:24:08.559 --> 00:24:14.639 And I fitted 00:24:14.639 --> 00:24:15.299 some new light 00:24:15.299 --> 00:24:15.819 bulbs in our 00:24:15.819 --> 00:24:16.659 house last month. 00:24:17.700 --> 00:24:18.440 Got the ladder 00:24:18.440 --> 00:24:19.220 out, went up the 00:24:19.220 --> 00:24:20.079 ladder, changed the 00:24:20.079 --> 00:24:22.099 bulbs, took the 00:24:22.099 --> 00:24:22.839 old ones off, put the 00:24:22.839 --> 00:24:24.000 new ones on, flicked 00:24:24.000 --> 00:24:24.740 on the switch, and I 00:24:24.740 --> 00:24:25.740 was just about blinded 00:24:25.740 --> 00:24:27.419 by the new bulbs, the 00:24:27.419 --> 00:24:27.960 power in them. 00:24:28.980 --> 00:24:29.639 I could feel myself 00:24:29.639 --> 00:24:30.980 getting a tan at the 00:24:30.980 --> 00:24:32.000 same time. 00:24:32.059 --> 00:24:32.559 These were light 00:24:32.559 --> 00:24:32.859 bulbs. 00:24:33.039 --> 00:24:34.099 But what happened 00:24:34.099 --> 00:24:35.119 is I went to Amazon, 00:24:35.279 --> 00:24:36.200 went to my computer to 00:24:36.200 --> 00:24:36.859 write, because I'm 00:24:36.859 --> 00:24:37.559 British, I really 00:24:37.559 --> 00:24:38.379 strongly worded 00:24:38.380 --> 00:24:39.580 complaint to put it 00:24:39.580 --> 00:24:40.000 on Amazon. 00:24:41.360 --> 00:24:42.240 What happened is I 00:24:42.240 --> 00:24:42.920 got to Amazon and 00:24:42.920 --> 00:24:43.500 looked at what I'd 00:24:43.500 --> 00:24:44.260 actually bought. 00:24:44.920 --> 00:24:45.560 And what I'd bought 00:24:45.560 --> 00:24:47.600 were these new LED 00:24:47.600 --> 00:24:50.520 powerful and energy 00:24:50.520 --> 00:24:51.320 efficient bulbs. 00:24:52.720 --> 00:24:54.560 So I went back to 00:24:54.560 --> 00:24:56.280 the ladder, up I 00:24:56.280 --> 00:24:57.660 went, and I looked 00:24:57.660 --> 00:24:58.440 out at what these 00:24:58.440 --> 00:24:59.200 LED bulbs were 00:24:59.200 --> 00:24:59.920 showing me about the 00:24:59.920 --> 00:25:00.160 room. 00:25:01.540 --> 00:25:02.280 And I looked in the 00:25:02.280 --> 00:25:03.000 corner, all I could 00:25:03.000 --> 00:25:03.900 see was the dirt that 00:25:03.900 --> 00:25:04.780 I haven't hoovered up. 00:25:04.900 --> 00:25:06.280 Now I take pride in 00:25:06.280 --> 00:25:07.160 my cleanliness. 00:25:07.300 --> 00:25:07.780 I looked at the 00:25:07.780 --> 00:25:08.360 corner, couldn't 00:25:08.359 --> 00:25:09.019 get away from the 00:25:09.019 --> 00:25:09.159 dirt. 00:25:09.399 --> 00:25:10.079 I looked up, all I 00:25:10.079 --> 00:25:10.559 could see was the 00:25:10.559 --> 00:25:11.000 cobwebs. 00:25:11.079 --> 00:25:11.479 I looked at the 00:25:11.479 --> 00:25:12.179 surfaces, all I 00:25:12.179 --> 00:25:12.779 could see was the 00:25:12.779 --> 00:25:13.159 dust. 00:25:13.500 --> 00:25:14.199 Because the light 00:25:14.199 --> 00:25:14.839 from these new 00:25:14.839 --> 00:25:15.839 light bulbs, we 00:25:15.839 --> 00:25:16.779 had got so used to 00:25:16.779 --> 00:25:17.979 living with light 00:25:17.979 --> 00:25:18.679 bulbs at this level. 