Forgiven

Forgiven

Psalm 103.8-12

Chinese Filipino Church of Pasadena

28 Dec 1997

Objective: To allow each person to answer the question: Am I forgiven and who can I forgive?

Outline

Introduction: Summarize Psalm 103.1-12 (Waiting on the Lord; Receiving forgiveness)

1. Resurgence in Religion in America

Many people today are beginning to believe what God had said thousands of years ago: God and forgiveness are important factors in life.

a. Recent Polls State More Americans Believe in God and the Supernatural today than they did 10 years ago. Although I believe this is due to the influx of cults, it is still an interesting phenomena. There are more people today who believe in God, angels, miracles, and the like than a decade ago. Not just one or two percent but up to 14% of Americans (close to 3 million more people are open to God and His work today). This is startling seeing the moral decay we are in . . .

b. Studies have also shown more people are forgiving today.

1) Forgiving to free them from tension, bitterness, and early death.

2) Forgiving to free them from the prison hatred built around them.

2. Resurrection is Basis of Our Forgiveness

A note on forgiveness as seen in the article: it cannot happen naturally, it must occur supernaturally. Many people believe they can forgive outside of Christ and claim 1 John as proof.

1 John 1.9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

However, 1 John 2.12 reminds us why our sins are forgiven (and why we can forgive others)-for the sake of Christ.

1 John 2.12 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.

a. Definition of Forgiveness to permit, allow, not to hinder, to give up a thing to a person; to let go, give up a debt, forgive, to remit

b. The Lord’s response to the sinfulness of His people show us a clear picture of what it means to forgive. (Psalm 103:8-10)

c. Verses on this Forgiveness

1) Ephesians 1.7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

2) Colossians 1.14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

d. What does this mean?

1) Because we have been forgiven, we can now forgive;

Matthew 6.12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

Matthew 6.14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

Matthew 18.21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

Luke 17.3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

Luke 17.4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

∙ When is it most difficult to forgive someone?

2) And are condemned if we don’t.

Matthew 6.15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

∙ How does Satan take advantage of our refusal to forgive each other?

3. Reaffirming Our Forgiveness

a. We must ask ourselves some questions today?

1) Do I believe I am forgiven?

a) If you are not a Christian, then you are not.

b) If you are a Christian, then all sins are already forgiven you (Psalm 103)

∙ 1 John 1.9 is the restoration of fellowship not salvation

(1) What should be our attitude toward sin? (Psalm 51:3-5)

(2) What can we expect to be the outcome of God's forgiveness? (51:13-15)

(3) How should we respond to our sin and God's forgiveness?

2) What practical applications am I making today to show that I am truly forgiven?

a) How do we need to change our own attitude toward our sin and God's gift of forgiveness for us?

b) What can we do to cultivate a broken and contrite heart before God?

c) Am I forgiving others?

d) Am I forgiving myself and restoring fellowship with God?

Conclusion: What is the first step you should take this week to forgive and reaffirm your love for someone who has sinned against you? May I suggest you seek out someone that God has laid on your heart here today and seek reconciliation and forgiveness?

Quote Romans 4.7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

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