"Insights" (F)
Listed Alphabetically by Topic
Listed Alphabetically by Topic
Faith (Part 1)
Examples of Faith
Have you ever asked your children or someone else, "How would you feel if this happened to you or you were in that situation?"
Let's look at a word picture of people who could have completely crumbled underneath extreme situations. Watch and see how each put their faith in God's hands. Look at these stories as though you've heard them for the first time. Don't just read them lightly. Try to imagine what these people are going through, In each situation they turned from worry and fear, to faith.
"Abraham was told, 'Take your son, your only son, yes, Isaac, whom you love so much ,and go to the land of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will point out to you.'" (Genesis 22) - Abraham still believed that Issac would become the father of the Jewish nation.
In the book of Esther, she has to make a life or death decision in order to save her people, the Jews. She must go before the King and ask for their protection and safety Going before the king without permission could mean immediate death.
Her response is, "even though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I am willing to die." Esther 4:16
King Nebuchadnezzar had set up an idol in the land before which everyone had to bow. To not obey this edict was certain death. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three followers of the true God, refused. They were called before the king and said "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even is he doesn't, Your Majesty can be sure that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." Daniel 3:16
Darius, another King with a superiority complex, decreed that no one could pray to anyone but himself. Daniel, one of his officials, that was a captive from Judah, went home and prayed at his open window. The king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the lions den. In the morning the king went to check on Daniel... Daniel answered, "My God sent his angel to shut the lions mouths so that they would hurt not me." Daniel 6:20
Our immediate response is; 'But God was different then, he can't do that for me today." But what does the Bible say?
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Hebrews 13.8
"God can be trusted to keep his promise." Hebrews 10.23
These are stories of incredible faith. All God is asking from you personally, is to have simple faith. Have you put your trust in his Son, Jesus? Simple faith means you are completely leaning on what Jesus did for you when he paid for your sins on the cross. You must depend entirely on his death and resurrection for your salvation.
Jesus said; "Truly, Truly, I say to you, he that believes on me has everlasting life."
John 6.47
Have you ever asked your children or someone else, "How would you feel if this happened to you or you were in that situation?"
Let's look at a word picture of people who could have completely crumbled underneath extreme situations. Watch and see how each put their faith in God's hands. Look at these stories as though you've heard them for the first time. Don't just read them lightly. Try to imagine what these people are going through, In each situation they turned from worry and fear, to faith.
"Abraham was told, 'Take your son, your only son, yes, Isaac, whom you love so much ,and go to the land of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will point out to you.'" (Genesis 22) - Abraham still believed that Issac would become the father of the Jewish nation.
In the book of Esther, she has to make a life or death decision in order to save her people, the Jews. She must go before the King and ask for their protection and safety Going before the king without permission could mean immediate death.
Her response is, "even though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I am willing to die." Esther 4:16
King Nebuchadnezzar had set up an idol in the land before which everyone had to bow. To not obey this edict was certain death. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three followers of the true God, refused. They were called before the king and said "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even is he doesn't, Your Majesty can be sure that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." Daniel 3:16
Darius, another King with a superiority complex, decreed that no one could pray to anyone but himself. Daniel, one of his officials, that was a captive from Judah, went home and prayed at his open window. The king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the lions den. In the morning the king went to check on Daniel... Daniel answered, "My God sent his angel to shut the lions mouths so that they would hurt not me." Daniel 6:20
Our immediate response is; 'But God was different then, he can't do that for me today." But what does the Bible say?
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." Hebrews 13.8
"God can be trusted to keep his promise." Hebrews 10.23
These are stories of incredible faith. All God is asking from you personally, is to have simple faith. Have you put your trust in his Son, Jesus? Simple faith means you are completely leaning on what Jesus did for you when he paid for your sins on the cross. You must depend entirely on his death and resurrection for your salvation.
Jesus said; "Truly, Truly, I say to you, he that believes on me has everlasting life."
John 6.47
Faith (Part 2)
Resting in Faith
One of the synonyms for faith is “REST”.
“REST in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him." PSALM 37.7
In Hebrews 4, the relationship between believing and resting is so clear that it has been called “The Faith-Rest Life.”
“Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his REST any of you should seem to come short of it...For we which have believed do enter into REST." HEBREWS 4.1-3
“For he that is entered into his REST he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his……Let us labour therefore to enter into that REST...” HEBREWS 4.10-11
Or, as Isaiah puts it; “In returning and REST shall you be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.” ISAIAH 30.15
Faith is giving the job to someone else and staying out of the way. The surgeon who recently operated on my knee did not want my help. In fact I was given some gas to breathe just to make sure I didn’t interfere. Furthermore, the anesthesia guaranteed that I wouldn’t be worrying about the outcome!
God doesn’t need your help to save you. Your works are excluded (see Titus 3.5 and Romans 4.5). This also applies when you ask God to solve a problem. When we give him a problem we believe He can handle it. So quit worrying!
“I KNOW whom I have believed, and am persuaded that HE IS ABLE to keep that which I have committed to him until that day.” II TIMOTHY 1.12
“Rest” means we cease our flurry of activity and worry and let God take care of it. This is expressed in the following.
“Their strength is to SIT STILL.” ISAIAH 30.7
“STAND STILL and see the salvation of the Lord.” EXODUS 14.13
“BE STILL and know that I am God.” PSALM 46.10
“For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath CEASED from his own works, as God did from his.” HEBREWS 4.10
The result will be a quiet confidence know as “The Peace of God.”
“Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea.” PSALM 46.2
“You will not be afraid of the terror by night, Or of the arrow that flies by day; Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or of the destruction that lays waste at noon. A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not approach you. You will only look on with your eyes." PSALM 91.5-8
One of the synonyms for faith is “REST”.
“REST in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him." PSALM 37.7
In Hebrews 4, the relationship between believing and resting is so clear that it has been called “The Faith-Rest Life.”
“Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his REST any of you should seem to come short of it...For we which have believed do enter into REST." HEBREWS 4.1-3
“For he that is entered into his REST he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his……Let us labour therefore to enter into that REST...” HEBREWS 4.10-11
Or, as Isaiah puts it; “In returning and REST shall you be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.” ISAIAH 30.15
Faith is giving the job to someone else and staying out of the way. The surgeon who recently operated on my knee did not want my help. In fact I was given some gas to breathe just to make sure I didn’t interfere. Furthermore, the anesthesia guaranteed that I wouldn’t be worrying about the outcome!
God doesn’t need your help to save you. Your works are excluded (see Titus 3.5 and Romans 4.5). This also applies when you ask God to solve a problem. When we give him a problem we believe He can handle it. So quit worrying!
“I KNOW whom I have believed, and am persuaded that HE IS ABLE to keep that which I have committed to him until that day.” II TIMOTHY 1.12
“Rest” means we cease our flurry of activity and worry and let God take care of it. This is expressed in the following.
“Their strength is to SIT STILL.” ISAIAH 30.7
“STAND STILL and see the salvation of the Lord.” EXODUS 14.13
“BE STILL and know that I am God.” PSALM 46.10
“For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath CEASED from his own works, as God did from his.” HEBREWS 4.10
The result will be a quiet confidence know as “The Peace of God.”
“Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea.” PSALM 46.2
“You will not be afraid of the terror by night, Or of the arrow that flies by day; Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or of the destruction that lays waste at noon. A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not approach you. You will only look on with your eyes." PSALM 91.5-8
Fear
"The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?" Psalm 27.1
Recently after hearing the news of the world, I came away somewhat depressed and fearful. Th news I was hearing was all bad news. It was scary news. There are so many lies that we are being told. The hatred and hostility directed toward people of different viewpoints is shocking. The most vile, godless lifestyles are shamelessly flaunted and even promoted. It seems each time we think it is safe to resume normal activity, infections from Covid surge.
Fortunately for me, this pandemic has me spending more time in the Word of God than any other time in my life.
Reading Psalm 27 yesterday, reminded me that we need not fear because God is in control. I also found more encouragement elsewhere in the Psalms:
"The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: What can man do unto me?" Psalm 118.6
"Do not fret because of evildoers, Be not envious toward wrongdoers. For they will wither quickly like the grass, And fade like the green herb. Yet a little while and the wicked man will be no more; And you will look carefully for his place, and he will not be there."
Psalm 37. 1,2,10
"Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas..." Psalm 46.2
"The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust." Psalm 18.2
Holy Bible: New American Standard Bible (NASB 1977 edition) The Lockman Foundation.
FOCUS
Focus on God
Yesterday we learned that we can distract our minds from pain and worry through the use of a focal point. We are reminded to focus on God.