00:25:18.740 --> 00:25:19.299 When it got kicked 00:25:19.299 --> 00:25:21.359 up, the light had 00:25:21.359 --> 00:25:22.339 exposed all the 00:25:22.339 --> 00:25:23.000 stuff in this room 00:25:23.000 --> 00:25:23.539 that I needed to 00:25:23.539 --> 00:25:23.979 deal with. 00:25:24.919 --> 00:25:25.579 And I realized it 00:25:25.579 --> 00:25:26.539 wasn't half as clean 00:25:26.539 --> 00:25:27.500 as I thought it was. 00:25:29.419 --> 00:25:30.339 This is what Jesus' 00:25:30.539 --> 00:25:31.299 words here are doing. 00:25:33.119 --> 00:25:34.500 This is the light 00:25:34.500 --> 00:25:36.539 shining into every 00:25:36.539 --> 00:25:38.720 corner of our 00:25:38.720 --> 00:25:39.200 lives. 00:25:41.039 --> 00:25:42.920 What is lurking in 00:25:42.920 --> 00:25:43.759 there, says Jesus? 00:25:43.879 --> 00:25:44.960 What do you see when 00:25:44.960 --> 00:25:45.720 the light goes into 00:25:45.720 --> 00:25:46.279 the corners? 00:25:46.379 --> 00:25:47.339 What do you know that 00:25:47.339 --> 00:25:48.119 you need to deal 00:25:48.119 --> 00:25:48.500 with? 00:25:49.619 --> 00:25:50.279 Let me ask this, 00:25:50.460 --> 00:25:51.139 particularly as we 00:25:51.139 --> 00:25:51.839 think about other 00:25:51.839 --> 00:25:53.379 people, maybe even in 00:25:53.379 --> 00:25:54.680 this room this morning. 00:25:56.079 --> 00:25:57.000 When you look in your 00:25:57.000 --> 00:25:57.920 hearts, when the light is 00:25:57.920 --> 00:25:58.460 shining in those 00:25:58.460 --> 00:25:59.299 corners, what do you 00:25:59.299 --> 00:25:59.559 see? 00:25:59.639 --> 00:26:00.279 Is there stuff in 00:26:00.279 --> 00:26:01.039 there that you and I 00:26:01.039 --> 00:26:01.839 need to deal with? 00:26:02.799 --> 00:26:03.759 When it comes to being 00:26:03.759 --> 00:26:04.579 right with our brothers 00:26:04.579 --> 00:26:05.419 and sisters, when it 00:26:05.419 --> 00:26:06.079 comes to being right 00:26:06.079 --> 00:26:07.439 with those outside, are 00:26:07.439 --> 00:26:08.379 there any deep-seated 00:26:08.379 --> 00:26:08.960 thoughts? 00:26:10.500 --> 00:26:11.699 Is there any bitterness 00:26:11.699 --> 00:26:12.539 that's brewing? 00:26:12.720 --> 00:26:13.720 Is there any harboring 00:26:13.720 --> 00:26:14.679 hurts that are in 00:26:14.679 --> 00:26:16.079 there, maybe against 00:26:16.079 --> 00:26:17.399 other people? 00:26:19.319 --> 00:26:21.519 To see how God, by 00:26:21.519 --> 00:26:22.500 his goodness, because 00:26:22.500 --> 00:26:23.740 he wants us to make 00:26:23.740 --> 00:26:25.279 us more like Jesus, is 00:26:25.279 --> 00:26:27.220 putting, maybe even 00:26:27.220 --> 00:26:29.199 painfully, his finger on 00:26:29.199 --> 00:26:30.359 particular people in our 00:26:30.359 --> 00:26:31.359 lives this morning, is 00:26:31.359 --> 00:26:32.019 through his word. 00:26:34.579 --> 00:26:35.879 people that we