Totally Forgiving God
R.T. Kendall teaches that believers can find peace and strength by breaking through the betrayal barrier, learning to forgive God for allowing suffering while trusting in His perfect plan.
This sermon from the book of Habakkuk explores the concept of totally forgiving God, emphasizing the need to trust in God's faithfulness even in the midst of unanswered questions and trials. It delves into the importance of breaking the betrayal barrier, choosing faith over self-pity, and finding gratitude in challenging circumstances. The message encourages listeners to wait on God's timing, believe in His purpose, and ultimately, be willing to trust Him even when prayers seem unanswered.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Challenge of Forgiving God
- Habakkuk's struggle with why God allows evil
- The concept of totally forgiving God without accusing Him
- The betrayal barrier and its spiritual significance
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II. The Nature of Faith and Worldviews
- Contrast between theodicy and existentialism
- Faith as believing without seeing (Hebrews 11:1)
- The secular atheist perspective versus biblical faith
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III. Breaking the Betrayal Barrier
- Recognizing that God allows testing to build faith
- Learning to please God even when circumstances are hard
- Examples from biblical heroes who persevered
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IV. Practical Responses to Suffering
- Choosing to rejoice and trust God despite hardship
- Avoiding complaints and cultivating gratitude
- Relying on prayer and thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6)
Key Quotes
“Habakkuk, the prophet, is one of the first persons that we know of who totally forgave God.” — R.T. Kendall
“You will break through the betrayal barrier when God will be so real and you'll be so thankful that you didn't give up.” — R.T. Kendall
“Faith is the substance or assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” — R.T. Kendall
Application Points
- When facing hardship, choose to trust God and wait patiently for His timing.
- Cultivate a heart of gratitude to overcome the temptation to complain.
- Seek to please God through faith even when circumstances are difficult or unclear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does R.T. Kendall say we must forgive God?
He explains that forgiving God is not about blaming Him but about releasing resentment because God allows suffering for a greater purpose.
What is the betrayal barrier?
It is the spiritual breakthrough when believers overcome feelings of abandonment by God and continue to trust Him.
How does faith relate to suffering according to the sermon?
Faith means trusting God even when we do not understand our suffering or see immediate answers.
What practical advice does the speaker give for dealing with hardship?
He encourages believers to avoid complaining, cultivate gratitude, and pray with thanksgiving.
Does the sermon provide biblical examples of enduring faith?
Yes, it references Habakkuk and the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 who persevered despite trials.