"Forgive Us Our Sins" - Looking At Praying For Forgiveness In The Lord's Prayer

Luke 11:4 "And forgive us our sins,
For we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us."

Introduction:

Once a person remarked about forgiveness:

"forgiveness is a great act for everyone to practice until I personally have to do it."

The most familiar prayer in the Bible is the Lord's prayer. Each line is packed full of truth taught by Jesus about prayer. In this post we consider that part of the Lord’s prayer that deals with the matter of forgiveness. Forgiveness, at its core, means: “to let go”. Confession of sins in forgiveness is crucial to maintaining fellowship with God, with others and ourselves. Let’s explore three angles when asking for forgiveness

Ask God for forgiveness.    

This first angle at looking at forgiveness deals with our fellowship with God. Jesus never divorces our confession of sins to God from how we treat others. Luke 11:4 records Jesus' words: "And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us." Who of us has ever experienced that sense of "indebtedness" to someone? Forgiveness addresses the weight of our guilt, shame and "indebtedness" we incurred as a result of our actions against another. Whenever forgiveness is sought with God, the desire is for a "clearing away" of whatever is preventing closeness with God. 

As already noted, Jesus never separates the "vertical" element of one's fellowship and relationship with God from the "horizontal" level of our relationship to others. Matthew's version of this prayer records these words in Matthew 6:14-15 

"For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions."

More will be said in a moment on this score. Seeking forgiveness in prayer clears away obstacles. Restores clarity and closeness with God. 1 John 1:5-9 describes this point:

"This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; 7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Forgive others.    

So as we ask God for forgiveness in prayer, we need to have the readiness to forgive others. Forgiving others is so closely associated with God's forgiveness that they are scarcely mentioned apart from one another in the Bible. 

Jesus tells an illuminating parable of a servant seeking forgiveness of a debt from his master. The indebtedness was quite substantial for the servant. After much pleading with his master, the master grants the servant a reprieve. However, no sooner is he absolved of his insurmountable debt than to go out demanding repayment of a much smaller sum owed to him by a fellow-servant. The other servants are so offended by this turn of events that they report it to the master, who in turn reverses his original decision. The point Jesus is making is that in experiencing God's forgiveness, the number one fruit ought to involve the willingness to forgive others that wrong us (see Mt 18:21-35). 

Too often in our church-life do we find Christians operating in resentment. Such a terrible spiritual condition is what the Bible calls "taking up offense". If not remedied, the offended Christian can practically begin to think-like, act -like and relate-like an unbeliever. Forgiveness is not only for the sake of the other person, but also for the healing of our own hearts. Jesus urges his disciples to forgive as often as they can (Luke 17:3-4). 

To knowingly withhold forgiveness from someone fails to give evidence of one's conversion. The Apostle John warns us in 1 John 4:19-21

"We love, because He first loved us. 20 If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also."
   
Forgive yourself? Instead, accept God’s forgiveness. 

In today's post we have considered the importance of forgiveness in one's prayer-life. We've looked at asking for God's forgiveness and making sure we exercise forgiveness to others. One last area is important before closing out this post: the subject of forgiving ourselves. This oft-cited sentiment is found throughout our culture. People coming to terms with what they did in the past involves the so-called act of "forgiving oneself". 

The question is: is forgiving oneself Biblical? If not, what appropriate alternative might there be? The simple answer is to receive the forgiveness already won for you by Jesus Christ. John MacArthur notes that self-forgiveness won't do any good, since we have no ability to do away with the guilt and shame we carry around apart from Christ's work applied by faith. We read in Colossians 3:13 

"bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you."

Peace in the soul is not found in a bottle, a pill or in escape through social media. The cross confronts me with what I've done and bids me to acknowledge what Jesus has done for me through letting go of any effort to "self-atone" for past indiscretions. This is why I love 1 John 1:9, wherein we read that not only is Jesus "just and faithful to forgive me", but also "to cleanse me" of the effects brought about by my sin. So whenever Jesus urges us to pray for forgiveness, we do so with the idea to restore fellowship or closeness with God, with others and to receive all Jesus did to attain peace in our hearts. 

Warning! Be Aware Of Taking Up Offenses! - The Consequences Of Taking Up Offense And How To Defeat It

Mark 6:3 “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us?” And they took offense at Him.

Introduction:

Over the last couple of posts, we have dealt with the subject of taking up offense. We have defined it and then given practical suggestions for guarding against it. In today's post we offer one final bit of reflection on this dangerous weapon of the enemy. We will explore what took place when Jesus' hometown took up offense against Him. The greatest tragedy of offense is in how we can miss having seasons of closer walks with the Lord when we choose to "hold-on-to" things of the past rather than "letting-go". 

Meet the people who thought they were dealing with a "safe" Jesus

Jesus was rounding out the first year of his public ministry. His ministry circuit in Galilee would take him to Nazareth, the town where he grew up. In Mark 6:1-2 we pick up the narrative: "Jesus went out from there and came into His hometown; and His disciples followed Him. 2 When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue; and the many listeners were astonished, saying, 'Where did this man get these things, and what is this wisdom given to Him, and such miracles as these performed by His hands?"' 