need to 00:26:35.879 --> 00:26:37.460 think about being 00:26:37.460 --> 00:26:38.019 right with. 00:26:39.179 --> 00:26:40.059 Because I think this is 00:26:40.059 --> 00:26:41.159 the fifth and final thing 00:26:41.159 --> 00:26:42.099 that these words do to 00:26:42.099 --> 00:26:43.519 us, they compel us. 00:26:45.079 --> 00:26:47.139 To move from facing up 00:26:47.139 --> 00:26:50.559 to forgiveness, to 00:26:50.559 --> 00:26:51.740 fighting for forgiveness. 00:26:53.399 --> 00:26:54.419 And many of us, I know 00:26:54.419 --> 00:26:55.319 that even the very 00:26:55.319 --> 00:26:57.559 mention of those words 00:26:57.559 --> 00:26:58.819 seem absolutely 00:26:58.819 --> 00:26:59.559 terrifying. 00:27:01.279 --> 00:27:02.279 Some of us will have 00:27:02.279 --> 00:27:03.480 been hurt and betrayed 00:27:03.480 --> 00:27:05.160 and scarred in ways I 00:27:05.160 --> 00:27:06.200 do not even want to 00:27:06.200 --> 00:27:06.740 stand up here and 00:27:06.740 --> 00:27:07.539 pretend that I know 00:27:07.539 --> 00:27:07.799 about. 00:27:09.440 --> 00:27:10.799 But maybe this morning 00:27:10.799 --> 00:27:12.799 Jesus would invite you 00:27:12.799 --> 00:27:15.400 to take his hand and 00:27:15.400 --> 00:27:17.680 to walk with him on 00:27:17.680 --> 00:27:19.900 this long and sometimes 00:27:19.900 --> 00:27:21.759 windy road towards 00:27:21.759 --> 00:27:22.779 forgiveness. 00:27:24.460 --> 00:27:25.799 Because not only does he 00:27:25.799 --> 00:27:28.339 know what it is like to 00:27:28.339 --> 00:27:29.860 be the sin against party 00:27:29.860 --> 00:27:31.019 in ways that we will 00:27:31.019 --> 00:27:31.940 never understand. 00:27:33.339 --> 00:27:34.859 But he promises to be 00:27:34.859 --> 00:27:37.660 a friend, one who 00:27:37.660 --> 00:27:38.599 sticks and walks 00:27:38.599 --> 00:27:39.759 closer than a brother 00:27:39.759 --> 00:27:42.460 to all his children. 00:27:43.740 --> 00:27:45.180 And in the father's 00:27:45.180 --> 00:27:46.139 wisdom he has provided 00:27:46.139 --> 00:27:47.559 us with a church family 00:27:47.559 --> 00:27:48.160 like Paul was 00:27:48.160 --> 00:27:48.920 mentioning earlier, 00:27:49.059 --> 00:27:50.599 full of individuals 00:27:50.599 --> 00:27:52.460 transformed by grace 00:27:52.460 --> 00:27:53.460 who have committed 00:27:53.460 --> 00:27:55.220 themselves to helping 00:27:55.220 --> 00:27:56.400 one another walk this 00:27:56.400 --> 00:27:56.700 road. 00:27:56.700 --> 00:27:59.200 some of you might 00:27:59.200 --> 00:28:01.279 remember the high 00:28:01.279 --> 00:28:02.299 profile case that was 00:28:02.299 --> 00:28:03.080 in the news a few 00:28:03.080 --> 00:28:04.700 years ago of Christian 00:28:04.700 --> 00:28:06.600 policeman, I think his 00:28:06.600 --> 00:28:07.539 name was Stephen Oak. 00:28:08.500 --> 00:28:09.900 He was killed while 00:28:09.900 --> 00:28:11.120 trying to arrest an 00:28:11.120 --> 00:28:12.259 Al-Qaeda terrorist in 00:28:12.259 --> 00:28:13.960 2003 down in Manchester 00:28:13.960 --> 00:28:16.319 and he left, tragically 00:28:16.319 --> 00:28:17.299 he left a wife and 00:28:17.299 --> 00:28:18.100 three kids behind. 