Looking to Jesus

These Hebrew believers were experiencing some forms of persecution. MacDonald and Farstad (Believer’s Bible Commentary) noted this in light of the fact that these believers had forsaken Judaism for Christ. Thus they were facing bitter religious and social opposition. There was a danger that they might construe their distresses as indications of God’s displeasure. If this were to happen, they might become disheartened and cave in under the pressure. Worst of all, they might be tempted to give in to the religious pressures and return to the law, the temple and the sacrificial system.

Continuation is the emphasis of this first paragraph of Hebrews twelve, and ‘pressing on’ is presented in the metaphor of a race. If one is to run a race successfully, he must be focused on the goal and determined to endure. Continuing the Christian race likewise will require single-mindedness concentration on Christ and endurance throughout (Heb. 12:1-4). But how should the Christian go about this arduous undertaking? First it is by considering the great cloud of witnesses regarding both their example and limitations (12:1). One should continue by imitating Christ’s example of endurance as the perfect Model for Christians (12:2-3). Then thirdly, one can successfully complete his race by remembering their struggles could be much worse and their battles far more intense (12:4). Categorically, careful thought and consideration should be given to what Christians must do to run their race well. There are four primary considerations.

CONSIDER THE GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES

The life of faith has been wonderfully and adequately demonstrated by this “great cloud” of Old Testament “witnesses” as disclosed in chapter 11 (Heb. 12:1). They illustrate what it means to obey God in spite of the circumstances. What an inspiration it is to read about the great things they experienced and endured because they believed God and acted on His truth. These Hebrew believers should remember also how many of these extraordinary believers from Old Testament times suffered greatly as they obeyed God. Suffering for righteousness sake is a part of the faith journey. This realization drives home the point that their sufferings were not unique. Many of the “witnesses” (Hebrews 11) suffered severely as a result of their loyalty to the Lord, yet they endured (11:36-39). Therefore, the witnesses inspire others to persevere through their own grueling and arduous struggles. The witnesses do not illustrate quitting.

Their exercise of faith demanded unflinching perseverance. This is in spite of the fact that they enjoyed significantly inferior privileges! How then can a Christian who has access to God, a great high priest, a new and living way, a better tabernacle, a perfect sacrifice, a greater prophet, a new testament, an eternal inheritance, and a complete faith cave in to human opposition and cower away from a bold profession of Christ Jesus the Lord. Indeed the “better things” of Christianity have come (11:40). With greater privilege comes greater responsibility!

CONSIDER RUNNING THE RACE WITH PATIENCE

The Christian life is a race that requires discipline and endurance. The Lord with the utmost thoughtfulness has designed a course or race for each child of God to run. It is “set before us.” It is not a competition against other believers, but a challenge to remain on stride with God’s expressed and personalized plan for each believer. Knowing the Lord designed their race course heartens the believer to continue the race with “patience”—undaunted persistence. The race was not contrived by a detached tyrant, but premeditated by a faithful, merciful, and empathetic Christ.

As Christians run, they must strip themselves of everything that would impede their progress. Newell said (Hebrews Verse by Verse), “runners strip themselves of every weight possible, wearing the lightest clothing, the lightest shoes! Many a weight carrier who eventually get to Heaven, will be passed on the way by those who have laid weights aside.” “Weights” are things that may be harmless in themselves and yet hinder progress according to MacDonald and Farstad in the Believer’s Bible Commentary. A Christian’s weights could include material possessions, family ties, the love of comfort, deference to convenience, and lack of mobility. In the Olympic races, there is no rule against carrying an over coat, extra changes of clothing, snow boots, several pieces of luggage, and a backpack with an abundance of food and beverages, but the runner can never win the race that way. Christians in a race desiring to continue their profession of Christ must run light. 

Christians must also lay aside the sin which so easily besets and ensnares them. Certainly this could refer to any form of sin—rebellion, unbelief, or transgression. Sins of omission as well as commission can readily be included in this admonition. Newell noted, “Sin is as natural to the flesh as it is for an animal to breathe. And the moment the eye is taken off Christ, you have the certainty of the sin besetting you.” However, the essential and most particular idea of sin here likely refers to the sin of unbelief. Christians are called upon to believe God regardless; to follow Christ outside the gates to bear His reproach. They must stop toying around with the ideas of compromise, quitting, or apostasy. They must have complete trust in the promises of God and entire confidence that the life of faith is sure to win.

Believers must guard against the notion that the race is an easy sprint. The idea that things will be easy, nice, cordial, uncomplicated, and free of opposition must evaporate in the sunlight of reality—the Christian life is no plush experience. No, believers must be prepared to press on with resolute and unwavering tenacity through all trials and temptations.