"O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no might against this great company that comes against us, neither do we know what to do; but OUR EYES ARE UPON YOU.” II CHRONICLES 20.12
"LOOK UNTO ME , and be saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else." ISAIAH 45.22
"LOOKING UNTO JESUS, the author and finisher of our faith..." HEBREWS 12.2
Looking to God is synonymous with faith. Faith is the great antidote for worry and fear. The importance of faith can be seen by observing the use of other synonyms used in the Bible.
"What time I am afraid, I will TRUST in thee." PSALM 56.3
"In the Lord I TAKE REFUGE." PSALM 11.1
"I SOUGHT the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears." PSALM 34.4
"COMMIT thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." PSALM 37.5
"Let us therefore COME boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." HEBREWS 4.16
"And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My HOPE is in you." PSALM 39.7
"WAIT on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." PSALM 27.14
"REST in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him." PSALM 37.7
Yesterday we learned that we can distract our minds from pain and worry through the use of a focal point. We are reminded to focus on God.
"O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no might against this great company that comes against us, neither do we know what to do; but OUR EYES ARE UPON YOU.” II CHRONICLES 20.12
"LOOK UNTO ME , and be saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else." ISAIAH 45.22
"LOOKING UNTO JESUS, the author and finisher of our faith..." HEBREWS 12.2
Looking to God is synonymous with faith. Faith is the great antidote for worry and fear. The importance of faith can be seen by observing the use of other synonyms used in the Bible.
"What time I am afraid, I will TRUST in thee." PSALM 56.3
"In the Lord I TAKE REFUGE." PSALM 11.1
"I SOUGHT the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears." PSALM 34.4
"COMMIT thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." PSALM 37.5
"Let us therefore COME boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." HEBREWS 4.16
"And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My HOPE is in you." PSALM 39.7
"WAIT on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." PSALM 27.14
"REST in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him." PSALM 37.7
Forgiveness (Part 1)
Forgiveness
Perhaps the most comforting message in the Bible is the proclamation of God’s forgiveness. It removes our guilt and shields us from judgement. It puts our sin behind us, never to be brought up again.
“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.” PSALM 32.1-2
“Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away.” PSALM 65.3
“You have forgiven the iniquity of your people, you have covered all their sin." PSALM 85.2
“Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” ISAIAH 1.18
“I, even I, am he that blots out your transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember your sins.” ISAIAH 43.25
“I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, your transgressions, and, as a cloud, your sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed you.” ISAIAH 44.22
“I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” JEREMIAH 31.34
I need to tell you that in order to experience God’s forgiveness, you must become His child. That does not come naturally to any of us. We come into the world as sinners and therefore are separated and alienated from God.
“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” ISAIAH 59.2
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way and the Lord has laid on Him [Christ] the iniquity of us all.” ISAIAH 53.6
Since we are all sinners, we must be born into God family. This is referred to as “The New Birth,” being “born again” or being “born of God”.
“Whosoever believes that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah) is born of God.” I JOHN 5.1
“For you are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” GALATIANS 3.26
“Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.” ACTS 13.38-39
“Jesus Christ……him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.” REVELATION 1.5
Perhaps the most comforting message in the Bible is the proclamation of God’s forgiveness. It removes our guilt and shields us from judgement. It puts our sin behind us, never to be brought up again.
“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.” PSALM 32.1-2
“Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away.” PSALM 65.3
“You have forgiven the iniquity of your people, you have covered all their sin." PSALM 85.2
“Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” ISAIAH 1.18
“I, even I, am he that blots out your transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember your sins.” ISAIAH 43.25
“I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, your transgressions, and, as a cloud, your sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed you.” ISAIAH 44.22
“I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” JEREMIAH 31.34
I need to tell you that in order to experience God’s forgiveness, you must become His child. That does not come naturally to any of us. We come into the world as sinners and therefore are separated and alienated from God.
“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” ISAIAH 59.2
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way and the Lord has laid on Him [Christ] the iniquity of us all.” ISAIAH 53.6
Since we are all sinners, we must be born into God family. This is referred to as “The New Birth,” being “born again” or being “born of God”.
