Repentance, Forgiveness, and Forgetfulness
Joy Staley, Sinner 509-966-7246, *813 Home: 509-453-1486
Memory Scripture
If we claim that we’re free of sin, we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins-make a clean breast of them-He won’t let us down. He’ll be true to Himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. (The Message) If we confess our sins. He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John: 1:9
My Vision Jesus Christ is the same, Yesterday and Today, yes, and Forever. Heb. 13:8 Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Phil 3:13
Repentance
Definition: To turn around, reversal Confess your faults to one another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. (The Message)
Forgiveness
Definition from Hebrew and Greek:
See handout
Forgiveness is multifaceted
We ask for forgiveness from God. We ask for forgiveness from others. Matthew 18 We forgive others who have not asked for forgiveness. We forgive others who have asked for forgiveness. We forgive ourselves.
Forgiveness of Others
Choice of attitude, not a feeling The benefit
The response
The consequences for our obedience rests with God. The consequences for our disobedience rests with us.
Choice of behavior
Forgiveness for ourselves Lord’s Prayer Matt. 6:915 Set others free Mark 3:5 Set ourselves free Matt. 18
Not thinking II Co.10:5 Not speaking Phil.4:8 Actions of reconciliation
Hardest offenses to forgive
Those against our loved ones, especially children. Those against our core values. Those against or committed by our gender.
Forgiveness of Others
That behavior doesn’t belong to them……The Shack
Repeated offenses
Jude 22,23:Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin. The sin itself stinks to high heaven. (The Message) Peter and Jesus’ conversation Matt. 18:21-22 The position of boundaries: Luke 15:11-32 Christ’s position regarding the abuse of others toward him Righteous anger Mark 3:5
Our overall belief system: Gen 50:20 Why and how should we forgive Matt. 18:21-34
10 Million dollars vs. 18 Cent debt
Disparity of amounts Can never be repaid Torture chamber
Knowledge of Being Offensive to Others
Matt. 5: 21-24
Disruption of worship Clearly important To try to reconcile: our responsibility
The Five Languages of Apology*
I am sorry. I did it. I was wrong. I am taking steps to change my behavior in this area and have arranged accountability. How can I make it right?
*Gary Chapman, Jennifer Thomas
Forgiveness of Self
My sins 1. I did 2. I did
Jesus’ Righteousness* 1.Holy 2.Pure 3.Right standing with God 4.Blameless
from Search for Significance by Robert McGee *II Co. 5:19, Ro. 4:6
Forgetfulness A Supernatural Process
God’s
Jeremiah 31:34b Micah 7:18-19
Ours
It comes from God’s intervention! Genesis 41:51
Bibliography
You Are Special by Max Lucado What’s So Amazing about Grace? by Philip Yancey Love, Acceptance, and Forgiveness by Jerry Cook A Grace Disguised by Gerald Sittser Search for Significance by Robert McGee