These people had known Jesus from his childhood days growing up. They were familiar with him - or at least they thought they were.

Jesus crossed their line - they took up the offense

The people of Nazareth had drawn lines around Jesus. They pigeonholed him and concluded he was just "one of the boys" so to speak.  Upon his return, Jesus very quickly shattered their preconceptions.  The Bible tells us that they uttered what they thought they knew about Jesus.  Their description of Jesus was a view of Jesus that was safe. Anytime people assume that following Jesus entails total comfort and lack of confrontation with preconceived notions are setting themselves up for offense.  It was very clear: the people had drawn a line that they thought Jesus had crossed. The people of Nazareth took up the offense and chose to remain bitter, rather than get right and get better. 

Offenses come in this world.  Whenever you and I get angry at someone, it can be over something petty or over something that is downright wrong they have done to us.  The point being is that a line has been crossed - perceived or unperceived.  What happens when we bear the grudge?  Note some key characteristics of these people in Nazareth as a case study of the consequences of taking up offense:

1. Refusal to honor Christ's authority. Mark 6:4


Jesus stated that a prophet is without honor in his hometown.  This fits in line with the modern day saying of "familiarity breeds contempt".  Whenever we take up offense, we will find ourselves progressively refusing to give honor to Jesus Christ.  The Bible is the authority of Christ written, since it is classified as the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16)  People who take up offense will over time grow cynical to either God's word or spiritual authorities who minister in the name of Jesus.  Clearly these people would not honor Jesus.

2. Restriction of God's power. Mark 6:5


The scripture says "he was not able to do many miracles".  Because the people took up the offense against Jesus, the consequence was the limiting of the demonstration of God's power in their lives.  Whenever we are either defeated in our Christian walk or see defeat in another person's life, it is guaranteed that somewhere in the past  that individual took up offense.  It's as if they shut off God's power in that area.  Jesus did heal a few people, but not many.  

Unless the offended person forgives and puts off the malice and anger that they have been carrying around, the power of God will not be fully experienced in their lives.

3. Rejection. Mark 6:5


I would add this third consequence of taking up offense - rejection.  Rejection describes the spiritual dimension of operating in resentment. When I say "rejection", I mean that a person who is bearing offense will not receive a legitimate offer of help.  I believe Jesus' power was restricted physically as well as supernaturally by these people.  Because they could not get past their perception of Jesus as "Mary's son". The tragic truth of the matter was that since they refused His attempts to minister, they demonstrated they were not in a position to receive what Jesus wanted to give them.

I have had times in my life where I bore up offense, and whenever someone tried to help me, I got angry and thought they were patronizing me.  I know what it is like, and can tell you plainly that only through the cross and forgiveness can the bondage of rejection produced by offense be broken. 

4. Repeats and grows worse if not let go. Matthew 13:53-57


In Matthew 13:53-57 we see Jesus return back to Nazareth after a period of time to attempt a second round of ministry.  Amazingly these people were still hanging onto their offense.  In fact the identical words are repeated by them, indicating that they had not changed.  Matthew 13:56-57 states "And they took offense at Him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” 58And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief."

Whenever you and I take up offense, if left unchecked, our hurt and pain will start sounding like a broken record.  We will become "frozen" in the time and memory of those events.  An offense taken up years ago will still be fresh in the mind of the hurt person.  Presented with the same opportunity, the offense will resurface. The result? An issuing forth the same response and the same hurt.  Furthermore, the hurt and pain can be repeated in others around us, which is why Hebrews 12:15 warns us to "not let a root of bitterness to rise up in us, lest we defile many". 

5. Root of offense is unbelief. Mark 6:6; Matthew 13:57


So when did unbelief factor into the offense?  By the response.   You and I dear friend cannot, in a lot of ways, control others, nor our circumstances nor the level of hurt that may come at us.  However there is one thing we can control - our response.  

If as a Christian I take my anger and resentment and "cast all my anxiety upon the Lord", the Bible promises "He will take care of you" (1 Peter 5:7).  Faith says: "Lord, I don't know how to forgive, however you through me is more than able to love and forgive.  Thus I will be in you everything you want."

Offense will prefer to "hang on" to the resentment, not ever speaking to God about it.  For those who have been truly hurt by careless or vindictive people, unchecked anger will lead you to conclude that God can do nothing about it.  This is why James 1:20 states: "the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God". (ESV) 

Forgiveness is the quickest route to be healed of the consequences of offense


James 4:6-7 tells us: "But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” 7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." I love this passage, since it states: "He gives greater grace" and "gives grace to the humble".


Closing Thoughts And Applications

If we will but humble ourselves to the Lord and say: "God, I don't know how, but you through me can teach me how", the promise is that His greater grace is there. All we need to do is believe God, not doubt, and trust that what may not make sense emotionally is the only thing that makes sense in light of eternity. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31-32; Colossians 3:13)

Warning! Be Aware Of Taking Up Offenses! - Those Most Vulnerable To Offense, And How To Avoid It

Ephesians 4:25-27 "Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. 26 Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and do not give the devil an opportunity."

