Discussion Guide: Forgive 77 Times

Let us examine the Scriptures like the Bereans who "received the message with great eagerness and

examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." Acts 17:11 (NIV)

March 14, 2004: “Forgive 77 Times” by Shane Fuller, Pastor College Park Church. Pastor Fuller’s message today was on Matthew 18:21-35. His introduction included remarks on Jesus’ teaching style, and his teaching on forgiving as we have been forgiven.

Pastor Fuller’s introduction provided insight on how Jesus interacted with others and his intent on influencing them via parables and stories. Knowing the hearts of men, Jesus would utilize these parables/stories to teach principles in many different ways and situations. Pastor Fuller’s point was Jesus did not just teach and preach to the crowds, but he drew people into stories to bring about conviction and instruction to people’s souls.

Next, Pastor Fuller taught on Matthew 18:21-35 with a focus on a true understanding of forgiveness of sins spurs a believer on to forgive others from the heart. This motivation realizes God’s great love towards us, thus, we desire to love others - continually. Forgiving as often as necessary because God has forgiven us of our great debt of sin.

In closing, he challenged us to change today. How will we forgive others? How will we respond to those who continue to sin again us and ask forgiveness? If we don’t forgive others, Pastor Fuller made this statement: “Only those who forgive others can be assured they are indeed forgiven.”

Discussion Questions

1. What is one scriptural example of Jesus asking questions to bring about change in someone’s heart and soul? What can you do differently to communicate and influence with similar affect?

2. What does it mean to be forgiven of your sins? How important is this?

3. Read Matthew 18:21-35. Why would Peter ask about forgiving others “7 times”? What is the significance of Jesus’ response of “77 times”?

4. When is it difficult to forgive others? What can you do to be forgiven and to forgive others more often?

5. What is the result of not forgiving others from the heart?

Memorization Verse

Matthew 6:14-15, “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”