CONSIDER FOLLOWING CHRIST’S EXAMPLE OF FAITH

Christians’ supreme Model in the faith race is the Lord Jesus. Though the “great cloud of witnesses” are admirable, Christ is the focal point in the most complete sense of the Christian race. The “great cloud of witnesses” did not experience the fullness of the promises of God (11:39, 40), therefore they are limited as examples. The Lord Jesus; however, is the most complete faith Racer and believers can confidently look to Him. Therefore, throughout the race, Christians should look away from every other object and keep their eyes riveted on Christ Jesus, their foremost Runner (Heb. 12:2).

Newell (Hebrews Verse by Verse, pg. 402) noted that the Lord Jesus “Himself had perfect faith!” He is “the Author,” ‘Pioneer,’ or ‘File Leader’ of their faith in the sense that He has provided them with the only perfect and complete example of what the life of faith is like. Christ’s example of faith is unique and stands out from the previously mentioned examples. Thayer said of Christ, “Who in the pre-eminence of His faith far surpassed the examples commemorated in Chapter 11.” Jesus “pioneered” the path of faith Christians should follow. They must look objectively at Christ Jesus as the most outstanding “Witness” to the life of faith!

Jesus Christ is also the “Finisher” of believers’ faith. He is the ‘Perfecter’ or ‘Completer’ of the life of faith. He not only began the race but finished it triumphantly. He “perfected” the way of faith since He reached its end successfully. But how did the Lord Jesus exercise faith? In what way did He model the faith life?

Essentially the Lord Jesus kept His eye on “the joy that was set before Him,” (12:2) and as a result He obtained an eternal throne (1:9). Just as each Christian has a certain race “set before” them to run, Christ had a special object of joy “set” before Him. The Lord Jesus set Himself to the course with discipline and endurance. He completed every grueling inch of it to the glory of the Father and the redemption of sinners. He actually finished His course, while the Old Testament worthies will do so in the future. In so doing the Lord Jesus “please God” “by faith!” He even “endured the cross, despising the shame” (Heb. 12:2). MacDonald and Farstad (The Believer’s Bible Commentary) quipped,

For Him the race course stretched from heaven to Bethlehem, then on to Gethsemane and Calvary, then out of the tomb and back to heaven. At no time did He falter or turn back. He kept His eyes fixed on the coming glory when all the redeemed would be gathered with Him eternally. This enabled Him to think nothing of shame and to endure suffering and death. Today He is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Believers must keep their sharing and participation in that “joy” and glory clearly in view. After enduring the cross and scorning its shame, Jesus assumed that triumphant position at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb. 1:3; 8:1; 10:12). This foreshadowed and signifies His and the believers’ final victory (Heb. 1:13-14). But don’t miss the point of points here: Jesus pleased God by enduring the hardness by faith. Yes, the Lord Jesus completely satisfied His Father’s holy will. He was ‘pleasing to God’ in the utmost and here once again as throughout the book of Hebrews, God gives His “good report” (Heb. 11:2, 6, 39) about Christ the Author and Finisher of Faith! Christians are to follow this Example of submission, obedience, and “please God” also by continuing in faith. Christ did not draw back, nor must they.

Believers are to rivet their spiritual eyes on Christ and never let them stray from His glorious Example. If they fail to recognize what horrid trials He endured, they could easily become “wearied and faint” in their minds (12:3). It is this consideration of Christ’s sufferings that heartens. This consciousness of the Son of God writhing in agony of body and soul to fulfill God’s will is a most potent medicine. Not only this, but coupled with Christ’s joy and glory that followed, Christians spirits are raised to continue (Heb. 12:3)!

CONSIDER NOTING THAT THINGS COULD BE WORSE

Someone has wisely noted that things could be a lot worse. This was expressed as an incentive to be thankful. Walvoord and Zuck (The Bible Knowledge Commentary) noted, “Nothing is more natural for a person than to overestimate the severity of his trials. The writer did not want his audience to do that.” Thus this is an appeal to embrace a clear and accurate perspective about what they have endured thus far. Compared to what the Lord Jesus went through, no Christian has room to feel too much is required of him or her as they face oppositions.

Now the picture or metaphor changes from a race to a fight against sin—a struggle to counter evil and unrighteousness (12:3). The word “striving” (12:4) is used to introduce this shift in emphasis. MacDonald and Farstad (Believer’s Bible Commentary) said,

Their undaunted Captain is the Lord Jesus; no one ever endured such hostility from sinners as He. Whenever they have a tendency to grow weary and discouraged, they should think of what He went through. Their trials will seem trifling by comparison.

