Forgiveness
A. GETTING ALONG WITH OTHERS IS NOT ALWAYS EASY.
1. Divine instruction as to what we should do given here.
2. A proper attitude is also necessary.
B. EACH PASSAGE USES THE PHRASE “FORGIVING EACH OTHER.”
C. WHAT IS FORGIVNESS?
1. “Hold as though no offense had been given, in love, sympathy for; interested in as
though nothing had happened.”
2. Heb. 8:12. “…their sins will I remember no more.”
D. A VITAL SUBJECT THAT WE NEED TO STUDY.
A. FORGIVENESS FROM GOD IS NECESSARY.
1. All have sinned (Rom. 3:23; 1 John 1:8, 10).
2. If not forgiven, we will be eternally lost (1 Cor. 6:9-11).
B. GOD WANTS TO FORGIVE YOU.
1. Luke 13:34. What was the problem? They would not accept the terms (Rom. 10:21).
2. 1 Tim. 2:3-4. Forgiveness involves knowledge of the truth.
3. 2 Pet. 3:9; 1 John 1:9. Conditions of forgiveness, even for Christians (Rom. 8:1).
NO REPENTANCE, NO FORGIVENESS
C. ONLY IN JESUS (Eph. 1:3, 7; Col. 1:13-14; 2 Tim. 2:10; Gal. 3:26-27).
A. MAN SINS AGAINST MAN (1 Cor. 8:12; Matt. 18:21).
B. WE MUST BE WILLING TO FORGIVE TO BE FORGIVEN (Matt. 18:21-35; 6:12-15).
1. Eph. 4:32. “…even as God also in Christ forgave you.”
2. How God forgives (Heb. 10:17). Can we do that?
C. GRUDGES & ENMITY HINDER WORSHIP (Matt. 5:23-24; 1 Cor. 11:17-18).
D. REFUSAL TO FORGIVE IS A SIGN OF EVIL AND HATRED (1 John 3:13-15).
1. Who suffers the most, the grudge-holder or the offender (Eph. 4:31-32).
2. The product of a carnal mind (Heb. 12:14-15).
E. WHEN CAN MAN FORGIVE? WE MUST PREPARE FOR IT, AND WORK.
1. Like God, we must desire to do it (Heb. 12:14; 1 Pet. 3:11).
2. We must take the initiative, no matter who offended who (Matt. 5:23-24; Matt. 18:15).
3. Recognize that not all will be willing to reconcile (Rom. 12:18; 2 Tim. 3:3).
4. “IF HE REPENTS” (Luke 17:3-4). Do I need to repent so someone can forgive ME?
5. What if he doesn’t repent? (2 Pet. 3:9).
6. Be careful not to retaliate (Rom. 12:17-21; 1 Pet. 2:21-23).
F. GOD’S PLAN FOR SETTLING PERSONAL DIFFERENCES (Matt. 18:15-17).
A. HOW MUCH BETTER IT WOULD BE TO DO THINGS GOD’S WAY.
B. LET US REMEMBER TO FORGIVE SO THAT WE MAY BE FORGIVEN.
C. FORGIVENESS IS CONDITIONAL.
1. We must have faith in Jesus (John 8:24), and his promise (Mark 16:16).
2. If you have not been baptized for remission (Acts 2:38; 22:16).
3. If you have been baptized (1 John 1:6-7, 9; Acts 8:22).