Bible Text: Matt. 18:23-35

INTRODUCTION

In our previous study on the same subject, we examined the biblical meaning of forgiveness and the two kinds of forgiveness. This study will be on how to know that we have really forgiven somebody and the consequences of un-forgiveness.

1. ACID-TEST OF FORGIVENESS

• No bitterness or hard feelings – (Eph 4:31-32)
• No malice or revenge or hatred (I Pet. 3:9, (I Pet. 2:1; I Cor. 4:12-13)
• Acceptance and restoration to his or her former position (Lk. 15:11-24, 31-32; Rom. 12:18)
• Renewed and vibrant relationship or dealings after the conflict has been resolved – Prov. 25:21; Gen. 3:1-9

2. THE PRICE OF UN-FORGIVENESS – Matt. 18:28-35

• It will cost you your relationship, first with God, and then with your fellow men.
• It can affect your health and your wealth – Matt. 18:34
• Can you mention any other consequences?

CONCLUSION

Un-forgiveness will always open an unlimited door to Satan to afflict a believer. The most serious among all the consequences is that it can lead to sudden death and eventually block one’s way to heaven. Is there anybody you are holding in your heart? Do you need to pay a debt of forgiveness to anyone? Pray now, run to him (if you need to), repent towards God and then towards your brother and have your peace in Jesus name.

 MEMORY VERSE: Eph. 4:31-32

Bible Text: Matt. 18:23-35

INTRODUCTION

The expectation of God concerning us after we have been saved and set free from sin is to bear fruit. Forgiveness is an aspect of our fruitfulness as Christians. One thing that will keep many people, including spirit-filled believers out of heaven is the sin of un-forgiveness. The sin of un-forgiveness is one of those terrible sins that many Christians still indulge in, even after they might have received forgiveness for their own sins.

1.      WHAT IS FORGIVENESS?

• To Pardon, or show mercy to somebody; no longer having hard feelings towards an offender, to no longer have the wish to punish somebody for an offence committed or to no longer demand repayment of a debt. (Advance leaner’s dictionary)
• In the original Greek text, forgiveness means: To ‘release’, to ‘send away’, or to ‘let go’. It is a word often used in relation to ‘debt’. – Matt. 6:11-15

2. THE PRICE OF UN-FORGIVENESS

There are two kinds of forgiveness in the Bible.

2.1  FORGIVENESS OF AN UNBELIEVER

• Forgiveness of an Unbeliever – Lk. 7:40-47 when an unbeliever offends us, whether he acknowledges it or not, we are commanded in the Bible to forgive him or her. Why? (Lk. 23:34)
• How many times are we to forgive them? (Matt. 28:21-22).

 2.2  FORGIVENESS OF A CHRISTIAN BROTHER/SISTER

Steps necessary

• Loving confrontation (Lk. 17:1-4; Matt. 18:15-17). Why does God ask believers to confront one another? Loving confrontation demands wisdom as to the appropriate time and appropriate method so that the matter does not escalate.
• Loving repentance (James 5:16). What is repentance? How can we genuinely repent?

• Loving release (Lk. 17:14; Rom. 13:8; I Cor. 13:5)

CONCLUSION

Whichever way, the Bible says, offences must always come. When offences come, God expects us to be quick to forgive whether the person(s) concerned acknowledge(s) it or not. This will save a lot of the agonizing consequences of un-forgiveness. ‘Let’s bow down our heads now and pray’.

 MEMORY VERSE: Luke 17:4

Bible Text: I John 5:11-12

INTRODUCTION

In this study, we shall be examining the scripture on the three basic assurances viz: Assurance of Salvation, Victory and Forgiveness of sins. This is necessary in order to enable us grasp the full implication of our decision to live our lives for Christ. As we go through these studies, it is God’s expectation that our lives be transformed unto becoming like Christ.

1. ASSURANCE OF SALVATION

1.1  Who is sure that if he/she dies today that he/she will go to heaven?

1.2  Who out of us will like to share what he/she experienced in his/her life since receiving Jesus Christ?

• Read I John 5:11-12 and answer the following questions:

(a)   Who gives eternal life? ………………………………………………………….

(b)   Where is eternal life found? ………………………………………………

(c)    Who has eternal life? …………………………………………………………….