Introduction:

In our last post we defined and gave an example of what it means to take up offense. Both Jesus and the Apostles warn against responding in bitterness and unforgiveness. The New Testament uses terms like "stumbling-blocks" and "offense" to convey the dangers posed by persistent states of bitterness. Paul uses the imagery of "foothold" to warn us of the danger of harboring resentment. 

I'm sure most readers have seen "rock walls" or "climbing walls". If you have never seen or tried to climb a "rock wall", such obstacles contain minute rocks and shelf-like protrusions called "foot-holds". Though not amounting to much in terms of size, such devices provide what is needed for people to climb up the sheerness of such walls. Whenever one takes up offense, they are providing a "foothold" for the enemy to do his dirty work in their lives. 

In today's post we want to dig deeper into this concept. We will first offer another illustration of what it means to take up offense, followed by reasons why you and I ought to guard against offense. 

An Illustration Of The Danger Of Taking Up Offense

One day a man decided to take his friend from overseas to see a football game. The friend had never been to a game, nor was he familiar at all with football. As they were up in the stands, watching the game, the crowd around them was cheering, and the man himself was whooping and hollering, for the home team was winning. However his friend sat motionless with a scowl on his face.

After the game was over, the excited man asked his friend: "So what did you think of your first football game"? His friend sharply responded: I have never been so offended in all my life! Those fellows in the stripped shirts kept ever so often getting together in the middle of the field, stopping the players from playing. And you know what, I think they were talking about me!"

Now this illustration conveys the truth of what Jesus is teaching. The friend in our little story perceived a line had been crossed. He came to the game, not knowing what to expect. As he watched, he began to draw conclusions about what he thought he saw. All we know is that the man chose to respond in anger and bitterness, resulting in his inability to appreciate the effort of the other man in treating him to his first football game.

Jesus' Warning To Guard Against Offense

Jesus' warnings about avoiding the tragic response of offense are repeated in the Gospels. When people respond in bitterness rather than in an attitude of forgiveness, such responses are not rare. If anything, Jesus warns that offenses are quite common, even inevitable, in this world. After all, Jesus plainly states in Luke 17:1-2 Jesus says:  "He said to His disciples, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come! 2“It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he would cause one of these little ones to stumble." If you have not ever had the opportunity to be hurt, or be at the receiving end of thoughtless words and deeds - just wait!

Those Most Vulnerable To Offense

So its not a matter of "if offenses will come", rather it is more a matter of "when they will come".  You and I cannot control what people will say or what events will come into our lives.  We also are not living in a fair world. Instead, we live in a fallen one. The only thing we can control is our response.  Will you be bitter, or better?  Will you retain a grudge, or forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13)? 

It may surprise some readers to know that the most vulnerable people to offense are those persons who are walking closest to God. Pastors, Sunday School Teachers, Prayer Warriors, Christian Moms and Dads - anyone who is used greatly by God in other people's lives are the number-one targets of offense. Why? The kingdom of darkness knows that if the major movers and shakers in God's kingdom can be crippled by misunderstanding, hurt-feelings and unforgiveness - then the strategy of Satan will advance. Unless the cross is in our center-line of vision, the vulnerability to taking up offenses will be pretty high. 

Guard Against Offense 

Jesus is not dismissing from responsibility the one who says careless words or does thoughtless deeds.  Often when an offense is taken up, a legitimate hurt has been committed, and not just merely a misunderstanding.  Certainly those who are careless or reckless in their treatment of us should be held accountable for their actions.  The key of course is by whom should they be held accountable - us or God? 

Jesus is warning us who have been at the receiving end to be careful not to "hold bitterness" or "take up offense".  Again in Luke 17:3 we read - 3“Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4“And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.”

Closing Thoughts And Applications

So in this world of ours, and even in the church, the likelihood of someone saying something wrong, or not saying something that should had been said, can yield in us a response of anger or bitterness if we're not careful.  If we have taken strides to guard are hearts through reflecting on God's Word and God's forgiveness in Jesus Christ, the chances of taking up offenses will be greatly diminished. 

Warning! Be Aware Of Taking Up Offenses! - Defining What It Means To Take Up Offense

Matthew 18:7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! (KJV)

Matthew 18:7 "Woe to the world because of its stumbling blocks! For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come; but woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes!" (NASB)

Introduction:

In today's post, we are going to begin addressing one of the most diabolical schemes of the Enemy used against Christians and non-Christian alike. This spiritual malady that Satan uses to afflict the human race is responsible for crippling pastors, tearing apart marriages and churches, wrecking societies and causing wars. This weapon of the kingdom of darkness begins seemingly small and almost hidden. To the unsuspecting person, it seems right to have and appears to be useful - but in the end it destroys the person using it and the intended targets. What is this weapon of which I speak? Three words summarize it: "taking up offense". 