Christians are indeed engaged in a perpetual fight—intense war—against sin (12:4). That is believers must continue in conflict against “sinful men” who opposed them. They must also strive against their own sinful tendencies; resisting all unholy impulses in order to maintain a steadfast Christian profession. Newell observes, “Blessed is the man that has made no inner truce with sin!” Yet they have not resisted to the point of bloodshed, that is, to the point of death. Squarely Christ Jesus did!  Their present situation was indeed challenging, but conditions could deteriorate further. Though things were difficult, they could get a great deal worse. Still they must endure with Christ always before them as their central focus and the joy of being with Him in glory will strengthen them. How are they to pull off such a challenge? The answer is obvious…by looking unto Jesus by faith. He has already successfully blazed the trail before every believer and they must follow Him to the finish line by faith. There enthroned in Heaven, Christ bears testimony to the fact that though the journey is hard, it is still worth it in the end. So, run your race with patience. 

The Mystical Sphere of God's Power

1THESS. 1:1-4

Subject: A Strong Church 

Theme: The Church of the Thessalonians is a positive example because of its leadership, members, teaching, service, and God’s work among them. The Thessalonians provide us with a wonderful model to imitate.

Introduction:  

No doubt you have heard some preacher say, “If you ever find the perfect church, please don’t join it. If you do, it won’t be perfect anymore!”

Since local churches are made up of human beings, saved by God’s grace, no church is perfect. But some churches are closer to the New Testament ideal than others. The church at Thessalonica was in that category. At least three times in this letter, Paul gave thanks for the church and the way it responded to his ministry (1 Thes. 1:2; 2:13; 3:9). Not every pastor can be that thankful.

What characteristics of this church made it so ideal and such a joy to Paul’s heart? –Wiersbe, Warren W.: The Bible Exposition Commentary

Today I wish to explore with you the incredible idea that we are laborers together with God (1Cor. 3:1-15) in the ministry of our local church family! It is this vital relationship, association, and spiritual orientation that fundamentally define why a church exists! It also provides the necessary resources and latitude for us to execute the Lord’s business in the world. So again we pose the question, do we belong to a model church or do we need to be remodeled?

Message:

I.  A Strong Church Has Faithful Ministers.  Vs. 1& 2

1Thes 1:1, Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus…  

Now that we have explored the vital importance of the ministers being faithful to God and trustful of God, we need to take a look at the congregation they all served. Paul addresses them in a most specific manner.

II. A Strong Church Exists in the Sphere of God’s Power. Vs. 1

1Thes 1:1… unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul describes this church as belonging not only to an earthly sphere and location, but a dynamic and spiritual address as well. Just as we gain some sense of our identities, rights, privileges, and opportunities from the physical place we belong to, the same can be said for the spiritual place as well. The question could be asked, “Does our church exists for the community in which it abides or for God?” Another question is who decides? Other questions could be entertained as well like, is it appropriate for a ministry to be relevant to God first and not its community first? Is this association with the Father and the Lord Jesus through my church significant? How does our fellowship with God relate to our purpose as a church? These are good questions, and the following thoughts at least begin to address them from 1 Thessalonians 1:1-4.

Note the Place of this Church

1Thes 1:1… unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ

This local church resides in the city of Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-9). A church should be understood as an assembly of baptized believers called out by God from the mass of humanity to a life of separation to Him and His purpose. This reality means churches have a definite relationship with God and this relationship is primary. While a church obviously has a physical location, this location does not define its purpose or design. It may flavor the culture and feel of the congregation when they meet for worship and service, but it does not define the reason the church exists.

Nevertheless it is important to recognize that each church has a primary people to address its ministry to. Each city or county will have its own unique story comprised of different ethnic compositions, social dynamics, racial tensions, historical moorings, political leanings, cultural values, and economic challenges. These components make a city what it is and govern its future for good or bad. All of these elements influence the way people view each other, the do’s and don’t of the region, and the available opportunities that may be capitalized upon.  The fact that this church was located in Thessalonica presented several social, political, and economic challenges or opportunities. The addition of a Christ-centered church should introduce the city to genuine spiritual realities that would transform the culture.

