Scripture Reading: Scripture Reading: Matthew 18:21-35.
Memory Verse: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” —1 John 1:9
Introduction:
Every human being is a sinner and falls victim to sin’s consequences. The greatest consequence being the severance of fellowship between God and mankind. God’s forgiveness is the means of removing sin and restoring fellowship.
God’s forgiveness is complete. It is available at any time to all who ask. God’s forgiveness purifies, cleanses, heals, restores. Through the sacrifice of Jesus upon the cross, those who come to believe in God can ask forgiveness and receive it and be restored to fellowship.
Leviticus 4 describes the steps the priests of the Old Testament had to follow to seek God’s forgiveness. The priests offered sacrifices as a means of obtaining the forgiveness for God’s people. The God-ordained rituals of the Old Testament also required that the people be penitent, contrite and that they confess the wrongs done and have compassion for others. Ultimately, however, the forgiveness was granted solely by God.
In the New Testament, we also are required to acknowledge our sins, be humble and resolve to depart from sin. This is “repentance.” Very simply, when we repent, God forgives.
Jesus’ death on the cross provides the redemption that was requisite to restore a sinful man to a holy God. When we repent, God sees us through the blood of Jesus. He pardons our sin and removes it completely and remembers it no more. He gives unmerited forgiveness to any who ask.
It has been said that the best way to settle a quarrel is to let the innocent forgive the guilty. In many ways, this is what Jesus has done for us. He was innocent and we were guilty and through His shed blood, we are forgiven.
Lesson Questions:
- When we confess our sins, does the Lord remember our sins? 1 John 1:9; Psalm 103:2-5, 11-12.
- Are there any barriers to us being forgiven? Matthew 6:14-15.
- What attitudes does the Lord want us to have toward others? Luke 6:36-37; 17:4; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13.
- What are the consequences if we do not forgive others? 2 Corinthians 2:5-11; Mark 11:26; Matthew 6:15; Luke 17:1-4.
- Is there any sin that cannot be forgiven? Matthew 12:31-32.
- What are God’s instructions for us, regarding forgiveness? Mark 11:25; Acts 8:22; Matthew 18:6-7, 21-22.
- What is God’s plan for us, as His children? Ephesians 1:7-11; Colossians 2:13-14; 1:14; Acts 5:30-31.
- How is Jesus’ sacrifice upon the cross the ultimate expression of forgiveness? Luke 23:34; Ephesians 4:32.
- Discuss Luke 7:40-50. How was Jesus able to have the power to forgive sins?