What it means to "take up offense"

What is Jesus referring to when he warns about "taking up offenses" or "stumbling blocks"?  The Greek word used for "offenses" and "stumbling blocks" in this passage is the word "scandalon", from whence is derived our English word "scandal".  Offenses are those events or words that hinder or greatly diminish belief in the Lord.  To take up offense means to perceive the crossing of a line in a response of anger or bitterness. "Offense" or "stumbling blocks" find their root in the realm of our emotional life, and particularly our responses. To "take up offense" is another way of saying: "I retain resentment, bitterness or a grudge rather than forgiveness".  

When a person takes up an offense, the heart's responses to spiritual truth will be affected. When the heart of a person is ruled by a grudge, rather than grace, the end result will be a limited ability or no ability to appreciate Christ and His word.  As Proverbs 18:19 reminds us - "A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a citadel."

In what circumstances do offenses occur?

A stumbling block or offense occurs when a misplaced word or misunderstanding of a person's actions results in you and I being bitter rather than forgiving. Take for instance a situation in which people are walking into a church building on a Sunday morning. The sun is shining and you see a friend across the parking lot. You proceed to wave at your friend, even shouting his name. The expected return of a friendly wave or perhaps him coming over to meet you doesn't occur. Instead, your friend walks into the church building - with eyes fixed straight ahead. How you and I respond in such instances will define whether we are taking up offense or giving our friend the benefit of the doubt (i.e grace). Perhaps they were late for their Sunday School class or had their mind on something else or they might had been simply caught up in the beautiful morning, not hearing your voice or seeing your friendly wave!

Taking up offense is addressed by Jesus is warned about in the New Testament. In the next post we will explore this teaching further so that we can be equipped to guard against it.  

Jesus' Cry Of Forgiveness From The Cross - Luke 23:34

Hebrews 12:3 "For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

Introduction:

Today's post wants to take to heart the command given in the opening verse above. How can one practically consider what Jesus did on the cross as a means of strengthening their faith? Remarkably, we have seven sayings or statements uttered by Jesus in the six hours He hung on the cross. The following verses from the Gospels summarize these sayings:

1. “But Jesus was saying, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.” Lk 23:34 

2. “And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” Lk 23:43 

3. “When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour the disciple took her into his own household.” Jn 19:26-27 

4. "About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Mt 27:46. Compare Mk 15:34.

5. “After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, “I am thirsty.” John 19:28

6. “Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.” John 19:30 

7. And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” Having said this, He breathed His last.” Luke 23:46 

By meditating on these sayings, we can find a bottomless well from whence to drink and nourish our otherwise barren soul. Today's post will focus on the first saying or what we could call: "The cry of forgiveness".

The cry of forgiveness. Luke 23:34

Andrew W. Blackwood Jr. writes on page 12 of his book: "The Voice From The Cross" - 

"The crucifiers knew well that they were destroying an innocent Man, but each of them had a plausible reason for His act. A soldier, after all, must obey orders. The governor must keep the peace. The High Priest must protect the people from blasphemy. So weak men worked together to destroy the Son of God. They killed Him, but they could not destroy Him. Even in death His love rose above their hatred."

It is in this first saying that Jesus expresses the heart and intent of His atoning work: to provide the basis, the grounds for the forgiveness of sins done by sinners. His addressing God as "Father" would had been shocking to Jewish ears, since no example is found of the Heavenly Father being explicitly referred to on such personal, intimate terms in the Old Testament. Nearly ten times is reference found to the Divine "Father" by name in the O.T. These roughly ten O.T passages speak mainly of the covenant relationship of the Father, Yahweh, to His proverbial adopted son, Israel. Even in spots where the author might address God by the title "Father", it is with the understanding of that person's relationship to the nation of Israel, which was most beloved of God among the nations.
Yet, when Jesus appears on the seen, roughly 140 places refer to the Person of the Father, with nearly all of them addressing Him personally. 

The expression "Father forgive them" denotes Christ's unique relationship to the Father, reminding us that He ever remained the eternal Son in union with the Father in the Godhead. However, as man, He looks up and utters this cry and does so for the sake of those crucifying Him and for those who would had done the same from every generation of sinful men. 

This first "saying" stays the hand of omnipotence from wiping earth off the face of history and interposes between the wrath of the Father and the sinful human race so deserving of such wrath. Christ here gives reason for why the Father ought to forgive such malevolent persons: "for they do not know what they are doing." Ignorance does not necessarily excuse one from responsibility. After all, the Jews and Romans both knew they were executing an innocent man. However, the part they were not privy to was the fact He was not just a man. The Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:8 comments - "the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory."

The wonderful 19th century preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon notes on page 19 of his book: "Christ's Words From The Cross" - 

"Remember, if there be nothing good in you, and if there be everything conceivable that is malignant and bad, yet none of these things can be any barrier to prevent Christ's exercising of the office of Intercessor for you." 