It is also noteworthy that they are addressed collectively as one assembly in the city of Thessalonica and not as individuals. God’s plan is for a church to function in harmony and unity of purpose. I think it is also significant that early believers identified with the local assembly. You see, belief in Christ always led to joining a fellowship of believers, the church body of Christ in their respective locations (see Acts 2:42–47; 1 Cor. 12:27). These individuals had a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, but they were summoned to live and serve in community with other genuine believers. In an age where church membership is being de-emphasized, God evidently still values and commends it to us all. Finding a good church is challenging, but far from impossible. To reject all churches and go-it-alone is foreign to Bible mandates and teachings. Humble yourself and submit to God’s prescription; get yourself and your family into a church that preaches Jesus Christ as the Savior and Lord, the Scriptures as the final authority in matters of faith and practice, and the Great Commission as Christ’s mission for each assembly.

To be sure, the primary purpose of any authentic church body is to take the gospel to the lost world, disciple the converts, and reproduce itself (1Thess 1:8; Matt 16:18; 28:19-20). Dr. Wiersbe says it well stating, “The church is not a social club; it is a spiritual organism, an organization composed of people whom God has “called out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).” Where is your membership as a real Christian? Have you answered God’s call to belong to one of His assemblies in your city or county? I understand that not everything claiming to be a church is actually a church. I encourage you to discern the real churches and join one out of obedience to God’s design for Christians and churches.

Secondly, the location of this church is in “God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ.” This is obviously a spiritual realm or sphere of operations, but it is profound in the extreme. Churches function and operate from this spiritual realm to impact the natural realm we live in. We are actually executing the will of heaven on earth as empowered and authorized agents and agencies of Jehovah God! This “Sphere of Power” provides relationship, identity, power, authority, provisions, and other spiritual resources. This kingdom reality frees us to practice kingdom principles and gives us the grace to refuse worldly values and ideals. In fact this spiritual orientation is what gives shape and substance to a church's vision and mission. It is not the local city or culture, but the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

Furthermore, the local assembly is grounded in and exists in the sphere and power of the Father and the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Believers and church members are viewed as close to God and under His authority as the church executes its God-given mission in the world. Again our Lord Jesus graciously affords us redemption, relationship, identity, and belonging. Then our heavenly Father wonderfully provides security, love, strength, purpose, meaning, and all spiritual resources required to achieve His will. What a blessed reality!  Beloved, recognizing this shows us who is actually sustaining the life of a true NT Church. Certainly God can sustain His authentic churches wherever they are today. Perhaps a review of God’s boundless power would be helpful to boosting our confidence and dependence upon Him. Notice the power, strength and provisions of our Great God in Nehemiah 9:7-25. 

One more observation is of note in this section. The Lord Jesus Christ is as much God as the Father. Clearly Paul was emphasizing this and also preached this in Thessalonica (Acts 17:3). God the Son is also “Lord;” He is the Sovereign who is to be obeyed. We can please Him by rightly aligning ourselves with a good New Testament church and in concert with that assembly execute the great commission. By doing so we answer our Lord’s desire when He prayed to the Father asking,

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one… (John 17:21–23).

Any genuine church member who is in Christ Jesus is also in God the Father through the new birth experience. Yes, salvation is a prerequisite to church membership. I personally believe a convert becomes a member of a church through water baptism by immersion. Others can be transferred to a church by baptism or a statement of faith. Belonging, spiritual identity and relationship are important to God and they should be to us. God summons us to fellowship and association with Himself and His churches. Recall the words of the Apostle John in1 John 1:3,

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

Each genuine church abides in the same awesome God today. This is comfort for us as we do the work of the ministry! We are laborers together with God. We belong to God and God belongs to us and we no longer belong to the world. Our lives are filled with direction, meaning, purpose, and power as we align ourselves to God's plan. This mystical sphere of power is where we belong; this association shapes the parameters of all else concerning us and our church.

Note the Peculiarity of this Church

1Thes 1:1… unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ

This Church is distinguished from any heathen ‘assembly.’ The fact that it is “IN God” distinguishes this assembly from all other assemblies in the city or region. The passage highlights the distinction between those in the church and others in the city. God’s people are His unique treasure. I know this sounds a bit boastful, but it is actually a biblically and theologically sound idea—a truth.

Perhaps this points to our incredible potential “IN God” or the collective potential of an obedient church “IN” “Jesus Christ.” Among the many implications to be considered is this idea that direction, authority, purpose, power, and resources come from this sphere of power! We cannot achieve anything of significance to God if we rely solely or primarily on naturalistic methods and strategies devoid of the authority and power of God. Yes, it is true that much can be accomplished that men will applaud and celebrate, but still I must ask, what are God’s interests? Sometimes our allegiance to God is diluted or skewed by a sense of obligation to our city or county or certain individuals therein. Before we know it the church is doing things and spending resources on endeavors that have nothing to do with God’s designs for His churches. Increasingly the mission of the Lord’s churches is forgotten and finally forsaken. Yes, some churches will have unique opportunities to serve a community because where they are and the significant challenges in that area. Yes, this will be different for each genuine church, but the core ministry never changes. Beloved, relevance to God comes first and then relevance to the community outside the church. This is not strange talk to anyone who knows the churches belongs to Christ first and foremost. He is the actual Head and Director of each assembly. We exist for the praise of the glory of His grace (Eph. 1:6, 12, 14).