“Whosoever believes that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah) is born of God.” I JOHN 5.1
“For you are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” GALATIANS 3.26
“Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.” ACTS 13.38-39
“Jesus Christ……him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.” REVELATION 1.5
FORGIVENESS (Part 2)
Two Types of Forgiveness
Today, I would like to point out that the Bible speaks of two types of forgiveness. I trust that by now you understand as believers in Jesus Christ, we are no longer under the condemnation of sin. This is called judicial forgiveness or redemption. Jesus was judged for our sins on the cross and the penalty was paid in full once for all. This forgiveness is provided free of charge as the gift of God to anyone who simply believes in Jesus Christ alone, because on the cross He paid the full and complete penalty for your forgiveness and eternal life with Him. This the first and most essential type of forgiveness is eternal and unchanging for anyone who believes in Him only.
"In Him WE HAVE redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace." Ephesians 1.7
"In Him WE HAVE redemption, the forgiveness of sins." COLOSSIANS 1.14
We shall call the second type of forgiveness, PARENTAL FORGIVENESS. When we believe in Jesus, God is no longer our judge, He becomes our father. We still sin, but now sin becomes a family matter. It cannot condemn us to Hell because the penalty of sin was paid for by Christ once and for all (which we called the first type of forgiveness in the first paragraph above). But sin still displeases God and He wants to rid our lives of it. He will discipline us much like a conscientious parent will discipline his child to discourage bad behavior. God’s discipline can come to us as privation, sickness, or in extreme cases, even physical death (if as believers we rebelliously persist in sin without confessing it to God). In spite of this, we need not be afraid, because if we simply confess (admit) ours sins to God he will restore us to closeness with Him. But we must always remember that the first type of forgiveness guarantees that we can never lose our eternal salvation no matter what we do (or whether we confess our sins or not)! This is the wonder and magnificence of salvation by GRACE through FAITH! It has nothing do with our behavior - good or bad. It is the free, everlasting and unchanging gift of God!
"Your iniquities have turned these away, and your sins have withheld good things from you" JEREMIAH 5.25
"When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away, through my groaning all day long.
For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer." PSALM 32.3-4
"O Lord, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin." PSALM 38.1-2
"For this reason (personal sins), many among you are weak and sick, and a number have died."
I CORINTHIANS 11.31
These verses show that as redeemed believers, we still need God’s forgiveness. More about this tomorrow!
Forgiveness (Part 3)
Two Types of Forgiveness (cont.)
Redeemed, born-again believers still commit sin. The Bible states this clearly:
“If we say that we have no sin [sin nature], we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us….If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us”. I John 1.8,10
But no sin can ever cause us to lose our salvation, because...
“If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation [the satisfactory payment to God] for our sins…” I JOHN 2.2
The sins that believers commit interrupt fellowship with God. Our spiritual growth stalls, our hunger for the Word is diminished and our prayers don’t get answered. This is why confession of sin (directly to God) is necessary for every believer.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1.9
“He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.” PROVERBS 28.13
“I acknowledge my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.” PSALM 32.3-4
“For I confess my iniquity; I am full of anxiety because of my sin.” PSALM 38.18 NASB
"Blot out my transgressions. Wash me clean of my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me...Against You, You only, have I sinned...Restore unto me the joy of your salvation; and uphold me with your free Spirit. Then will I teach transgressors your ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee." PSALM 51
Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. II SAMUEL 12.13
- Be sure to check back tomorrow and every day for a new daily insight. -
FORGIVENESS (part 4)
Two Types of Forgiveness (cont.)
There is a false teaching going around that says, “since we are completely forgiven, it is not necessary to confess our sins.” This error comes from a failure to understand the difference between judicial and parental forgiveness. Hopefully these studies will help clear this up. Today, let’s try to clarify what we have learned.
William MacDonald explains it like this: “To put it very simply, judicial forgiveness is the forgiveness of a judge and parental forgiveness is the forgiveness of a father. The first term is taken from the courtroom and the second from the home.”
Jesus explained it to Peter by contrasting a bath (representing salvation and judicial forgiveness) with foot washing (a picture of the cleansing we receive when we confess our sins). The idea is that, although we are completely washed when God saves us, we pick up defilement as we walk the dirty streets of this world.
“Peter said to him, You shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I don’t, you have no part with me.
Peter said to him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus said to him, He that has bathed needs only to wash his feet, he is clean everywhere else...” JOHN 13.8-10
We can also see this illustrated in the story of the prodigal son:
“Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men. And he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him, and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him, and kissed him.” LUKE 15.18-20
He remained a son even when he broke fellowship with his father and fell into sin. The moment he said “I have sinned,” all his privileges were restored.