The remarkable thing about this first saying from the cross is that it historically depicts Christ's current heavenly activity on behalf of believers. His High-priestly ministry, though assumed following His ascension into heaven 40 days after His resurrection, was nonetheless a part of His Messianic identity. This opening statement gives us a gateway into the width and depth of the courtyard of the crucifixion scene. May the Christian's faith be nourished by this first saying as we contemplate and consider what He achieved over 2,000 years ago. 

How to get free from taking up offense - forgiveness

Luke 17:1-4 "He said to His disciples, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come! 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he would cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3 Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4 And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.”

The pain of tripping over lego blocks at night
Over the years my children have enjoyed playing with little Lego blocks. I can even recall as a child getting a big pail full of Lego blocks at my grandmother's home and building houses, forts and all sorts of structures. Lego's can be a wonderful experience, that is, until you step on them at night. I'm sure you know of what I speak. You're walking through your house in the middle of the night to get a sip of water when, OUCH! Yep. Someone left their Lego's out in the middle of the living room. There have been occasions where I have almost fallen or tripped because of the pain of those sharp little edges. 

Jesus uses an interesting term here in Luke 17 to describe what it means to "take up offense" - namely, "stumbling blocks". We looked yesterday at what it means to take up offense and how it both harms and hampers the Christian. In Luke 17, this same idea is communicated by Jesus as a warning to His disciples. The word translated "stumbling block" comes from a Greek word from whence we derive our English word "scandal". Scandals in our day and age can cause onlookers to either wag their heads or, in some cases, tempt others to think of doing the same thing. Stumbling blocks or offense never benefits. 

How does one get free from offense? Perhaps from the last post, some were under the impression that one cannot escape this spiritual and emotional malady called "offense". As we explore God's Word, there is only one effective way to not only escape offense, but to avoid it all together - forgiveness. Jesus lays out in three parts the remedy of forgiveness as He warns about how to avoid and escape offense. Notice...

1. Heed the call to let go of the offense. Luke 17:1-2
Jesus starts out in Luke 17:1-2 with these words - "He said to His disciples, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come! 2“It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he would cause one of these little ones to stumble." So, its not a matter of "if offenses will come". Instead, it is more a matter of "when they will come". You and I cannot control what people will say or what events will come into our lives. We also are not living in a fair world, since our world is a fallen one. Older Bible teachers often refer to what are called "the noetic effects of sin", meaning the collateral damage caused by our sin, including broken relationships, mis-understandings, damaged emotions and other various spiritual, psychological and physical maladies that affect the human race.  

You and I must come to terms with the fact that we cannot control our environment nor the way people will treat us. The only thing we can control is our response. The question is: will you be bitter, or better? Will you retain a grudge, or forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13)? Unless the cross is in our center-line of vision, the vulnerability to taking up offenses will be pretty high. 

So to get free or remain free from offense, we've got to learn to "let go". This is at the heart of the meaning of forgiveness. But now notice what else Jesus' says...

2. Heed the call to loosen from blame. Luke 17:3-4
Jesus continues on His warning in Luke 17:3-4 3“Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4“And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.” So in this world of ours, and even in the church, the likelihood of someone saying something wrong, or not saying something that should had been said, can yield in us a response of anger or bitterness if we're not careful. If we have taken strides to guard are hearts through reflecting on God's Word and God's forgiveness in Jesus Christ, the chances of taking up offenses will be greatly diminished. 

Now Jesus is not dismissing from responsibility the one who says careless words or does thoughtless deeds. Often when an offense is taken up, a legitimate hurt has been committed, and not just merely a misunderstanding. Certainly those who are careless or reckless in their treatment of us should be held accountable for their actions. The key of course is by whom should they be held accountable - us or God? 

Such considerations will aid greatly in getting free from offense. We've got to let go, and loosen from blame. But now let's notice one last thing Jesus states concerning how to get free from or in avoiding offense...

3. Heed the call to love in greater faith. Luke 17:5-6
We read the following interesting response of the disciples to Jesus in Luke 17:5-6 "The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” 6 And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and be planted in the sea’; and it would obey you." In as much as the Lord instructs on matters of prayer, I find it intriguing that this teaching and the disciples' remarks follows on the heals of Jesus' teaching on offense. Our pattern for forgiveness is the cross (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13) To forgive those who have hurt us requires, well, great faith. Whenever God is calling us to such a high calling as "letting go, loosening from blame and loving that other person", we need a greater capacity for His love to flow through us. Hence, the request for greater faith is the request for a greater ability to trust God to see them through whenever they heed these challenging words of Jesus.

Unless we forgive as the Lord forgave us, we will fall for offense every time or we will find ourselves ever "stuck in the rut" of offense, rejection and stumbling around. As Jesus points out in Luke 17:4 "And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.”

P2 How forgiveness is the key to accessing God's power for daily living

Philemon 1:25 "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit."