00:28:19.620 --> 00:28:20.860 And a while later the 00:28:20.860 --> 00:28:22.019 whole family appeared 00:28:22.019 --> 00:28:22.940 on the, if you remember 00:28:22.940 --> 00:28:24.580 this, the Kilroy BBC 00:28:24.580 --> 00:28:25.840 chat show that used to be 00:28:25.839 --> 00:28:26.119 on. 00:28:27.259 --> 00:28:28.439 And they explained that 00:28:28.439 --> 00:28:29.699 while the pain for them 00:28:29.699 --> 00:28:30.879 was so real and it was 00:28:30.879 --> 00:28:31.980 so raw and it was so 00:28:31.980 --> 00:28:35.359 excruciating, that not 00:28:35.359 --> 00:28:36.740 only was their church 00:28:36.740 --> 00:28:38.319 supporting them and 00:28:38.319 --> 00:28:39.119 walking with them 00:28:39.119 --> 00:28:40.899 through this time, but 00:28:40.899 --> 00:28:44.259 Jesus was so near and 00:28:44.259 --> 00:28:45.679 was helping them to walk 00:28:45.679 --> 00:28:46.959 the long journey of 00:28:46.959 --> 00:28:47.919 forgiveness that they 00:28:47.919 --> 00:28:48.839 needed to show to this 00:28:48.839 --> 00:28:49.139 man. 00:28:50.740 --> 00:28:51.699 It was amazing, they 00:28:51.699 --> 00:28:52.279 opened it up for 00:28:52.279 --> 00:28:53.619 comments just afterwards 00:28:53.619 --> 00:28:54.639 from other guests who'd 00:28:54.639 --> 00:28:55.339 gone through similar 00:28:55.339 --> 00:28:56.139 things who were not 00:28:56.139 --> 00:28:57.720 Christians and the 00:28:57.720 --> 00:29:00.220 contrast between what 00:29:00.220 --> 00:29:01.399 the family were saying 00:29:01.399 --> 00:29:02.119 and what the other 00:29:02.119 --> 00:29:04.019 people on the show 00:29:04.019 --> 00:29:04.740 were saying. 00:29:05.259 --> 00:29:05.980 Forgiveness for them 00:29:05.980 --> 00:29:07.159 wasn't just, it wasn't 00:29:07.159 --> 00:29:08.319 even on the table as an 00:29:08.319 --> 00:29:08.639 option. 00:29:10.339 --> 00:29:11.079 Friend, do you see how 00:29:11.079 --> 00:29:12.959 God is so glorified when 00:29:12.959 --> 00:29:14.639 grace triumphs in our 00:29:14.639 --> 00:29:15.099 hearts? 00:29:16.019 --> 00:29:17.039 Do you see how Satan 00:29:17.039 --> 00:29:18.459 rages and how the world 00:29:18.459 --> 00:29:19.720 stands in shock when a 00:29:19.720 --> 00:29:21.159 disciple of Jesus says 00:29:21.159 --> 00:29:22.319 that bitterness and hurt 00:29:22.319 --> 00:29:23.240 will not reign in this 00:29:23.240 --> 00:29:24.480 heart, but Jesus will? 00:29:24.480 --> 00:29:27.339 God is so, it's just 00:29:27.339 --> 00:29:28.220 something you know that 00:29:28.220 --> 00:29:28.960 you need to be right 00:29:28.960 --> 00:29:30.140 with this morning for the 00:29:30.140 --> 00:29:31.360 glory of God. 00:29:33.599 --> 00:29:34.440 This prayer should 00:29:34.440 --> 00:29:36.319 challenge us and this 