Facing Giants – Part 3: Living in Forgiveness
Matthew 18:21-35
“Then Peter came to him and asked, ‘Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?’ ‘No, not seven times,’ Jesus replied, ‘but seventy times seven!’”
Matthew 18:21-22 (p.749)
- Forgiveness Brings Freedom, Peace, And Healing.
“…and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.” Matthew 6:12 (p.737)
- Recognize my need for forgiveness.
“But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’ Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt.” Matthew 18:26-27 (p.749)
“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” 1 John 1:9 (p.941)
- Do not withhold forgiveness.
“But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.” Matthew 18:28 (p.749)
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Colossians 3:13 (p.904)
- Commit to forgiveness daily.
“Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt. ‘That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.’” Matthew 18:34-35 (p.749)
“Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentations 3:23 (p.624)
Series Memory Verse: “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13 (p.901)
My Next Step This Week:
____ I will be courageous and forgive the person who has wronged me so I can live in freedom, peace, and healing.
LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION
One Thing: Forgiveness Brings Freedom, Peace, And Healing.
Memory Verse: Philippians 4:13 (p.901)
Bible Background: Parable of the Unforgiving Servant – Matthew 18:21-35
CONVERSATION STARTER
// Can you think of a time you found it hard to forgive someone? How did you feel after you eventually did?
WEEKEND REVIEW
Forgiveness Brings Freedom, Peace, And Healing.
- Recognize my need for forgiveness
- Do not withhold forgiveness.
- Commit to forgiveness daily.
// Was there anything that stood out to you or maybe confused you?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
// Read Matthew 18:23-27 (p.749).
- How does the king’s initial act of forgiveness toward his servant illustrate God’s forgiveness towards us?
- How might this passage challenge us to reflect on our own practices of forgiveness and mercy towards others?
// Read Psalm 32:5 (p.427).
- How does acknowledging our mistakes before God change our relationship with Him and others?
- How does it make you feel knowing that God will forgive you?
// Read Ephesians 4:32 (p.897).
- Can you recall a situation where forgiving someone led to peace? How can you apply that lesson moving forward?
- How can remembering God’s forgiveness towards us help in forgiving others?
// Read Lamentations 3:23 (p.624).
- How does this verse reflect on the concept of daily forgiveness?
- How does the understanding of God’s daily mercies influence your attitude towards forgiving?
- How can applying this verse bring freedom and peace?
// Read Matthew 18:21-22 (p.749).
- What does ‘forgiving someone seventy times seven’ mean to you? (Think of point 3 – Commit to forgiveness daily.)
- How would this consistent forgiveness affect our feelings of resentment or bitterness?
NEXT STEP
My Next Step This Week:
____ I will be courageous and forgive the person who has wronged me so I can live in freedom, peace, and healing.
DIGGING DEEPER
Read Colossians 3:13 (p.904) daily. Reflect on how God has forgiven you daily. What do you need to do to live in His forgiveness and extend it to others today?