Forgive Us

Northwest Bible Church – May 3, 2026 – Matthew – Alan Conner

Matthew 6:12

Forgive us

Intro

I. THE REQUEST FOR FORGIVENESS (Matthew 6:12a).

A. What are the “debts”?   Luke 11:4; Matthew 6:14-15

B. Request for forgiveness is not for justification here but sanctification.   

C. Why should we regularly ask our Father for forgiveness?

1. Aborts the spread of sin. 

2. Restores broken fellowship with God.    Mark 11:25; Psalms 66:18

3. Jesus knows we still have the flesh and need forgiveness.  1 John 1:9

II. THE MOTIVATION FOR FORGIVENESS (Matthew 6:12b).

A. The meaning of “as also”.   Does not introduce merit but evidence.

B.  The importance of forgiving others.

1. It indicates a humble and gracious heart.   

2. It is sanctifying.  

III. CONSEQUENCES OF UNFORGIVENESS (Matthew 6:14-15).

A. If you forgive, you will be forgiven (Matthew 6:14).   

B. If you do not forgive, you will not be forgiven (Matthew 6:15).   Cf. Matthew. 18:23-35

C. What about forgiving those who don’t repent?

D. Why forgive others?

1. God’s providence reigns over all things.   

2. Romans. 8:28.    

3. Forgive because we have been forgiven more.   

Conclusion