• In I Pet. 3:18, how did book of Peter explain what God has done to bring men to himself? Christ suffered for our sins.
• How did you receive the gift of salvation? I John 1:8-9, John 1:12
• (i) What will happen to whosoever rejects the gift of Salvation? Rev. 21:8; Rev 20:15; Lk. 9:26, and (ii) Who has saved you from eternal death? John 10:28-30
• Who can undo what God has done? Isa. 43:13; John 10:27-29

2. THE ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS

• Read I John 1:9; Dan. 9:9; Ps. 51:7

(a) What does God want you to do about your sins?

(b) What does it mean to confess?

(c)  In His act of forgiveness, how is God described?

• Can you think of any sin you have not confessed to God?
• If so, take a few moments to confess and thank God for his gracious and complete forgiveness. Read Prov. 28:13; Ps. 139:23-24. When you have accepted, confessed, repented and forsaken your sins, the Bible says the blood of Jesus will cleanse you from all unrighteousness – I John 1:7. After then, as far as God is concerned, it is as if you have never sinned before. Read 2 Cor. 5:17; Isa. 43:25. By your decision, you now have victory over sin through Jesus Christ. Gal. 2:20 & Rom. 6:13-14

Chorus:

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost, but now I’m found

Was blind but now I see

3. THE ASSURANCE OF VICTORY

3.1  Read Rom. 8:2-3, Eph. 6:12, I Cor. 10:13

• What is true about every temptation?
• Who can give you victory when you are tempted?
• Does God remove temptation?
• What will God provide?

Experiencing victory over sin is a special thing to those who have determined to live a holy life by faith (1 Pet. 1:16). Are you determined to live a holy life by faith?

The Three Areas: Gal. 5:9, 21; Matt. 15:19-20; Eph. 6:11-12                              

Jesus Remedy for Victory: Isa. 53:5; Ps. 32:1-2; I Tim. 2:5-6     

Strategy of overcoming sin: Eph. 6:11; Phil. 4:8; 2 Cor. 2:14

3.2 What is the Holy Spirit’s control?

3.3 Why is the Holy Spirit given? Rom. 8:26; John 14:26

3.4 How does the Holy Spirit help us and how do I experience this control? Gal. 5:22-23; Rom. 12:1-2; Eph. 4:30

3.5  What do you need to do in order for the Holy Spirit’s ministry to be effective in your battle with sin? Eph. 6:17; Eph. 5:18

CONCLUSION

There is definite assurance of salvation, forgiveness and victory over sin for every child of God. Are you fully assured of all these? Pray now.

MEMORY VERSE: 1 Cor. 10:12-13

Introduction

In the last part of the series, we saw that since man is a trinity of body, soul and spirit, to obey the command of God to love ourselves involves taking good care of our bodies, souls and spirits. It also involves being wise i.e. fearing God and winning souls. In this part of the series, we shall dwell on loving ourselves in detail. God is concerned about what we eat and digest, Joshua 1:8, and our being wise too – Proverb 5:1-2. May the Lord Himself teach us today in Jesus Name. Amen.

 Jesus is the Bread of Life: Eat Him and Live Forever

Your body needs plenty of pure water, protein, calcium, minerals and vitamins more than fat. Beans, peas, lentils, nuts (almonds, groundnut, walnut). Onions, milk, tomatoes and sunshine are good for you. Many of the so called dainties of the rich are deceitful meals. More than the physical foods, Jesus is the Bread of life: eat Him, drink Him, digest Him thoroughly and you shall live forever.

Dan. 1:5,8, 11-16, Isaiah 23:1-3, John 6:27, 48-51, 53-57, Psalm 119:15,99, Psalm 143:5,  1Tim. 4:15, Phil. 4:8.

 The Fool has certain Characteristics: Do not be One

A fool despises wisdom and instruction because he is right in his own eyes. He makes a mockery of sin, hides hatred by lying and slander and does mischief for the fun of it because he does not really believe there is God. The fool has a perverted mouth, utters of his mind and he’s ultimately ruined by his own lips. He walks in darkness because he trusts his own understanding. When he makes a vow he does not pay it. No wonder God does not take pleasure in fools. Love yourself. Don’t be a fool.

Proverb 1:7, Proverb 12:15, Proverb 10:23, Psalm 14:1, Luke 24:25, Proverb 19:1, Proverb 29:11,   Eccl 10:12, Eccl 2:14, Proverb 28:26, Eccl 5:4.