Forgiveness (Part 5)
I once heard Charles Ryrie tell the story of a young man, whose father was a judge, who got a speeding ticket. When he appeared in court he was surprised to see his father sitting on the bench as the judge. The father heard the testimony of the police officer, declared his son "guilty as charged" and prescribed a $200 fine. The son was young and unemployed and had no way of paying the fine. The father stepped down from the bench, got out his wallet, and paid the fine himself.
This story illustrates God’s judicial forgiveness. As a just, impartial judge, God cannot ignore our sin. His law demands a penalty that must be paid. God’s love for us caused him to pay our penalty at the cross.
Dr. Ryrie finished the story by saying that, although the legal issues had been settled, there certainly was more to be said when the father and son got home that night. When we put our faith in Jesus Christ we are fully and forever forgiven of all our sins (because the penalty as already been paid), but God will still deal with us like any good father would, by helping us learn our lessons from the sins we commit. Of course, He will never abandon us, but he wants to teach us to rely on ourselves less and to rely on Him more.
Jesus said, "Abide in Me as I abide in you...If you abide in Me you will bear much fruit...Apart from Me, you can do nothing..." John chapter 15
FORGIVENESS (Part 6)
Forgiveness is "the act of setting someone free from an obligation to you that is a result of a wrong done against you." We all know what I mean. When a person refuses to forgive others for a wrong done to them, they are withholding love, acceptance, respect, and basically saying; "until I get satisfied, you are in big trouble with me. Until you make this right, it is not going to be pretty!"
Un-forgiveness is the act of unwillingness to cancel the debt you think someone owes you. When you are controlled by these feelings you cannot be controlled by the Holy Spirit of God.
"Now the deeds of the flesh are evident which are.... enmities, strife, jealousy, division, outbursts of anger..." Galatians 5 :18-21.
A person who is unforgiving is always the real loser, because they let someone else occupy a huge place in their brain, their feelings and their life. Un-forgiveness can destroy you.
"Do not let sin control the way you live, don't you realize that whatever you choose to obey becomes your master? You can choose sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God and receive his approval. Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you have obeyed with all you heart the new teaching God has given you." Romans 6:12
In the parable in Matthew 18 it says, "The kingdom of Heaven, can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him...There was one that owed him millions of dollars. He couldn't pay, so the king ordered that he, and his family be sold to pay the debt. The man fell down and begged forgiveness. The king was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt. But when the king left, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment. He begged for full payment, his creditor wouldn't wait. He had the man arrested and jailed until the debt could be paid in full." (paraphrase)
When we are wronged and hold a grudge, we need to be reminded of the huge debt that God forgave for each one of us.
I understand that some things seem unforgivable. There are pains and hurts that seem too hard to face. I'm certainly not saying I could forgive some of the wrongs that people have suffered. But Jesus said, "with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26
Matthew 5:7 says "God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy." v.44 says; "But I say to you, love your enemies."
Remember, none of this is possible without receiving God's forgiveness. Put your complete faith and trust in Christ as your personal Savior. "God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.... Since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from judgment." Romans 5:8-10
"Believe on the Lord Jesu Christ and you will be saved..." Acts 16:31
Forgiveness (Part 7)
Unforgiveness
Having seen how God forgives us, let's discuss forgiveness on a personal level.
Forgiveness, or the flip side unforgiveness, I believe is one of the biggest battles we fight. It can destroy friendships, marriages, parent-children relationships. Whole families have been destroyed because of a lack of forgiveness.
There are people that are never wrong, (or so they think), there are grudge holders, there are people that are so sensitive that what you say can easily hurt their feelings. There are those who are so consumed with anger it seems almost impossible, because of the hurt they have experienced, that they will ever be able forgive.
I actually struggle with a couple of these myself. But honestly, who wants to stay in that place of unforgiveness. It's quite miserable, and can destroy you
The Lord's Prayer is the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples when they asked him how they should pray "...forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass again us."
C S Lewis said, "To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you."
Unforgiveness leads to bitterness and hatred.
"Dear friends, never avenge yourselves, Leave that to God. For it is written,
'I will take vengeance; I will repay those who deserve it' says the Lord." Romans 12:19
"If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink, and they will be ashamed of what they have done to you: Don't let evil get the best of you." Romans 12:14
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:31
"See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled..." Hebrews 12:15
Having seen how God forgives us, let's discuss forgiveness on a personal level.
