Forgiveness

Question 1

Goals

Answer 1

The first is to understand biblical teaching. The second is to implement that understanding and to be freed from the burdens that weigh us down

Question 2

Other goal

Answer 2

apply thesis that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him—to the area of forgiveness. We should seek to glorify God in how we work through broken relationships, knowing that even as we glorify God, we will maximize our joy

Question 3

What is one reason to unpack forgiveness

Answer 3

It is both emotionally and intellectually demanding

Question 4

Another reasons

Answer 4

know maximum happiness

Question 5

What is first thing we should do in understanding how to forgive another?

Answer 5

Understand how God forgives us?

Question 6

What is God motivated by to forgive us

Answer 6

His love But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us …Eph 2:4- D. James Kennedy
Grace is:
Gods
Riches
At
Christ’s
Expense

Question 7

Is God’s forgiveness conditional?

Answer 7

Yes, only those who repent and believe

Question 8

If commitment is the essence of God’s forgiveness, what does the greek word for forgiveness mean?

Answer 8

release from legal and moral obligation or consequence, when God forgives he commits or promises that he will no longer hold the sin against the person being forgiven.

Question 9

when one says they have doubt about whether they are forgiven what is one key question to as.

Answer 9

Forgiveness does not mean the elimination of all consequences. The answer is that God disciplines his own not for the purpose of punishing them but for his glory and for their joy in the future.

Question 10

what is a definition of human forgiveness

Answer 10

A commitment by the offended to pardon graciously the repentant from moral liability and to be reconciled to that person, although not all consequences are necessarily eliminated.

forgive based on same word translated as grace

Question 11

What are examples of human promises one makes as part of the commitment to forgive after the offending party repents

Answer 11

I will not dwell on this incident.”
“I will not bring up this incident again and use it against you.”
“I will not talk to others about this incident.”
“I will not let this incident stand between us or hinder our personal relationship.

Question 12

Forgiveness and consequences

Answer 12

Consequences are important for the sake of justice. A willingness to accept consequences for sinful behavior is actually good evidence that the offender truly is repentant

Question 13

Forgiveness and reconciliation

Answer 13

What if a rapist raped my counselee?
1. There would be consequences where rapist has limited access
2. Christian victim must be willing to forgive a repentant rapist- what someone has done to victim pales in comparison of what I have done to offend a holy God
3. If rapist becomes Christian, hope of heaven with all restored relationships

Question 14

Internal summary

Answer 14

1. Christians accept Jesus’ invitation to find rest by actively taking his yoke upon themselves and learning from him
2. We should be determined to unpack forgiveness because it will glorify our God and maximize our joy
3. God’s forgiveness is a commitment by the one true God to pardon graciously those who repent and believe so that they are reconciled to him, although not all consequences are eliminated
4. Christian forgiveness is a commitment by the offended to pardon graciously the repentant from moral liability and to be reconciled to that person, although not all consequences are necessarily eliminated. Christian forgiveness must be gracious, but it is not automatic. Christian forgiveness values reconciliation, but it does not negate the reality of consequences

Question 15

first step grow in humility> but how

Answer 15

The only way to grow in humility truly is to take our eyes off ourselves and meditate on the beauty and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. Humility is a matter of perspective, of seeing ourselves in right relationship to God. When Isaiah looked at the holiness of God (Isaiah 6:3–5), he did not go in with a goal of becoming more humble. But that was certainly the outcome

Question 16

How does this apply?Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.” (Matthew 5:23–25, NIV)

Answer 16

The point from Matthew 18 is that Bev should have had that same level of urgency before the tragedy with Sue’s daughter. She should have gone to Sue and hugged her in the first place. Christians should urgently pursue conflict resolution all the time

Question 17

How do you pursue forgiveness and reconciliation?

Answer 17

First Go- Forgiveness is not a feeling happens between two people- Matt 5:23-24
Keep the circle small- avoid unnecessarily involving others as it can ruin friendships and divide church (Pr. 16:28, 26:20)
Be gracious- not demand the other person pay a price, be gracious tenderhearted. Absorb the cost of the offense- Eph 4:32
No revenge, not even a little
Listen first and be prepared to ask forgiveness yourself. ( I have been so troubled by our interaction recently, have I done something to hurt you?)
Take the other person at his word Love bears, believes hope endures (1 Cor 13:7)
Choose the time and place carefully (Pr. 27:14)
Choose words carefully ( avoid but, if, be specific on what you have done)
Be patient and have modest expectations. Other person may not be repentant.
If the above results in no change in repentance take one or two others in humility Matt 18:15-17

Question 18

Lessons learned from Matt 18 Parable of Unforgiving servant (what if I won’t forgive)

Answer 18

Whatever someone has done to offend us pales in comparison to how we have offended God
Those unwilling to forgive should fear for their salvation (Matt. 6:14-15) because through their salvation they are characterized by their willingness to give grace to others.

Question 19

How to respond to the unrepentant?

Answer 19

Principle 1: Resolve not to take revenge ( Rom. 12:17-21)
Principle 2: Proactively show love -(Rom 12:17-118b) Christians should dream of how they can pursue peace with their enemies.