Introduction:

Yesterday we began considering how forgiveness functions as a key for the Christian gaining access to daily empowerment for godly living. We noted yesterday how God's grace is like a door through which one enters to gain access to all of God's power and presence. For the Christian, nearly every day is filled with opportunities to choose forgiveness or the taking up of offense. Each time we turn the key of forgiveness, we walk through the grace God grants to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit indwells the Christian in their human spirit. Not only does He so desire the Christian to walk in His power and presence, but He so desires to walk forth in the Christian. Paul reference to Philemon's spirit indicates the arena in which he expected God's grace and power to operate once Philemon forgave Onesimus. Today we continue on looking at the relationship between forgiveness and the experience of God's power for daily living. 

How forgiveness is closely connected to texts that teach on God's power in the Christian life

When forgiveness is regularly practiced by the Christian, the doorway of the grace of the Spirit-filled life is immediately accessed. I find it interesting that in key New Testament passages where the Spirit-empowered, Spirit-filled life is mentioned, forgiveness is close by. For example, Romans 15:7 states: "Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God." This verse is another way of expressing what we find in forgiveness passages such as Colossians 3:13 and Ephesians 4:32, wherein we read in both those texts: "forgive as the Lord forgave you". It is not even several verses later that we find Paul mentioning in Romans 15:13 "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Within the human spirit of the Christian the Holy Spirit indwells. The Holy Spirit so desires to work forth His power in my life. However, when faced with the prospect of holding onto bitterness or exercising forgiveness - which will I choose? By accepting one another or forgiving one another as God in Christ accepted and forgave us in salvation, we gain access to His power.

We could go on noting how other key passages connect this key of forgiveness to the graceful doorway of God's power. Galatians 5:13-15 is warning people to not operate in unforgiveness, since the urgency of the Spirit's leading is commanded in Galatians 5:16. Ephesians 4:32 urges forgiveness and in the same context, we find the command given in Ephesians 5:18 to be "filled with the Holy Spirit". Or consider Colossians 3:13, wherefore the Christian is to "forgive as the Lord forgave", and then find the principle of the Spirit-filled life spelled out in Colossians 3:16-17. The Apostle Peter includes within his teaching on the Spirit-empowered life in 2 Peter 1:4-11 the practice of "exercising brotherly-kindness" in 2 Peter 1:7. Again, the key of forgiveness is needed to access the doorway of grace placed before the Christian, behind which lies the treasures of living and walking in the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Why forgiveness was necessary for Philemon and why it is necessary for the Christian to regularly access the power of the Holy Spirit for daily living

As we return back to Philemon 1:25, we can see why Paul closed out his short letter to Philemon the way he did. Paul was not only eager to see Philemon walk in the power of the Spirit, he was confident that Philemon would follow through in forgiving Onesimus (compare Philemon 1:21). For Philemon to enjoy the grace or power of God working forth in his human spirit, he needed to forgive. In what we have noted in other New Testament passages, Christians today need to regularly practice forgiveness if they expect to walk forth in the power of the Holy Spirit. Too often, we as Christian walk in defeat or live mediocre Christian lives due to the fact of retaining bitterness for the offenses we take up in the course of life. If we will but take God at His word and forgive as He forgave us, the doorway of grace He places before us to walk in and commune with the Holy Spirit residing in our human spirit will be readily accessible. Forgiveness is the key we need to turn to access His power for daily living.  

P1 How forgiveness is the key to accessing God's power for daily living

Philemon 1:25  "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit."

Introduction:

Today's post is going to deal with how the Christian can access God's power in daily living through forgiveness. The opening verse above closes out Paul's short letter to Philemon. In that letter we find the overarching theme of "forgiveness". One could refer to this book of the Bible as "The Book of Forgiveness". As Paul made his appeal to Philemon to forgive a former runaway slave Onesimus, he noted in his closing remarks his desire to see God's grace operating within Philemon's spirit. 

"Grace" is God doing for us what we could never do for ourselves. Grace is the sum total of God's power toward us. When reference is made to "spirit", it is Paul referring to the "human spirit" within Philemon. Passages such as Hebrews 4:12 and 1 Thessalonians 5:23 speak of human beings as three-part beings: namely, we are a living soul, containing a spirit and all housed within a body. The "spirit" of a man is that person's innermost being. The human spirit is one's center of "God-awareness". In non-Christian people, the human spirit is vacant, devoid of the operations of God. Passages such as Ephesians 2:1-2 refer to unbelievers as "spiritually dead". However, at salvation, the Divine Person of the Holy Spirit "moves into" the person's human spirit. Faith springs forth to receive the work of redemption paid for by Jesus Christ, and thus the Holy Spirit resides within the spirit of a man or woman surrendered in saving faith (see Romans 8:14-16; 1 Corinthians 2:10-13; 3:16; 6:19-20). Wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom and power to operate and live out the will of God (Romans 8:1-5). 

