(This outline is not original with me. Frankly, I don't remember the source, but it is a good one.) The two text verses are the classic texts on forgiveness. We should forgive as God forgives. How is that?
I. God forgives instantly. A. You have probably experienced that for yourself, but the thief on the cross is a good example.. B. Isaiah 55:7 is a good example. C. 1 John 1:9 is a good example. II. God forgives repeatedly. A. Matthew 18:23-33 gives us a good example of this. B. Hebrews 7:25 tells us of Jesus' continual prayers for us. C. You do not have a sin that cannot be forgiven. Just ask.... III. God forgives freely. A. Think of Paul and all he had done prior to his conversion. B. Think of Zacchaeus who was the town's most hated man and really a crook on top of that. He was freely forgiven. C. We can go back to the thief on the cross, who admitted his unworthiness. IV. God forgives completely. A. Colossians 2:13-14 B. Jeremiah 31:34 C. Romans 8:1 There is no reason why you cannot be forgiven for your sins today. God is waiting for your repentance and confession. When Jesus forgives you, claim it and live it.
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In these verses, Jesus takes us beyond legalism to faith and ethical Christian behavior. For example in verse 21, He says that it is not enough to have not killed anyone, but that you have never wanted to, or became angry without a cause. In the verses under consideration, Jesus tells us how to make it right in ourselves and with other people.
I. Vs, 22a - Be careful what you feel. Notice "without a cause..." II. Vs. 22b - Be careful what you say. III. Vs, 23 - Be careful what you remember. IV. Vs. 24 - Be careful what you do. V. Vss. 25 - Be careful about how far it goes. Make it right within yourself and with other people. (I haven't given you a lot of meat on these bones, but there is enough suggested by each point that should get you going.) |
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