We should remain a distinguished people of God; we are more useful to God as a distinct people instead of a compromising people. We are not of this world’s crowd; we are God’s crowd! Our purpose is to glorify God--to show forth the praises of Him! Beloved, recall the words of the Apostle Peter in 1 Pet 2:9-12,

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10, Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 11, Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12, Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

A church’s activities, vision, and mission are not settled in the city or culture in which the church exists. These elements come from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ in whom we live and move and have our being. The motives and goals that we take aim at come from the God who has already established our agenda. Some of our methods and strategies will change with the times and vary within the culture, but all should be sanctioned by God. It is God’s values and directives that shape our mission and vision and not those values of the community. If what we do is relevant to God, then prayerfully the culture and community will see its value eventually. What can I say…we are a peculiar people; we are God’s treasured people and we live to show forth “the praise of Him who hath called us out of darkness” and into His marvelous light! Doing this and focusing on this fills life with meaning and purpose, and though our activities are mundane at times, they still transcend the temporary to impact the eternal.

It is true we need to be students of the city or county we are attempting to reach with the gospel, but the culture does not shape our values, vision, or mission. People do need a sense that those who seek to serve them actually understand who they are. People have a fundamental need to feel valued, appreciated, and respected, but how much does God deserve the same. Once again recall the evangelistic strategy of the Apostle Paul saying,

For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. (1Cor. 9:19-23, KJV)

Clearly he made any necessary social and cultural adjustments to accommodate the neutral amoral elements or cultural idiosyncrasies of a given people group. In no way did he sanction, dismiss or condone sin or superstitions. To each people group Paul came across as someone who respected their social nuances, customs, courtesies, and history. Paul understood what was merely an amoral matter and what was actually a moral concern. This is very healthy evangelistic agility and a demonstration of godly love. Paul’s approach is also pure respect for a people and who they are.

Needless cultural offenses can limit the impact of the gospel and a church. It is true the gospel is offensive enough already without adding pointless disrespect. Paul understood this. Yes, we are to be well informed about the culture in which we work, but this knowledge does not influence our core purpose as a church. This understanding enables and empowers us to handle an ethnic group or a foreign people with the correct form of respect and dignity. I served in a foreign country for more than 20 years as a member of our military and as a missionary. I get what Paul is referring to! Every foreign missionary or state ambassador gets the incredible importance of this. What we fail to realize is that a country as multicultural as the United States of America will have many such considerations. One key is seeking to understand another people group or culture. Engaging in honest dialog with an aim to understand first and then to be understood second is paramount. Respecting people because they are human beings who bear the image of God is fundamental. Treating folks the way we want them to treat us is our Lord's council and strategy. Communicating empathically can help us overcome the ethnic and racial tensions to achieve mutual understanding. Beloved, God gives believers the wherewithal to overcome these types of challenges as we move the gospel of Jesus Christ to the regions beyond. 

Struggling To Forgive!?

Mark 11:25-26; Eph. 4:31–32

Old hurts cannot be ignored. We must forgive those who have hurt us to obey the Lord, and to prevent personal destruction and spiritual shipwreck. As stated in a related article, an unforgiving heart is an issue that nearly all of us are confronted with along our journeys. An unforgiving attitude that is permitted to take root in our hearts, fester, and grow is both painful and destructive. Some regard it as the essential source of many physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual problems plaguing our society.

The apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians saying: “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: [32] And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Eph. 4:31–32)

·                Paul was describing the manifestations of an “unforgiving heart” when he spoke of bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking.

·                An unforgiving spirit goes beyond a temporary unforgiving attitude, which is the period in the life of a Christian between the time a person is hurt and the time he forgives the one who has hurt him.

·                An unforgiving spirit develops when we choose to remain in an unforgiving state toward a person who has wronged us. It is when we opt to hold on to the pain!

An unforgiving heart is summed up in this remark: “I don't think I could ever forgive that” (Stanley). We feel we have been dealt with in such an unjust, harsh, embarrassing, unfair, harmful way that we refuse to let go of the pain.

