FORGIVE THEM

FORGIVE THEM
TIM PERKINS 04.26.20

(Hebrews 12:1-3 MSG) Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!

Study How He Did It:

(Luke 23:34 NIV) Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

What: everyone who offends you.

• Accusation
• (Isaiah 52:14)

(Hebrews 2:17-18 MSG) It’s obvious, of course, that he didn’t go to all this trouble for angels. It was for people like us, children of Abraham. That’s why he had to enter into every detail of human life. Then, when he came before God as high priest to get rid of the people’s sins, he would have already experienced it all himself—all the pain, all the testing—and would be able to help where help was needed.

(1 Peter 4:1 NCV) Since Christ suffered while he was in his body, strengthen yourselves with the same way of thinking Christ had.

“Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny.” ― Stephen Covey

Forgiveness is not:

• the seriousness of the offence.
• .
• about doing what’s .
  • C.S. Lewis, “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.”

(Colossians 3:13 NIV) “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

(Luke 11:4 NIV) Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.

HOW: for them. (Matthew 5:43-44; Psalm 3:7)

WHY: The  – forgive. (Matthew 10:8)

Matthew 11:29-30 (MSG) “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Big Idea:

• This week, Pastor Tim began a new series about how to live through a bad day. We all know what it’s like to have a bad day – even Jesus. In fact, His worst day ultimately led to His death on the cross. In the hours leading up to His death, Jesus endured incredible pain in many forms, some of which we too have experienced – like betrayal, false accusation, rejection, abuse, and humiliation. Despite the intensity of His pain, Jesus set the example for how we can triumph over hardship. The first step Jesus took to endure His difficulty was to forgive. Jesus showed us that forgiveness is not about fairness or giving someone what they deserve. When we forgive, it also frees us from the bitterness and anger that can keep us from experiencing all that God has for us. To forgive others as Jesus forgave us, we must do the unexpected: First, we need to pray for those who hurt us. When we do so, our hearts will begin to change towards them. Remember, we will never have to forgive anyone more than God has forgiven us. The forgiven forgive!

“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”‘ – Luke 23:34

Talk about it:

• In this message, we learned that forgiveness is neither saying an offense is ok, nor is it reconciliation with the person who hurt us. Forgiveness is also not a question of fairness, because none of us want what we truly deserve. Which of these truths about forgiveness spoke to you the most and why? Share how this will help you forgive more readily.
• Identify someone in your life-a boss, a classmate, a friend-who repeatedly offends you or does things to hurt you. What are some practical steps you can take to move past what they’ve done and offer them the same forgiveness God offered you?
• Discuss an experience you’ve had where you found peace and freedom after forgiving someone who wronged you.

Pray about it:

• Thank Jesus for giving Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for your sin. Ask God to forgive you for the times you have hurt others, and pray for the power to release and forgive those who have hurt you. Ask God to replace the hurt you feel with His peace and love. 

Act on it:

• If you need to experience God’s forgiveness & want to talk with someone about that, email us at [email protected] – we’d love to help!
• Pray: Use Jesus’ example of forgiveness to help you truly forgive those who have hurt you and be set free from bitterness and the pain of the past. Pray sincerely for the people who hurt you and look for ways to bless them
• Reading Plan: Join us this week in our church-wide reading plan “Psychology of Forgiveness” by clicking here.
• Invite someone to join you for church online next week. Here are some tools to help.

Sermon available online at centralsj.org