Religion & Spirituality
Christ Centered Discipleship – Forgiveness, Matt. 6:12 By Louie Marsh, 10-17-2021 Forgiving = giving up MYSELF SHOW 6 PICTURES ABOUT FORGIVENESS Disciples of Jesus Forgive… As Jesus COMMANDED 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Matthew 6:12 (ESV) Why Do We Forgive? Today we are told we forgive FOR OURSELVES. Remember, you don't forgive someone for his or her sake - you forgive them for your sake. Front Porch Blog Mayo Clinic What are the benefits of forgiving someone? Letting go of grudges and bitterness can make way for compassion, kindness and peace. Forgiveness can lead to: Healthier relationships Greater spiritual and psychological well-being Less anxiety, stress and hostility Lower blood pressure Fewer symptoms of depression Lower risk of alcohol and substance abuse PICTURE OF JOYCE MYERS BOOK – AND PIC OF ME! What Does the New Testament Say? Because GOD has forgiven me. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:30-32 (ESV) “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” - CS Lewis To MODEL Jesus before the world. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:35-36 (ESV) 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV) 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:20-23 (ESV) The Essence of Discipleship: FORSAKING self & BECOMING LIKE 23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. Luke 9:23-24 (ESV) My Natural Perspective On Life: PPT A Kingdom Perspective: PPT A Kingdom Perspective on Discipleship: PPT Two Paths To Forgiving: The path of human motivation: FOR MYSELF The path of Discipleship: To help me become MORE LIKE JESUS Forgiving is a Spiritual Discipline It’s main goal is to MAKE ME MORE LIKE JESUS All the good it brings to me are BENEFITS NOT MOTIVES. Much of our teaching is self-centered NOT Christ (Gospel) centered. We are producing MORALISTS not DISCIPLES 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV) Moralist– Definition: : one who leads a moral life : a philosopher or writer concerned with moral principles and problems : one concerned with regulating the morals of others Are we unknowingly doing this? 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 2 Timothy 3:4-5 (ESV) Conceit = to envelop with smoke, i.e. (figurative) to inflate with self-conceit :- high-minded, be lifted up with pride, be proud. Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary. A Challenge to Us All Take a close look at your entire life. Where are you trusting God & where are you relying on self instead? Determine today to become more like Jesus, to forsake myself, take up my cross and follow Jesus!