·                We all must face the fact that we all will be hurt. We have been hurt, are hurting now, or are going to be hurt by somebody in some area. The only way we can insulate ourselves against being hurt is removing ourselves completely from the possibility of love. To risk love is to risk being hurt along this journey.

·                Hurt is unavoidable, but we can deal with hurt. No pain is too deep or too widespread to be beyond the power of God’s forgiveness working in and through us. Being unforgiving is a choice we make with the will, and it is a bad choice.

Today we need to look at three areas related to Forgiveness:

·                Why Can’t I Forgive? (Mark 7:20-23)

·                Why Should I Become Forgiving? (Heb. 12:14-17)

·                Where Do I Begin? (Mark 11:25-26)

I.                  Why Can’t I Forgive? (Mark 7:20-23)

The Reason for an Unforgiving Spirit is a Carnal Heart; until we deal with our lack of spiritual power and grace we will never develop a forgiving heart. People have an unforgiving spirit for three primary reasons.

A.     BECAUSE OF CARNALITY IN THE FORM OF PRIDE.

                                                 1.      Mark 7:20-23, says, “And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. [21] For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, [22] Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: [23] All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.”

                                                 2.      We simply do not want to forgive because we believe that in some way, forgiving the other person will diminish us (Stanley). We’re afraid that people will think we’re weak, and our pride cannot tolerate such ‘additional humiliation.’

                                                 3.      In other cases, we may not want to admit that we have indeed been hurt, or to confess that we are finding it difficult to forgive. We fear people will look down on us for feeling hurt or for having an area of weakness in our spiritual lives.

                                                 4.      And in still other cases, we may enjoy the attention and consolation that we receive from others who know we have been wronged. To forgive would be to step out of the limelight of their concern (Stanley).

                                                 5.      In all of these cases, our unforgiving spirit stems from pride and saving face with associates. For many people this is a good enough reason for hanging onto an offense against us. Actually such actions only reinforce a highly detrimental stronghold in our lives and contribute to our downfall (Prov. 16:18)!

B.     BECAUSE OF CARNALITY IN THE FORM OF CONTROL.

                                                 1.      Not only carnality at the core of our spiritual expression, but also the need or desire to control life, developments, situations, and even people.

                                                 2.      The Apostle Paul said in Romans 12:19, “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

                                                 3.      Again in Romans 12:21, he said, “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”

                                                 4.      This is closely linked to pride, but differs with respect to motives and actions.

i.         To fail to forgive is to harbor a desire for revenge—to make certain that the person who has wronged us is punished according to our standards of what is right and wrong, or according to our standards of what is a fair punishment.  We want to make sure that the person who has wronged us is punished in the way we choose. The only way we can ensure that is to hold on to the person, even if it’s only holding on to the person in our hearts.

ii.       We Refuse to Let Go and Leave the Person in God’s Hands because that requires giving up control in the matter. The desire for vengeance is so strong that we cannot and will not trust even God to handle the matter adequately.

C.     BECAUSE OF CARNALITY IN THE FORM OF IGNORANCE. Paul, the apostle, tells us in Colossians 3:12-13, to “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; [13] Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”

                                                 1.      Evidently the Believers required such knowledge and instruction to improve the quality of their interpersonal relationships. If they understood these matters, they had failed to employ this biblical strategy. Either way ignorance is the problem!

                                                 2.      Some People Don’t Know How to Respond to Old Hurts and Painful Situations. They have never been taught how to forgive and so they have not practiced forgiveness. Many are plagued with gross misunderstanding about what forgiveness actually is according to the Bible. Obviously they do not respond God’s way to offenses.

                                                 3.      Others Have a Faulty Understanding of What it Means to Forgive.

i.         Though Christ has bridged the gap between us and God so that we are forgiven once and for all, we only experience God’s forgiveness in personal, practical ways as we learn to forgive others from day to day.

ii.       None of us has experienced as great a wrong against ourselves as that which we have all done to God (Matt 18:33). God had to give up his only Son to forgive us; we have nothing to give up but our selfish natures and our unwillingness to forgive those who have wronged us.”—The Life Application Commentary Series

iii.      Worldly ideas surrounding forgiveness guide Believers more often than the Word of God and the example of God. Because these often faulty ideas are perpetuated in literature and movies they are a part of our cultural fiber. As a result Christians operate with these worldly assumptions while disregarding God’s motives and model of forgiveness.

                                                 4.      Also, Nonbelievers Find it Difficult to Forgive Others Fully Because They Have Not Experienced Forgiveness from God in Their Own Lives.  This biblical requirement is prescribed in Ephesians 4:31-32 … “forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”

i.         God's forgiveness to us is the model for our forgiveness of others.

ii.       And in part, it is because of the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives that we are enabled to forgive and release another person fully.

