True Forgiveness: A Sign Of The Kingdom

Scripture Reading

Prayer

Introduction

Exposition

Matthew 18:21 ESV

Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?”

Matthew 18:22 ESV

Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.

I. Kingdom Citizens are characterized by unlimited forgiveness

Matthew 18:23 ESV

“Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants.

Matthew 18:24 ESV

When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.

Matthew 18:25 ESV

And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made.

Matthew 18:26 ESV

So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’

Matthew 18:27 ESV

And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.

Matthew 18:28 ESV

But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’

Matthew 18:29 ESV

So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’

Matthew 18:30 ESV

He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt.

Matthew 18:31 ESV

When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place.

Matthew 18:32 ESV

Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.

Matthew 18:33 ESV

And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’

Matthew 18:34 ESV

And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt.

Matthew 18:35 ESV

So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”

I. Kingdom Citizens are characterized by unlimited forgiveness

++ II. This forgiveness is not optional

++ III. Unwillingness to truly forgive reveals unbelief