00:29:36.319 --> 00:29:38.380 prayer should compel us. 00:29:39.700 --> 00:29:40.740 And as we bring it to a 00:29:40.740 --> 00:29:41.700 close this morning, do you 00:29:41.700 --> 00:29:42.900 see how Jesus Christ is 00:29:42.900 --> 00:29:45.240 not only the solution to 00:29:45.240 --> 00:29:46.120 our Godward debt? 00:29:47.059 --> 00:29:47.940 Do you see how he is 00:29:47.940 --> 00:29:49.519 actually the perfect model 00:29:49.519 --> 00:29:50.779 of what it looks like to 00:29:50.779 --> 00:29:51.839 forgive our debtors? 00:29:51.839 --> 00:29:54.759 It's to him we look this 00:29:54.759 --> 00:29:55.059 morning. 00:29:56.799 --> 00:29:57.500 Wonderfully, do you see 00:29:57.500 --> 00:29:58.579 what God is doing here? 00:29:58.720 --> 00:29:59.740 This whole restoration 00:29:59.740 --> 00:30:01.039 process, this whole 00:30:01.039 --> 00:30:02.500 transformation process. 00:30:03.500 --> 00:30:04.459 What he's doing in our 00:30:04.459 --> 00:30:05.959 lives, what was the state 00:30:05.959 --> 00:30:07.179 of Adam and Eve, their 00:30:07.179 --> 00:30:08.259 relationship with God and 00:30:08.259 --> 00:30:09.139 one another before the 00:30:09.139 --> 00:30:11.059 fall, before sin entered 00:30:11.059 --> 00:30:11.879 the human equation? 00:30:12.039 --> 00:30:13.879 Adam and Eve, peace with 00:30:13.879 --> 00:30:14.199 God. 00:30:16.519 --> 00:30:17.539 Peace inside. 00:30:19.119 --> 00:30:20.399 Adam and Eve, peace with 00:30:20.400 --> 00:30:21.600 one another in creation. 00:30:22.860 --> 00:30:24.000 See how God, as he works 00:30:24.000 --> 00:30:25.259 this transformation process 00:30:25.259 --> 00:30:27.259 in our lives, he is making 00:30:27.259 --> 00:30:29.140 us into the whole reason 00:30:29.140 --> 00:30:29.940 that he made us in the 00:30:29.940 --> 00:30:30.540 first place. 00:30:31.280 --> 00:30:32.980 To know that forgiveness, 00:30:33.200 --> 00:30:34.380 to know that harmony, to 00:30:34.380 --> 00:30:35.500 know that wholeness. 00:30:36.780 --> 00:30:37.960 And so it's to Jesus Christ 00:30:37.960 --> 00:30:38.960 that we look this morning as 00:30:38.960 --> 00:30:39.880 the way that God is doing 00:30:39.880 --> 00:30:40.080 that. 00:30:40.120 --> 00:30:41.259 And one day it will be fully 00:30:41.259 --> 00:30:42.200 realized in the new 00:30:42.200 --> 00:30:43.480 creation because Jesus Christ 00:30:43.480 --> 00:30:45.200 is the one who says, I am 00:30:45.200 --> 00:30:46.460 making all things new. 00:30:46.460 --> 00:30:49.440 And so it is to Jesus Christ 00:30:49.440 --> 00:30:50.440 that we look this morning. 00:30:52.319 --> 00:30:53.480 As we close, do you know 00:30:53.480 --> 00:30:54.620 more than six million 00:30:54.620 --> 00:30:55.500 Britons, and I take you 00:30:55.500 --> 00:30:56.400 back to that number at the 00:30:56.400 --> 00:30:57.840 start, more than six million 00:30:57.840 --> 00:30:59.759 Britons don't ever believe 00:30:59.759 --> 00:31:00.920 they will ever be debt free 00:31:00.920 --> 00:31:01.660 in their lifetime. 