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.”
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?
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.”