                                                 5.      If You Are Struggling Today with being Unforgiving, Ask Yourself Why You Refuse to Free the Other Person. What compels you to hang on to that hurt and memory? Is it Pride, Control, or Ignorance?

II.               Why Should I Become Forgiving? (Heb. 12:14-17)

We Should Develop a Habit of Forgiveness Because an Unforgiving Spirit Is Extremely Costly to You and Those Around You. Hebrews 12:14-17, Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: [15] Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; [16] Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. [17] For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

Bitterness is the key thought from this passage that relates to our subject of forgiveness. Sometimes bitterness is rooted in an offense or hurt that has not been dealt with properly or God’s way.  The hurt individual can become a “root of bitterness” and thus poison the lives of anyone within their influence.  This means damage in our fellowship with the Lord as well as any relationships we may cherish. This potential should motivate us to cultivate a habit of forgiveness.

A.     OUR HURT CAN CAUSE US TO HURT OTHERS (Heb. 12:15) “many be defiled”

                                                 1.      Our Pride and Our Desire for Control Are at the Heart of Our Trying to Have the Upper Hand over the person who has wronged us, to seek an advantage over the one who has caused us hurt.

                                                 2.      Our Hurt Can Also Cause Us to Take out Our Bitterness and Resentment on Others, even those who may not have hurt us directly. (See also Matt. 18:23–35)

B.     WE HAVE NO REASON TO HARBOR AN UNFORGIVING ATTITUDE (Heb. 12:15)

                                                 1.      Every Believer Has God’s Available Grace. “lest any man fail of the grace of God” The word "grace," refers to all the benefits that God has bestowed on his children. Believers should “diligently” encourage each other to appropriate these blessings, because these will help us remain faithful. Too often we "miss out" because we are not aware of certain of God’s promises, teachings, or guidance.

                                                 2.      No One Has a Right to Harbor an Unforgiving Spirit (Eph. 4:31–32). The Cross strips us of that right. If Jesus Christ—pure, sinless, without guile or any shadow of deceit—died on the cross to forgive you, you have no right or privilege to deny that forgiveness to another person who, in reality before God, is in the same position you have been in: a sinner in need of forgiveness (MacDonald).

                                                 3.      Forgiveness of Others Is Essential. There may be excuses for us to harbor an unforgiving spirit, but no excuse is a justifiable reason before our heavenly Father. He commands us to forgive.

C.     THE CONSEQUENCES OF AN UNFORGIVING SPIRIT ARE MANY (Heb. 12:15). Note these words in Hebrews 12:15, “lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you.”  I’ll list four troubling consequences of an unforgiving spirit:

                                                 1.      You Will Suffer Damage in Your Fellowship with the Lord. The Holy Spirit will continually bring your unforgiving attitude to your mind until you deal with it. You will feel deep restlessness and uneasiness in your spirit until you do. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit cannot empower you as an unforgiving believer. Your ability to minister to others will be stunted.

                                                 2.      You Will Experience Damaged Relationships. You are likely to have relationships marked by anger and fighting—sometimes with what seem to be volcanic eruptions of rage.

                                                 3.      You Will Experience Emotional Bondage. Your memories may torment you, causing you to relive again and again the pain you have experienced. You very likely will find that you have little capacity to love others or to receive love. Intimacy may be difficult for you (Stanley).

                                                 4.      You Will Suffer Damage to Your Physical Being. Unforgiving attitudes put an overload on the nervous system, and eventually, a fuse will blow in some area of your body. The physical body was not designed by God to endure the long-standing stress caused by an unforgiving spirit (Stanley).

                                                 5.      But There Is Good News! You Do not Have to Settle for an Unforgiving Spirit (Eph. 4:31–32).

III.           Where Do I Begin? (Mark 11:25-26)

      You Must Deal with Your Unforgiving Spirit; this is inescapable.  To be responsible with the information you have received you need to develop the discipline of forgiveness.  

A.     NOTICE THE RECOURSE WE MUST TAKE.  The Lord Jesus said in Mark 11:25-26, “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. [26] But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”

                                                 1.      The First Step is Turn to God for Help.  To conquer an unforgiving spirit, recognize your need for God’s help to remove this mountain and the power of believing prayer (Mark 11:20-26). 

i.         I also personally believe that God ministers grace to His people as we abide in prayer before him in utter humility (Prov. 3:34; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5).

ii.       Confess to Him that you have harbored an unforgiving spirit. Ask Him to forgive you for your unforgiving attitude.

iii.      Ask Him to release you of the pain as you take these steps. And believe, by faith, that He will do so. Remember His grace is always sufficient (2 Cor. 12:9).

