March 14, 2015
This week’s study is about,
“Forgiveness”
The Apostles’ Creed, “….I believe in the forgiveness of sins….”
When George spoke on Sunday was there anything in particular that spoke to you?
Share with each other in your group.
Do you believe in the forgiveness of sin?
What is your definition of ‘forgiveness’?
Let’s look at what the Bible says about this subject.
1. God’s Forgiveness.
2.
Where do you see yourself in the following questions?
Who has sinned and needs to be forgiven?
· Romans 3:23.
· Jesus words to the self righteous Pharisees. John 8:7.
· David’s prayer. Psalm 51:1-5.
What is the penalty for sin?
· Read Romans 5:12, 6:23.
· Ephesians 2:1.
What was on God’s heart and His response to man’s great need.
· Luke 23:34.
· Romans 5:6-8.
· Ephesians 2:3-9.
How does anyone receive God’s forgiveness?
· Romans 3:24-26.
· John 1:12-13.
What does the Psalmist say God has done with our sins? Psalm 103:12. How far is this?
What is one of the blessings flowing from knowing God’s forgiveness? Romans 4:6-8.
Have you received God’s forgiveness?
If your answer is ‘Yes’ how do you know? If ‘No’ what is holding you back?
2. Our Forgiveness of Others.
What should be our response to God forgiving all our sins? See Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 4:32.
Discuss in your group the things Paul mentions in Ephesians 4:1-6, 20-32 and especially regarding forgiveness in Ephesians 4:32.
How many times should we forgive?
Read Jesus parable in response to Peter asking the same question. Matthew18:21-35.
What is the main point Jesus is making?
Discuss George’s following words….
A. “If anyone says they have received God’s forgiveness for their sins & then is unable or unwilling to forgive those who sin against them – there is a serious question about whether they actually have understood & experienced God’s forgiveness….”
B. The Biblical requirement is to forgive others “just as God in Christ also has forgiven” us.
This forgiveness will mean that:-
· “I will not dwell on the incident.”
· “I will not bring up the incident in the future”
· “I will not talk to others about the incident.”
· “I will not let the incident stand between or hinder the future personal relationship.”
B. In his book, None of These Diseases, physician Dr. McMillen vividly shows that a bitter, unforgiving spirit can bring much stress, & distress, to both mind & body, because it will eat away at your heart, your mind & your relationships, stealing your joy, your energy, and your hope!
C.
Studies show that people who forgive are happier & healthier than those who are unforgiving.
Do you easily forgive others? If not what holds you back?
Close in prayer asking God to help you grow in your appreciation of His great love
toward you and help you to ‘….be kind to each other, tender hearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.’ Ephesians 4:32.
CS Lewis said, “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable in others because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you”.