November 3, 2024
31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.
Ephesians 4:31 through 5:2 (NASB)
The Idea:
Harboring unforgiveness may be the heaviest burden you will ever carry. Offering forgiveness could be the hardest thing you ever do. But Grace gives you all the resource to do it.
The first principles of forgiving
1. Jesus Calls You to a Life of Forgiving
“Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions.”
Mark 11:25 (NASB1995)
3 “Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.
4 “And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.”
Luke 17:3-5 (NASB1995)
Jesus Calls You to a Life of Forgiving
a. Forgive, internally
“Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions.”
Mark 11:25 (NASB1995)
b. Forgive, horizontally
3 “Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.
4 “And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.”
Luke 17:3-4 (NASB1995)
2. Forgiving Is Incredibly Hard
3 “Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.
4 “And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.”
5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”
Luke 17:3–5 (NASB1995)
3. He Has Fully Graced You to Live Forgiving
32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;
2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”
Ephesians 4:32-5:2 (NASB1995)
“It is God who is at work in you both to will and work for His good pleasure”
Philippians 2:13 (NASB1995)
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”
Galatians 2:20 (NASB1995)
“… forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you … and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”
Ephesians 4:32-5:2 (NASB1995)
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