Hearing His Voice Today
Forgiven and Forgiving

Hear in Real Audio format

There is a slight break in the tape toward the end of the sermon,
but it does pick back up and conclude the message.
Or right click mount23.rm and select "save link as" to direct download the file.
You will then need to open it in Real Player.

Download free Real Player G2

---

Matthew 6:12, 14-15 (KJV)

12. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

14. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

• Jesus comments on it in verses 14-15. It is the only portion of the prayer on which he comments.
• There are people in this room whose lives are being wrecked by a lack of forgiveness.

1. Jesus is speaking to Christians. He is conversing to those who can pray "Our Father . . ."
2. Jesus is not showing how to be forgiven. The basis of our forgiveness is the work of Christ.
   He is not saying, "Forgive us our sins, because we forgive others who sin against us."

1. Jesus Is Saying the Mark of God's Forgiveness of Me Is My Willingness to Forgive Others.
   If there is anyone you are stubbornly refusing to forgive because of a sin against you -- be careful.
   The parable in Matthew 18:23-35 amplifies the teaching of Jesus concerning the forgiven forgiving.
   1. Just because someone says "I'm a Christian" doesn't mean he is one. He said, "Lord" (v.26). Bitterness, unforgiveness, and resentment are evidences of a lost soul.
      The lost pay for their sins in hell -- fully. "So likewise shall those who forgive not their brother's sins."
   2. If God has forgiven me of such a huge debt, why can't I be willing to forgive others?
2. Jesus Is Also Saying The Model Of God's Forgiveness of Me Is to Be Followed In Forgiving Others.
   To understand the teaching of forgiveness in these three verses, it will be necessary to distinguish between the spirit of forgiveness and the act of forgiveness. Both are mandated in Scripture, but should not be confused. The spirit of forgiveness is one of love, acceptance and selfishness and it is the opposite of bitterness, resentment. The act of forgiveness is the removal of any punishment due to the sinful actions of another. Forgiveness in Greek is the compound word aphiemi which means, "to send away from."
   How did God forgive me? Follow His example in forgiving you as you forgive those around you.
   1. God first had the spirit of forgiveness . . . "Thou art a God of frogiveness, gracious and compassionate slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness" (Nehemiah 9:17).
      1. He considered me lovingly . . . "I have loved thee with an everlasting love" (Jeremiah 31:3).
         Love always seeks the welfare of the one being loved and will act accordingly. (John 3:16).
      2. He confronted me honestly . . . "It was impossible for God to lie" (Heb. 6:18).
         The Holy Spirit confronted me with my sin and rebellion toward God --- using the Truth.
      3. He corrected me gently . . . "It is God who works in you, both to will and to do His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13). God, at work in me changed me and saved me.
      4. He comforted me graciously . . . "He shall give you another Comforter" (John 14:16).
         All of the above was in the heart of God for me --- an offender and rebel of the Most High.
   2. Then came the act of forgiveness . . . "I will remember your sins no more" (Isaiah 43:25).
      Remember, the act of forgiveness is only given after confession and repentance. (Luke 24:47)
      The spirit of forgiveness ALWAYS is to always remain in the hearts of God's people.
      Whereas we sometimes fail in leading others to repentance of their sin, God never fails.
      Do you have this spirit of forgiveness? Do you grant forgiveness to broken sinners?