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