These introductory remarks lead us to consider how forgiveness gains access to living forth in the power of God. Grace, as we mentioned, is the sum total of God's power as brought to us by the Person and work of the Holy Spirit. Forgiveness is the key and the human spirit is the arena of the Holy Spirit's activity. Why would Paul close out his letter indicating his desire to see God's grace operating in full measure in Philemon's spirit? It all has to do with forgiveness being that crucial key to accessing the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Illustrating how forgiveness is the key to unlocking the power of the Holy Spirit.

At our home we have an interior door that we deadbolt and lock at night that functions as our main entryway into our kitchen and our home. Once that door is unlocked, one can enter into the kitchen and really the entire home. When we consider God's grace, God's grace is the door that is placed before us to enter into all the riches of His power and presence. At salvation, God's grace is placed before the sinner, with the faith being the key to access and enter through that door (Ephesians 2:8-9). The power of God is presented and access at saving faith through the gospel (Romans 1:16). 

In the post-conversion Christian life, we still find God's grace in the filling ministry of the Holy Spirit placed before the Christian (Ephesians 5:18). When we talk of the Holy Spirit's filling ministry, we are referring to the guiding ministry of the Spirit that leads to greater obedience, Christ-likeness and empowerment for Godly living (Romans 8:1-5; Galatians 5:16-25; Ephesians 5:18; Colossians 3:16). How is it that the Christian enjoys the power of God in daily living as expressed in the Spirit-filled life? Certainly the key of faith, but there is a second key - obedience (Acts 4:32). Whenever the Christian consistently aims to do the known will of God and to walk out the measure of grace given to them, the power of the Holy Spirit in guidance and leading is granted (Galatians 5:16, 21-25). 

So now when we see God's doorway of grace placed before Philemon in Philemon 1:25, the question is: how is Philemon urged to access God's power? We know Paul is desiring to see God's power (i.e God's grace) operating in greater measure in Philemon's life. There are the keys of faith and obedience which Philemon has in his possession, as spelled out by the description Paul gives of Philemon's robust Christian testimony in Philemon 1:4-7. Yet, there is a third key that not only Philemon needs to access this particular door of grace, but really every Christian must have to unleash God's power in their lives: namely the key of forgiveness. 

More tomorrow........

Some thoughts concerning the essence of true freedom

Romans 8:1-2 "Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death."

Introduction: Comparing National Freedom and Spiritual Freedom

When we talk about freedom, what comes to mind? Undoubtedly the 4th of July celebrates the freedom we have as Americans. American freedom is marked by "independence". The opening paragraph of the Declaration of Independence, states: "When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation."

The July 4, 1776 Declaration of Independence represents the quintessential statement of freedom that birthed forth our nation. Inasmuch as "independence" often marks freedom in respect to men, the opposite is the case in matters relating to the Christian life. 

Sin at its very core attempts to envision life independent from God. Whenever a Christian tries to live apart from submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, the Christian life becomes locked down. Today's post is about explaining Romans 8:1-11 in what we could call: "the declaration of dependence". We will propose that true spiritual freedom is dependence by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. 

The natural human realm generally shows that life independent from God leads to tyranny

The founding fathers of this nation understood as a general principle that living apart from God and His word will only lead to further human tyranny. Unless many of them had either been Christians or at least had been exposed to the Gospel, such an insight might not have been gained. Tyranny is the inevitable outcome whenever a nation or a people attempt to cut its moorings from God. 

Charles Carroll, one of the signers of the "Declaration of Independence", notes: "Without morals a republic cannot subsist any length of time; they therefore who are decrying the Christian religion, whose morality is so sublime and pure...are undermining the solid foundation of morals, the best security for the duration of free governments." Carroll's statement shows that with respect to God in general, what marks true freedom (even more so than national freedom) is not independence, but dependence. The specific revelation of this point in scripture itself reinforces the argument in texts such as Proverbs 14:34 and Jeremiah 18:7-10. 

Spiritual freedom is dependence upon God

Only when one has become born-again by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, the greatest and most purest freedom is experienced. Spiritual freedom is dependence upon the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself states in John 8:34-36 "Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. 36 So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." 

Spiritual freedom's core trait of dependence upon the Lord Jesus Christ is total opposite to how we may typically think of freedom in the natural realm. Galatians 5:1 states - "It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery." The yoke of slavery made us dead in sins and trespasses and separated from God, without hope in this world. (Ephesians 2:12) Jesus Himself states in Matthew 11:28  “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." True freedom is experienced as a result of submission under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. (Luke 9:23-24) Freedom is dependence on God in Jesus Christ.

For people who find themselves enslaved to their past, the chief mark of life is (perceived) independence from God. Paul reminds the Thessalonians of the change that took place in them in 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 - "For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come." 

What about present circumstances? Reliance upon God entails exercising forgiveness towards those who have wronged us. Whenever we forgive, we are laying aside our so-called "rights" of gaining vengeance and instead depending upon what Jesus did on the cross as our paradigm for spiritual freedom (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13). There is never any greater freedom found than when we forgive. In Jesus Christ, our past and our present find freedom. 

Unlike our civil freedom in which we broke ties with a human Sovereign, the Gospel declares that true freedom is only found when we are reconciled to the Divine Sovereign. Spiritual freedom is dependence upon God.

