Forgiving Since God Forgives (Ephesians 4:32)
I. The Meaning of Forgiveness
A. Forgiveness is not the same as forbearance.
B. Forgiveness is not forgetting. (Romans 8:1)
1) God is not holding that sin against you.
C. Forgiveness is not the elimination of consequences.
D. Forgiveness is not a feeling.
1) It is a commitment to pardon the offender whether you want to or not.
E. Forgiveness is not the automatic restoration of trust.
F. Forgiveness is not private.
1) It involves two persons.
2) It is a transaction between people.
G. A willingness to forgive is not the same as forgiveness. (Luke 7:36-48)
II. The Ministry of Forgiveness (Ephesians 4:12, 16; Colossians 3:12-13; Luke 17:3)
III. The Motive for Forgiveness.
A. God has forgiven you.
1) He is always ready to forgive. (Psalm 86:5)
2) God suffered the death of His Son. He suffered the penalty for us. (Ephesians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 6:7)
3) He does everything He can to get us to repent.
4) He forgives regardless the greatness of our sin.
5) He does not bring it up again. (Romans 4:7-8)
IV. The Mastery Over Forgiveness.
A. Be alert!
B. Capture your thoughts.
C. Set your affections on things above.
D. Guard your mind.
E. Press forward toward the godliness.
F. Focus on God’s glory. (Isaiah 26:3)