Sermon Tone Analysis

Lets talk about forgiveness this evening.

This is a topic I think we need to be reminded of from time to time.

Do you know why?

We live in a sinful world and we come into contact with people whose hearts are not right.

As such things happen, we become hurt, offended, and at times we are the subject of attack.

And as such, we develop feelings that are not consistent with the biblical teaching of Jesus.

And sadly at times, all that happens to us, comes from people who claim ( i say that because at times we wonder if their actions tell us who their true father is - the devil) but still they claim to be Christian.

So what are we to do....

Well lets look at the Bible and lets see what the word of God says...

Now the most important word for us to consider tonight is the word - Forgive.

It means to let go, refuse to take any more offense at things being brought to us, to stop blaming on account of…

it also refers to pardon, to release on of a obligation.

So it is really clear, the command is that when we pray, ( The Greek here is the fact that we ask God, petition God to help us let go), But clearly we should include in our time of pray clear and present work that forgives another.

So here is Jesus, on what is a portion of the teaching of the sermon on the mount, and Jesus says forgive those who hurt and offend you,

It is not a suggestion, the verb tense is imperative… you must do this.....

Why should we forgive?

1. Jesus said we should.... this is one portion of the truth we have been taught, and it begins with Jesus.

2. The enemy wants us to hold onto un-forgiveness, and he wants us to stay in this place so that our walk with God is hindered and our prayer life is hindered.

The devil loves it when our walk with God is dying.

How can we say we are right with God when we hold onto hate, un-forgiveness.

We are not walking with God at all.....

The Bible clearly teaches us to do better.

3.

You bitterness can become an idol in your life.

If you choose to remain bitter, if you choose to hold onto un-forgiveness when God clearly teaches us to forgive, we make that an idol we for have chosen our emotions over God and his will for our lives.

4. Remember that God will not forgive us if we hold onto un-forgiveness.

, the last portion of the model prayer says this...

Now this is not teaching us that we will not be forgive of our sin, salvation.

So un-forgiveness is not the means to lose our salvation, for that is impossible.

This would be contrary to God’s grace and mercy that is freely given to all who confess His name.

What it tells us is this, if we have truly experienced God’s grace and mercy, we will want to forgive because we have been forgiven.

and also

Think of it like a family affair, if we cannot get along as brothers and sisters, can we truly be in a right relationship with God.

Doubtful!

5. Practicing forgiveness allows us to overcome the fiery darts of the enemy… Why do I say this… I am reminded that we must be properly dressed for Spiritual warfare.

You cannot be dressed if you are out of the will of God.

Forgiveness, allows us to walk and grow in our faith with the Lord.

I would contend then that if our walk is right, we will have faith.

But outside of the will of God, we would not walk in his ways not have faith needed to resist the devil.

remember

We could not do this, we would not be dressed in any way, shape or form to walk with God if we have un-forgiveness in our heart.

So what do we do?

We must do our best to reconcile ourselves to others while we can....

We strive to seek forgiveness and restorations with the other.

Matthew 18:

Tell Him His fault

Take a friend or two… two or three witness

Take it to the church

If they refuse the church they are lost....