Getting real specific about spiritual freedom in the Gospel - The believer's declaration of dependence - Romans 8:1-11

In general the scriptures assert this underlying premise that true spiritual freedom results from dependence, rather than independence from God. In Romans 8:1-11 Paul spells out what is entailed in the wonder of spiritual freedom that the Christian enjoys as a result of the Gospel. Spiritual freedom in Christ means we have been freed "from" things and are free "to" things. 

1. Freedom from condemnation. 8:1-2

2. Freedom to desire God.   8:5-8

3. Freedom to live for God.   8:3-4,9-11

When we are set free by Jesus Christ in saving faith, we find that we are free to do what we ought to do. You and I cannot get "out" of condemnation unless we are "in" Christ. Romans 8:2 describes how this occurs: namely by the Spirit of Life and His guiding influence or what Paul terms "law". 

On February 20, 1962, decorated WWII and Korean War veteran John Glenn circumnavigated our globe three times in a span of just under 5 hours. Reaching speeds of over 17,000 m.p.h, Glenn achieved a feat that no one had ever accomplished. How did he do it? He did this otherwise impossible feat by climbing into the Mercury program space capsule known as "Friendship 7". Moreover, the laws of lift and science of rocketry were necessary to overcome the other leading influence - gravity. Glenn's inaugural journey was one of the quintessential moments that launched the modern space race. You and I dear friend need to be "in Christ" if we are to declare dependence on God and be set free from condemnation.

Closing thoughts & applications

By being set free from condemnation and set free to desire God, the sinner is transformed into a saint who now can live for God. True freedom depends on God through faith in Jesus Christ, both in the beginning and ongoing realities of Christian salvation. This is what makes Romans 8:1-11 so wonderful, in that it is the believer's “declaration of dependence”. The irony of the Gospel is that one is never more free than when their bound to Jesus Christ. True freedom as spelled out in Romans 8:1-11 means:

1). Freed from condemnation as a result of depending on His righteousness (Romans 8:1-2).

2). Free to desire God as a result of dying to my own selfish desires (Romans 8:5-8).

3). Free to live for God as a result of dying to self (Romans 8:3-4, 9-11) Jesus taught that such freedom is at the heart of what it means to be a follower of Him (Luke 9:23-24; 14:26-33; Romans 6:19-20).

P3 The freeing benefits of forgiveness: The freedom to pray and to walk in God's power

Philemon 1:8-9 "Therefore, though I have enough confidence in Christ to order you to do what is proper, 9 yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—since I am such a person as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus."

Introduction: 

Two days ago we began considering the freeing benefits of forgiveness. We first noted how forgiveness frees one from walking in offense or bitterness . When we walk in offense, we grieve the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30-31) and operate under a closed heaven. We find ourselves walking around with the feeling of rejection and increasing levels of never being satisfied. Only forgiving as the Lord forgave us can free us from such a prison. Then in yesterday's post we considered how forgiveness frees us to enjoy God's forgiveness. God's forgiveness of the believer in Christ provides the logic of forgiveness (see Colossians 3:13; Ephesians 4:32). The "logic of Calvary" is the only way in which we can see forgiveness go from being a duty to delight. In today's post I wanted to deal with two final refreshing benefits of forgiveness, namely how forgiveness frees us up in our prayer-life and thus to walk in the power of the Spirit.  

Forgiveness grants freedom to pray. Philemon 1:21-22
Paul indicates his confidence in Philemon's response to his appeal in verse 21. He also indicates in verse 22 that Philemon is a praying man, since Paul's hope to see Philemon is predicated on Philemon's prayers for his release (Paul was imprisoned). It is no accident then that the confidence of Philemon forgiving Onesimus and mention of Philemon as a man of prayer are linked together. 

Anytime we forgive, our prayer-life is freed from the shackles imposed by a bitter heart. James 4:1-3 warns what happens when unforgiveness clashes with our prayer-life - "What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain;so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures." The freedom of forgiveness setting our prayer-life free is illustrated in Colossians 3:13-15 "bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful."

Forgiveness grants freedom to operate in God's power. Philemon 1:20-25

We read in Philemon 1:20-25 "Yes, brother, let me benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say. 22 At the same time also prepare me a lodging, for I hope that through your prayers I will be given to you. 23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, 24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow workers. 25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit." The refreshment that comes from forgiveness frees the Christian to put down offenses, enjoy God's forgiveness and to pray. But how about walking in the power of the Spirit? You and I dear friend have been called by God to not only walk by faith and walk by the Word but to also walk in the power of the Spirit. Galatians 5:16-17 and 25 state - "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. 25 "If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit."

Closing thoughts
We've spent the last several days considering the refreshing benefits of forgiveness. We saw how forgiveness frees us to put down offenses, enjoy God's forgiveness, pray and walk in the power of the Spirit. May we take to heart what the Spirit of God intended Paul to write in "The Book of Forgiveness" - Philemon.