Forgiveness of God (2)

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In this parable by Jesus we see characteristics of God's ability to forgive. We are blessed to have a God who is willing to forgive imperfect and self-damaging people.

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Intro on Forgiveness

“Forgiveness is the wiping out of an offense from memory; it can be effected only by the one affronted. Once eradicated, the offense no longer conditions the relationship between the offender and the one affronted, and harmony is restored between the two.” —AYBD
“Forgiveness is the letting go of harmful actions to reestablish a loving relationship.” —Bro. C.W. Stephens
Forgiveness is a concept that is created and perfected in God. The creator that would create a world, creatures, and humanity. Set guidelines within the world and yet give freedom for choice as to whether guidelines would be kept. Deals with intentional rebellion even and even though the outcome is punishment that results in death, this same God always makes room for FORGIVENESS.
I speak of the garden of Eden incident and the disrespect and disregard shown to God. Yet God still in His omniscience (all-knowing) had a plan for the redeeming of mankind. Through His prophet Jeremiah He let’s the world know something better is coming. A means for me to truly forgive, a means for you and I to reestablish a loving relationship.
Jeremiah 31:34 CSB
34 No longer will one teach his neighbor or his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they will all know me, from the least to the greatest of them”—this is the Lord’s declaration. “For I will forgive their iniquity and never again remember their sin.
Jer. 31
“For I will forgive their iniquity and never again remember their sin.” —God
Let’s take a closer look at the Forgiveness of God...
As Jesus is eating with the untouchables of their society like sinners and tax collectors the Pharisees and scribes begin to judge Jesus for eating with them.
Luke 15:11–24 CSB
11 He also said: “A man had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate I have coming to me.’ So he distributed the assets to them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered together all he had and traveled to a distant country, where he squandered his estate in foolish living. 14 After he had spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he had nothing. 15 Then he went to work for one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to eat his fill from the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one would give him anything. 17 When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I’ll get up, go to my father, and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. 19 I’m no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired workers.” ’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. 21 The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father told his servants, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast, 24 because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.
Luke 15:11–12 CSB
11 He also said: “A man had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate I have coming to me.’ So he distributed the assets to them.
lk 15 11-13
The younger son asks for something that would not have been normally given unless the father had died.
This would have been offensive to the father.
Almost like saying he wished the father was dead.
THE OFFENSE!
Luke 15:13 CSB
13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered together all he had and traveled to a distant country, where he squandered his estate in foolish living.
The son left the safety and comfort of the father where the faithful lived.
The son left the father
Wasted his estate
We waste the gift of grace that God has for us.
lk 15 14
Luke 15:14 CSB
14 After he had spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he had nothing.
There is a point in life where you get what you WANT and then figure out what you NEED!
WANT multiple women/men only to find out you NEED one
WANT more hours at work and then figure out you NEED rest & relationship
WANT to tell lies to for whatever reason and find out you NEED a good memory to remember the ones you told!
Luke 15:15 CSB
15 Then he went to work for one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs.
This son wanted a life without his Good father in it and he got it!
God will allow for us to have exactly what we strongly seek after!
Luke 15:16 CSB
16 He longed to eat his fill from the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one would give him anything.
What we will soon figure out is that a life without the good master is not a life worth living.
Luke 15:17 CSB
17 When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food, and here I am dying of hunger!
There is a rock bottom...
Some folks rock bottom are lower than others so don’t compare their rock bottom to yours.
When you reach it you have run out of your options you will do one of two things
Quit
Find help

The Forgiveness of the Father

Luke 15:18–19 NRSV
18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.” ’
Luke 15:18 CSB
18 I’ll get up, go to my father, and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight.
The son who has offended the father rehearses the lines in his head beforehand.
He feels as though by his words and his doing he will be able to prove himself worthy of the father’s love again!
The son in sin re
How many have said the following?
I’ve messed up and I need to fix it!
I need to fix myself so I can be worthy of God.
I am not good enough for God’s love based on my past.
I have done too much to be forgiven!
So he like us embarks on a journey to FIND GOD… But what we don’t realize often is that while we are just figuring out that we need God, God before the foundation of the earth knew that you would NEED Him! He knew before that He would have to punish your sin and He knew that He wanted to make a way for imperfect people to be in relationship with Him!
Luke 15:20 CSB
20 So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him.
Before the offender comes in contact with the offended, the offended runs to meet offender!
James 4:8 CSB
8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Luke 15:20 NRSV
20 So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.
The offended came not with anger but with love and compassion!
When he saw the offender making an effort to come near He did the rest of the work and met him WHERE HE WAS!
Luke 15:21 CSB
21 The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.’
lk 15 21-
The son tries to recite his speech but it is unnecessary because the father has already done the work of forgiving!
God has done the work of Forgiveness for us! We just have to agree to be participants!
Luke 15:22 CSB
22 “But the father told his servants, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
The offender was now a son again
The offender was content with being a servant but the Father made him royalty
Put a ring on his finger
signet ring- often bared the image of the owner.
He was back in relationship and belonging to the father!
HOLY SPIRIT is our seal () ref.
The father remembered the offense no more and not only reestablished relationship but IMPROVED on it! THAT IS THE TYPE OF GOD WE SERVE!
Luke 15:23–24 CSB
23 Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast, 24 because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.
23-2
The son is celebrated by the father
God enjoys forgiving!
We know the brother was not all that happy about it and others folks won’t be happy about your new relationship with the father. Guess what? The father is in charge and they have to deal with the father!

Conclusion

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