Jesus continues to teach to pray with "Forgive us our trespasses, as we also forgive those who have offended us."

Non-forgiveness is one of the key blocks to receiving the blessing of God. Jesus still says this very clearly in Math. 6: 14-15 : "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; But if you do not forgive men, your Father will not forgive you your trespasses either. Let us be sure that we do not blame anyone ! And remember that forgiveness is not a feeling, but a firm decision to take, with our will ! And when a non-forgiving emotion wants to come back, we stand firmly on the decision made and we bless the person in question !

Jesus concludes this prayer very realistically : "Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil." Many Christians hardly realize that they are continually involved in a merciless spiritual war against an enemy infinitely more intelligent and powerful than ourselves. Of course, in Christ we are 'more than winners', but victory does not come automatically. On the one hand, we must learn to use the spiritual weapons that God has placed at our disposal; on the other, we must not put ourselves in a position that allows the temptation to catch us easily! Remember what we have already dealt with in the "Sanctify Your Name" aspect, when we proclaimed 'Jahweh Nissi, God our Banner' ? The soldier of Christ must always be clothed in "all the armor of God" because "we do not have to fight against flesh and blood, but against dominions, against the authorities, against the princes of this world of Against the evil spirits in the heavenly places."

We must also learn to exercise our authority in Christ !

Obviously, we must live a life as crucified with Christ, and "dead to sin," but we must also realize that not all the problems we encounter come from our nature watch: sometimes the enemy plays tricks on us , And we must discern with whom we are dealing, and pray "deliver us from evil" !

Jesus concludes with : "For to you are the kingdom, the power, and the glory in all ages. Amen !

Psalm 100: 3 (Sermon version) tells us : "Enter into its porticoes with gratitude ! Enter into his courts, singing his praises ! Give him your homage and praise him for what he is ! "We can finish our prayers with praise and gratitude, not forgetting that we can begin them, by 'entering its doors' in the same way !

"Lord, always help me to forgive unconditionally, wholeheartedly and to leave no door open for the Enemy. Teach me to clothe myself with all the armor of God, and deliver me from evil! In the name of Jesus, amen !"

René de Groot