March 6 2011 The Word Of Forgiveness

/ Great Plains Community Church/

THE WORD OF FORGIVENESS

(Luke 23:33-43 - When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One." The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself." There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into our kingdom." Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.")

(Psalm 32 – When I refused to confess my sins I was weak and miserable.)

(Psalm 30 – Because I was foolish, I’m bent over and bowed down, I am sad all day long.)

1. Forgiveness begins with God.

(Verse 34 – “Father”)

(Romans 3:23 – All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.)

(Romans 5:8 - But God demonstrates His own love for us in this, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.)

2. Forgiveness requires an intercessor.

(Verse 34 – “Forgive them.”)

(Hebrews 4:14 – Therefore since we have a great High Priest who has gone into heaven, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so we may receive mercy and find grace to help in our time of need.)

(Isaiah 53:12 – He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.)

3. Forgiveness is a universal need.

(Verse 34 – “They do not know what they are doing.”)

(2 Corinthians 5:19 – That God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them.)

4. This prayer is the ultimate example.

(Matthew 5:44 – But I tell you love your enemies.)

5. The practical application.

  • God forgives instantly.

(Isaiah 55:7 – God is merciful and quick to forgive.)

  • God forgives completely.

(Colossians 2:13 – He forgave us all our sins.)

  • God forgives freely.

(Ephesians 1:7 – For by the death of Christ, we are set free.)