Thankful Living – Forgiveness – Colossians 3:13

Thankful Living

Forgiveness – Colossians 3:13
Sunday, November 9, 2025
Pastor Mike Bailey

Introduction

To live with gratitude is to see our relationships through the lens of God’s character. His love calls us to love others with patience and kindness. His forgiveness invites us to extend grace instead of holding on to wrongs. His voice teaches us to speak with honesty, gentleness, and care. His truth steadies us to walk with integrity. His open ear reminds us to pray—not only for ourselves, but also for those around us. Our interactions with each other will be transformed as we learn how God’s character shapes our desire to live a thankful life.

November 2: Love – 1 John 4:19

November 9: Forgiveness – Colossians 3:13

November 16: Communication – James 1:19

November 23: Truth – Ephesians 4:15

November 30: Prayer – Colossians 1:9

IMPACT Church 101 E. First Ave. Parkesburg, PA 19365
(610) 857-3887 [email protected]

Forgiveness

Colossians 3:13

1. Without Jesus, your forgiveness is . (Colossians 3:1-4)

And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. Romans 7:18

¹⁶ So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. ¹⁷ The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. Galatians 5:16-17

Notes:

2. Without your old sin, your forgiveness will not last. (Colossians 3:5-11)

⁸ If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. ⁹ But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. ¹⁰ If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts. 1 John 1:8-10

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13

So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. James 4:17 (ESV)

Notes:

3. Without putting on a new , your forgiveness cannot heal. (Colossians 3:12-15)

³⁰ And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. ³² Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:30-32

Notes:

4. With forgiveness comes a new for you. (Colossians 3:16-17)

“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. Luke 23:34

Notes:

Challenge: What is my forgiveness missing that would help me move forward?

“Leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.” Matthew 5:24

It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Isaiah 59:2a

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Romans 3:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

Growth Challenge:

This week pray that God would show you an opportunity to forgive and that you would respond with true forgiveness.

Read James 1:1-27 in preparation for next week’s message.

All Bible verses are from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.