Forgiveness, or the flip side unforgiveness, I believe is one of the biggest battles we fight. It can destroy friendships, marriages, parent-children relationships. Whole families have been destroyed because of a lack of forgiveness.
There are people that are never wrong, (or so they think), there are grudge holders, there are people that are so sensitive that what you say can easily hurt their feelings. There are those who are so consumed with anger it seems almost impossible, because of the hurt they have experienced, that they will ever be able forgive.
I actually struggle with a couple of these myself. But honestly, who wants to stay in that place of unforgiveness. It's quite miserable, and can destroy you
The Lord's Prayer is the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples when they asked him how they should pray "...forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass again us."
C S Lewis said, "To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you."
Unforgiveness leads to bitterness and hatred.
"Dear friends, never avenge yourselves, Leave that to God. For it is written,
'I will take vengeance; I will repay those who deserve it' says the Lord." Romans 12:19
"If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink, and they will be ashamed of what they have done to you: Don't let evil get the best of you." Romans 12:14
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:31
"See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled..." Hebrews 12:15
Friends
CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDS WISELY
"Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." Proverbs 13.20
"Don’t make friends with an angry man, and don’t be a companion of a hot-tempered man." Proverbs 22.24
"Do not associate with heavy drinkers of wine, or with gluttonous eaters of meat." Proverbs 23.20
"Be not thou envious of evil men, neither desire to be with them." Proverbs 24.1
We should try to cultivate social relationships that are edifying. Do I come away from that person feeling encouraged and strengthened? Conversely, have I helped or encouraged that person in some way?
As we socialize (somewhat difficult these days), consider two principles; influence and edification. Am I being an influence for good when I’m with this person? Or perhaps this person influences me in a positive way. Edification; are we building one another up? These principles apply mostly to relationships with believers. In every relationship with an unbeliever, our goal should be to eventually discuss matters of faith and give them the gospel.
"Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification." Romans 15.2
“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also you do.” I Thessalonians 5.11
I have re-connected with friends from my younger days only to discover that our conversations were much the same when we were young and stupid. The time spent was not really enjoyable or beneficial. With some people we just seem to gravitate to conversations and actions which are negative, depressing and even destructive. I have also had friendships that were competitive and we spent most of our time together trying to impress one another. Some people just bring out the worst in us.
"Leave the presence of a fool, For you will not find knowledge or hear godly wisdom from his lips." Proverbs 14.7
"He rescued righteous Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men (for by what he saw and heard that righteous man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by their lawless deeds)."
II PETER 2.7-8
If you have any questions about today's insights, please feel free to contact us.
Please join us tomorrow for more insights and tell a friend where to find us as well.
"Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." Proverbs 13.20
"Don’t make friends with an angry man, and don’t be a companion of a hot-tempered man." Proverbs 22.24
"Do not associate with heavy drinkers of wine, or with gluttonous eaters of meat." Proverbs 23.20
"Be not thou envious of evil men, neither desire to be with them." Proverbs 24.1
We should try to cultivate social relationships that are edifying. Do I come away from that person feeling encouraged and strengthened? Conversely, have I helped or encouraged that person in some way?
As we socialize (somewhat difficult these days), consider two principles; influence and edification. Am I being an influence for good when I’m with this person? Or perhaps this person influences me in a positive way. Edification; are we building one another up? These principles apply mostly to relationships with believers. In every relationship with an unbeliever, our goal should be to eventually discuss matters of faith and give them the gospel.
"Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification." Romans 15.2
“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also you do.” I Thessalonians 5.11
I have re-connected with friends from my younger days only to discover that our conversations were much the same when we were young and stupid. The time spent was not really enjoyable or beneficial. With some people we just seem to gravitate to conversations and actions which are negative, depressing and even destructive. I have also had friendships that were competitive and we spent most of our time together trying to impress one another. Some people just bring out the worst in us.
"Leave the presence of a fool, For you will not find knowledge or hear godly wisdom from his lips." Proverbs 14.7
"He rescued righteous Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men (for by what he saw and heard that righteous man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by their lawless deeds)."
II PETER 2.7-8
If you have any questions about today's insights, please feel free to contact us.
Please join us tomorrow for more insights and tell a friend where to find us as well.
