066. Forgiveness

066. Forgiveness

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FORGIVENESS Ephesians 4:32;Colossians 3:13

INTRODUCTION Defined:hold no one as though no offense had been given,---in love, sympathy for; interested in as though nothing had happened.

I. FORGIVENESS NECESSARY (Romans 3:23;Romans 11:22;John 1:8) 1. Because man is a transgressor.

(a) Against fellowman. (b) Against God. (Luke 15:18.) 2. For man’s physical good and welfare.

II. GOD’S FORGIVENESS 1. Man is lost for time and ete rnit y without it. (Revelation 21:27.) 2. This is in Christ. (Ephesians 1:6-7; Colossians 1:3; Colossians 1:14.) 3. God always ready to forgive. (Romans 10:21; 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9; Psalms 78:38; Psalms 103.) 4. Leads to repentance by his goodness. (Romans 2:4.) III. MAN’S FORGIVENESS 1. Man sins against his fellows; this began with Cain; continues now.

All crimes the result of man sinning against man. (1 Corinthians 11:19.) 2. Brethren in the church sin against each other. (1 Corinthians 8:12; Matthew 18:21; Luke 17:3.) 3. AII strife, division, the result of sin and a failure to forgive.

4. Lack of forgiving spirit hind ers spiritual pro gress.

5. Man must forgive or be lost. (Matthew 6:14-15; I8:35.) 6. From he heart.

IV. CHRIST OUR STANDARD (Ephesians 4:31-32;Colossians 3:12-13;Romans 4:7-8;Isaiah 1:18) 1. God remembers sin no more. (Hebrews 10:17.) So must we.

2. When can a man forgive? (Matthew 18:15.) How often ? (Matthew 18:21.)

CONCLUSION How much happiness if the e are obeyed . (1 Peter 3:8.)