Sermon Notes:
1. Jesus’ entire life was both a lesson about forgiveness and a provision for it! Forgiven people are expected to forgive others.
2. The source of our power to forgive is rooted in God’s forgiveness towards us.
Why is it so important to God that we forgive others?
3. God is committed to our freedom.
What is and isn’t forgiveness?
4. Forgiveness is not forgetting.
5. Forgiveness is not tolerating sin.
6. Forgiveness is not revengeful repayment.
What is Forgiveness?
7. Forgiveness is resolving to live with the consequences of another’s sin and placing it in the righteous, just hands of God.
Follow-up Questions from Sunday:
Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?
Digging Deeper:
1. Read Matthew 18:21-27. When did you accept Christ and how do these verses apply to you on that day?
2. Read Matthew 18:28-30. Why do you think people find it so hard to forgive others? What is your greatest hurdle in doing this?
3. In Ephesians 4:31-32, there are two groups of feelings and actions listed. In Sunday’s message, Louie Zamperini was consumed by the thoughts and feelings in verse 31 until Jesus came into his life and set him free. What do you think would happen, deep in your soul, if you forgave all the people that hurt you in your life?
4. Read Matthew 18:31-34. Why do you think it is so important to God that you forgive others?
5. Read Romans 12:19. Why do you think this verse helps some people forgive others? Does it help you?
6. Read Matthew 18:35. Jesus adds a special requirement here – to forgive from the heart. According to the Bible, the heart is a place where we think, will, and feel. Have you ever had someone tell you that they forgive you, but it doesn’t come across like they really do? Have you ever done that to someone else? What is the quality of God’s forgiveness to you? How does knowing that help you to forgive others?
Prayer:
Close your group with prayer asking God to help us truly understand the power that forgiving others has in our own personal freedom and mental health.
Taking it Home:
Steps to forgiveness:
1. Pray and thank God for forgiving you of all of your sins through the work of Jesus on the cross.
2. Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and to reveal to you anyone that you have resentment and bitterness towards that you need to forgive.
3. If He brings up some names, get out a piece of paper and write down the names and the sins that they committed against you.
4. Ask Jesus to help you process these things. If you have to be angry and do a Psalm 109 go ahead and tell God how you feel about it! He understands.
5. Thank Him for the promise of Romans 12:19 and trust Him that He will deal with it.
6. Trust God in that forgiving others you will find freedom from the past.
7. One by one, pray “I forgive (name) for (state specifically what you are forgiving them for)”. “As you have forgiven me of all my sin, I choose to obey and forgive this person, trusting you will deal with their sins against me!” “Lord, help me to find your freedom from hurts from this person in Jesus’ name!”
8. Burn the papers with the names and sins against you, praising God that your sins have been cast as far as the east is from the west, never to be remembered again.
9. If you need help in this process, seek out one of the pastors at church.