Introduction

So far in this series, we have learnt that disobedience is a compound sin because it is the fruit of doubt and unbelief; that half obedience is worse than disobedience; that there could be a church in your home so as to allow your fruits to remain and that God can use women too. In this study, we want to look at another area in which we have either been disobeying God outrightly or have been living in half obedience. It is in connection with the great commandment in Mark 12:31. May God speak to our inner man tonight in Jesus Name. Amen.

You have no Choice in the Matter: You must Love your Neighbour

There are three groups of people you must love passionately: God, yourself and your neighbor in that order. It is a command from God that you must love Him, love yourself and then love your neighbor as much as you love yourself. There is no greater love that you can show to a neighbor than to bring him to Christ.

Mark 12:30-31, Lev. 19:18, Mathew 9:19,Mathew 22:39, Gal 5:14, Jam 2:8, John 15:12, 17, Roman 13:8, 1 Peter 1:22, 1 John 4:2.

 Genuine Love Bears other People’s Burden

It is your duty to look out for those in need and help them to meet their needs through Jesus Christ. Many people who are in Christ today are brought to Him by problems. Once you get them to your house-fellowship or church, it is your duty to keep close to them and care for them. You should care not only for your relations, but to strangers too. God will surely reward you with miracles.

Jam.2:14-18, Roman 12:13, I Peter 4:9, Hebrew 13:2, Roman 13:10, Roman 15:1-2, lev. 19:34, Deu. 31:12, Proverb 22:2, 1 kings 17:8-16, 17-23, 2 Kings 4: 8-10, 18-20, 32-36, Acts 9:36-41, Luke 6:38, 1 corin. 15:58

Introduction

In the first of this study, we saw how disobedience is a compound sin since it is the outworking of doubt and unbelief. We also saw how every sin is actually disobedience to the commandment of God. Moreover, we saw that God gave us clear instructions to avoid sin. For years, we have been living in half obedience to this commandment. Now, we shall begin to look at how we can obey God completely in this regard. May God quicken our understanding as we study in Jesus Name. Amen.

 There can be a Living Church in your Home

In the beginning of the church of Christ, there were many homes that housed living churches where prayers were answered, God spoke to people, and people got saved and filled with the Holy Spirit.

Healing took place and many people who were baptised in water then got converted in home churches. Examples include the house of Cornelius, the Jailor, Priscilla and Aquilla, Lydia, and Philemon. The same Head of church then is still our Head today.

Rom. 16:3-5, Acts 10:25,30,33,44,48, Acts 11:12-15, Acts 16:14-15, Acts 16:40, Rom. 16:3-5, Phile. 1:2, Mk.2:1-4, 9-12, Lk. 5:27-32, Acts 20:7-12, Acts 20:7-12, Acts 12:12-17, Acts 20:20, Lk. 10:38-48, Acts 1:12-14.

God can use a Woman too

A particular instruction of Paul to Timothy concerning women ministry has not only been misunderstood, but also interpreted in isolation of the scriptures. The same Paul highly recommended the ministries of several women. Some are Phoebe, Priscilla and many Tryphena & Persis. The Scripture is full of women who prophesied, such as Mariam, Deborah, Huldah, Noadiah, Anna and the daughters of evangelist Philip. There is of course scriptural proof that Paul is not against women prophesying and we know that the office of a prophetess is higher than that of a teacher. Paul wrote the epistle to the Galatians too!

I Tim.2:11, Rom. 16:3, 5-6, Exo. 15:20, Jud. 4:4, II King 22:14, Neh. 6:14, Lk. 2:36, Acts 21:9, I Cor. 11:5, Acts 2:17, Gal. 3:27-28.

Introduction

Every sin is the outworking of disobedience. In fact, another word for sin is simply disobedience. For example, pride is a sin because God commands us to be humble Jam 4:10, 1 Peter 5:6. Adultery is a sin because God commanded us not to commit adultery, Ex 20:14. Failure to evangelise is a sin because God commanded us to evangelise, Mathew 28:19-20, Mk 16:15. May the Lord quicken our understanding as we meditate on this important topic of disobedience. Amen.