00:31:03.680 --> 00:31:04.759 Friends, when it comes to our 00:31:04.759 --> 00:31:06.600 debt of sin, and when it 00:31:06.600 --> 00:31:07.720 comes to the debts that 00:31:07.720 --> 00:31:09.240 people owe us, do you see 00:31:09.240 --> 00:31:10.920 how the gospel offers us a 00:31:10.920 --> 00:31:12.740 wonderful alternative? 00:31:12.740 --> 00:31:16.620 Just before I pray, why 00:31:16.620 --> 00:31:17.180 don't we just have a 00:31:17.180 --> 00:31:18.180 moment, just a minute of 00:31:18.180 --> 00:31:18.660 silence. 00:31:19.940 --> 00:31:20.680 And if there's been 00:31:20.680 --> 00:31:21.599 anything that's been on 00:31:21.599 --> 00:31:22.559 your heart this morning, 00:31:22.980 --> 00:31:23.819 in any of those two 00:31:23.819 --> 00:31:25.779 acts, then maybe now is 00:31:25.779 --> 00:31:26.660 the time to bring your 00:31:26.660 --> 00:31:27.740 prayer before the Lord. 00:31:28.500 --> 00:31:29.460 Maybe even if you don't 00:31:29.460 --> 00:31:30.900 know Jesus Christ as your 00:31:30.900 --> 00:31:31.620 King and your Saviour, 00:31:31.680 --> 00:31:32.859 maybe even this morning is 00:31:32.859 --> 00:31:33.819 the time where you first 00:31:33.819 --> 00:31:36.140 say, Jesus, Lord, I need 00:31:36.140 --> 00:31:36.359 you. 00:31:37.079 --> 00:31:38.019 And then I will pray as we 00:31:38.019 --> 00:31:38.359 close. 00:31:42.740 --> 00:31:50.779 O to grace, how great a 00:31:50.779 --> 00:31:54.160 debtor, daily I'm 00:31:54.160 --> 00:31:55.400 constrained to be. 00:31:56.319 --> 00:31:58.539 Let thy goodness, like a 00:31:58.539 --> 00:32:01.160 fetter, bind my wandering 00:32:01.160 --> 00:32:02.120 heart to thee. 00:32:03.140 --> 00:32:04.740 Prone to wander, Lord, I feel 00:32:04.740 --> 00:32:05.019 it. 00:32:06.880 --> 00:32:08.859 Prone to leave the God that I 00:32:08.859 --> 00:32:09.339 love. 00:32:10.380 --> 00:32:11.559 Here's my heart. 00:32:11.559 --> 00:32:15.039 O take and seal it and 00:32:15.039 --> 00:32:16.919 seal it for thy courts 00:32:16.919 --> 00:32:17.700 above. 00:32:18.359 --> 00:32:19.799 So, Father, thank you so 00:32:19.799 --> 00:32:21.059 much for your great grace 00:32:21.059 --> 00:32:23.740 that saw you send your 00:32:23.740 --> 00:32:27.599 Son for us, for our sin. 00:32:28.179 --> 00:32:29.440 And I pray that as your 00:32:29.440 --> 00:32:31.099 Spirit continues to work in 00:32:31.099 --> 00:32:33.039 our hearts off the back of 00:32:33.039 --> 00:32:35.159 this morning, that you would 00:32:35.159 --> 00:32:37.619 continue to be transforming 00:32:37.619 --> 00:32:40.039 us more into the likeness of 00:32:40.039 --> 00:32:40.799 Jesus Christ. 00:32:41.720 --> 00:32:42.940 And so it's to him we look 00:32:42.940 --> 00:32:44.440 this morning, and it's in 00:32:44.440 --> 00:32:45.519 his name that we pray these 00:32:45.519 --> 00:32:45.799 things. 00:32:45.879 --> 00:32:47.139 In Jesus' name, amen.