FORGIVENESS: A SIGN OF REAL LOVE
Intro.
1. Lesson has application for every person here (At some time, all will sin against others & be sinned against by others) - Rom. 3:23.
2. It is at the heart of the gospel & our salvation.
3. Familiarity w/ subject will not breed contempt for further study - Phil. 3:1; 2 Pet. 1:12 - We constantly need forgiveness!
WHAT IS FORGIVENESS?
A. Definition: To Send Away (to send from).
1. To completely cancel, thus showing mercy - cf. Debt - Matt. 18:27.
2. To dismiss/release; Remission of sin.
3. To cover, conceal, wipe out, put away - Rom. 4:7.
4. To pardon, no longer hold person guilty.
5. Synonyms: Justify; Reconcile, Remission of sins.
6. OT prediction: Isa. 43:25 - Blot out, Remember no more.
B.The Source Of Forgiveness: Love – Jno. 3:16.
1. Forgiveness from God necessary because sin separates/estranges /divides us from Him. {Initiative taken by God!}
a. Forgiveness by God is by grace (gift).
b. It is an act of love on God's part (Rom. 5:8).
c. Forgiving one another also act of love.
C. Forgiveness Repairs & Mends Relationships.
1. First obey gospel - Fellowship w/God restored...impediment of sin removed.
2. When we forgive one another - Marriages healed, friendships restored, brotherhood enhances.
D. Forgiveness is an Definite Sign of Love.
1. Why do we love God? – 1 Jno. 4:19, 8-10.
2. When we are godly, we also express love w/ forgiveness – 1 Jno. 4:11; Lk. 6:35-37; 1 Pet. 4:8.
II. THE LORD'S INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT FORGIVENESS.
A. It Is A Command of God - Lk. 17:3-4; Col. 3:13.
B. Our Forgiveness Is Linked To Forgiving Others - Matt. 6:14-15; 18:34-35. (Love & fear of punishment are incentives to forgive.)
C. Like Love, Forgiveness is to Be:
1. From the heart - Matt. 18:35; Col. 3:12-13.
2. Repetitive & continuing - Matt. 18:21-22 (cf. v. 35); Lk. 17:4.
D. Forgiveness Is Conditional:
1. Repentance required - Lk. 17:3.
2. Confession required – 1 Jno. 1:9; Jas. 5:16.
3. Offended person, like God, should be eager to forgive - Lk. 15:21-24; 23:34; Matt. 5:43-44 (cf. Stephen, Acts 7:59-60).
III. HOW DO WE OBTAIN FORGIVENESS IN OUR LIVES?
A. First, If Not Christian: Reach Out & Receive The Gift - Lk. 24:46-47; Acts 2:38.
B. If A Christian: Repent & Pray - Acts 8:22-23.
C. When There are Sins Between Brethren:
1. Duty of offender - Repent.
2. Duty of offended:
a. Rebuke - Lk. 17:3.
b. Take initiative - Matt. 18:15-17.
c. When he repents, forgive – Lk. 17:4.
D. Forgiveness is Needed in the Church - Eph. 4:31-32.
1. Forgiveness changes mistrust into trust, & trust restores relationships & brings peace (w/ God & man).
2. Forgiveness builds & expands love. Some seem to doubt that forgiveness can fix things - Lk. 7:41-43.
1. God loves us all - Wants all to be saved.
2. God has taken the initiative - Jno. 3:16.
3. God is prepared to forgive - Mend relationship marred by sin.
4. But mending relationship takes action on both sides. Meet conditions for forgiveness (become Christian or be restored).
-Outline by Randy Blackaby, (8/23/92)