Disobedience is a Compound Sin

Disobedience is not simple sin; it is a compound one because it is the fruit of doubt and unbelief. The original sin in the Garden of Eden came because Eve doubted the Word of God. That is why up to today the punishments for disobedience are very severe and involve God Himself in their executions. For example, these punishments include

• Curses from God
• Divine Opposition
• Divine Wrath
• Divine Vengeance
• Terrible rewards from the Almighty

Gen. 3:1-6, Deu. 28:15, 1 Sam. 12:15, 1 Sam. 28:18, 1 King. 13:21, Jer. 12:17, Eph. 5:6, 2 Thes. 1:8, 1 Tim. 1:9, Heb 2:2-3.

Half Obedience is Worse than Disobedience

There is no half-measure with God. You are either totally for Him or totally against Him. That is why He regards half obedience as being worse than disobedience. In fact, those who have suffered terribly after Adam and Eve are those who obeyed half-heartedly. They include among others, King Saul, Ananias and Sapphira and the disciples Mark 12:29-30, Rev. 3:16, Gen. 12:1-3, Gen. 15:10-11, 22-23, Acts 5:1-10, Mark 16:15, Act 8:3, 8:4-8.

Bible Text: I Pet. 4:7-11; Rom. 11:5-6

Introduction

In our last study we examined the meaning, essence and how we may qualify for God’s grace. From that study what have you gained? Today our focus shall be on the believers as stewards of God’s grace. May the Lord open our eyes to see the deep mysteries out of His words. Amen

1. The two Kinds of Grace

a. The Saving Grace (Eph. 2:5, 8; Rom. 11: 5-6) – the essence of this kind of Grace is to teach men to forsake sin and live righteously.

b. The Serving Grace (I Pet. 4:7-11) – The reason for bestowing this kind of grace upon a person is for service. Serving Grace can be sub-divided according to the different areas of service in the kingdom:

(i) The grace to be hospitable (ii) The grace to speak as God’s Oracle (Ministering) (iii) The grace of giving (iv) The grace to sing (v) Ministering- Rom. 12:6-8 (vi) The grace to minister to the broken hearted. The Serving Grace is called CHARIS in Greek. It is translated to men the Divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life to be able to do what ordinarily a person may not have been able to do going by his physical and spiritual strength. (See I Cor. 15:10; 10; II Cor. 6:1)

2. Stewards of God’s Grace

a. Who is a steward or what is stewardship?

b. List below those things you received from God as a result of His Grace upon your life

Conclusion

We have seen from our study that we are stewards of God’s Grace and we will be required to give an account of every Grace we receive from God. May we not be wasters of God’s grace in Jesus name.

Memory Verse: I Pet. 4:10

Bible Text: Ephesians 2:1-10

Introduction

Grace is inevitable for any man who wants to enjoy the fullness of what God offers a man. Today we shall be trusting God to show us what Grace is and how a man may get God’s Grace. May the Lord open our eyes to see the deep mysteries out of His words, Amen.

1. Grace

Is the kindness with which God bestows favour and blessings upon the undeserving or grant to sinners the pardon of their offences

a. How would you qualify the Grace that a man who was once a murderer to a son of God? Eph. 2:7-9

b. From the above what would you say about the qualities of God’s Grace?

i.

ii.

iii.

iv.

v.

2. The Essence of Grace – Titus 2:11-12; Rom. 6:1

From the scriptures below, what is the primary essence of the Grace of God that has been bestowed upon us?

i. Titus 2:11-12 & Rom. 6:1

ii. I Cor. 1:26-29

iii. Heb. 12:28

iv. I Cor. 15:9-10

v.  Any other

3. How to get God’s Grace

What really qualifies a wretched sinner for GRACE? The answer is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. For Grace is unmerited. Justice and God’s holiness demands that no sinner should go unpunished no matter how small his sin is. But whenever God, out of His mercy and the death of His Son Jesus, accepts a repentant sinner, He pardons his sins and makes him His own child as if he has never sinned before. There is nothing else that can make that possible other than God’s Grace. Though the Grace of God is unmerited, yet anyone who wants to obtain Grace either for salvation or for service must put himself at God’s disposal. That is the place where God can really reach him; and that entails:

a. Prov. 3:24

b. Jam. 4:6

c. Ps. 51:17

4. Enemies of Grace: Discuss in the light of the scriptures below:

    (i) Law of Moses- Rom. 3:19-20 (ii) Man’s work – Eph. 2:8-9 (iii) Human character – Isa. 64:6

Conclusion: Anyone who wants to obtain Grace, either for Salvation or service, must put himself at God’s disposal. Cry to God today so that you may obtain Grace

Memory Verse: Eph. 2:8