                                                 2.      The Second Step is Identify the Offender.  In dealing with an unforgiving spirit, identify the person or persons who have hurt you. They may be someone you encounter frequently or someone who lives miles away. It may be someone close to you or someone who has died. It is vital that you give a face to your violator and offender.

                                                 3.      Thirdly, Follow The Steps of Forgiveness.

i.         Forgive Them. Because you are in the right, you have power over the other persons. Please don’t abuse that power (Matt. 18:28-33).

a.       Forgiveness and “forbearing one another” are important to relationships because it is inevitable that we will hurt each other (Col. 3:13). We fail. We blow it. This is reality. We are all wounded human beings who wound each other. We cannot have lasting relationships unless we know this and know that we will have to forgive ourselves and the other person (Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13).

b.       Forgiveness, however, does not mean that we are to pretend that everything is fine when it is not. Forgiveness is not a bandage. It is a process.

c.       Forgiveness involves (1) facing the hurt we have experienced, (2) talking about the hurt, (3) feeling whatever we feel, (4) trying to solve whatever problems are involved, (5) asking for what we need, (6) accepting the other person’s limits and (7) letting go of the hurt and of our demands.

ii.       To Forgive is to Forget.  This does not mean that the memory of an offense against us will immediately disappear, but it does mean we will not bring up the offense again in the future.  It also means we refuse to allow the offenses to control or dominate the relationship.  We reduce it to a nonfactor once it has been forgiven. Though we may still remember what transpired, it exerts no meaningful influence on the relationship.

iii.      Explain That The Violation Must Never Happen Again.  Forgiving others does not mean allowing them to continue to hurt you.

iv.     Remember Their Better Moments. We all have our highs and lows. It takes maturity to treat people according to their best qualities.  It takes love to believe the best for them and about them (Phil. 4:8; 1Cor 13:7, 8).

                                                 4.      Fourthly, Weigh Carefully the Consequences and Choose to Exercise Godly Wisdom.

i.         James 3:17-18 says, But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. [18] And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

ii.       Choose to be easy to approach and work with and consciously pursuit peaceful relations whenever possible. Be willing to show mercy to others as we all will need mercy from others.

iii.      God will not forgive you as long as you harbor a bitter unforgiving spirit (Mark 11:26).

iv.     Remember Jesus promised we will have the things we utter in prayer (Mark 11:23-25).

v.       Then draw a line between all your pain and the hurt that has occurred in the past. And declare, “By the grace of God, I release them today. I refuse to hold these things in my heart and memory any longer. I choose to be free of the pain they have caused me.” (Stanley)

                                                 5.      Trust the Lord to Help You.

i.         Choose to take a new direction in your life, one that is free of pain and bondage associated with old hurts and past suffering.

ii.       If you continue to think of things the hurtful party has said or done, do the exercise again. If other people come to mind, release them also. If you have an unforgiving spirit, you may very well need to forgive several people. Deal with each person you believe has hurt you.

B.     NOTE THE RESULTS WE CAN EXPECT. Hebrews 12:14 counsels us to, “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord”.  Peaceful relations and a holy walk before the Lord are priceless outcomes! Life is happier, free, and filled with spiritual riches! The results of taking this act of your will are these:

                                                 1.      Your Memory Begins to Be Healed. You will think less and less often of the offending person, and each time with less hurt.

                                                 2.      You’ll Begin to See the Person You Have Forgiven in a New Light. You are likely to see the person you have forgiven as a sinner in need of God’s forgiveness, and you likely will have more compassion for him or her.

                                                 3.      You’ll Begin to Experience Freedom in Your Emotions and in Your Ability to Relate to Other People. You are no longer in bondage to that person and you are likely to feel free to relate to other people more readily. If you have been afraid to risk loving another person, you likely will have the courage and strength to take that risk.

                                                 4.      You May Also Experience Reconciliation with the Person You Have Forgiven. That is not always the case, but sometimes it is possible for there to be a coming together again in friendship or love (Stanley).

Thus through the previous article “Forgiving is Liberating” and this one we have considered five areas related to forgiveness:

I. Forgiveness is Setting Someone Free (Luke 7:39-43)
II. An Unforgiving Spirit Is Hatred (Luke 6:27-31, 35-37)
III. The Reason for an Unforgiving Spirit is Carnality (Mark 7:20-23)
IV. An Unforgiving Spirit Is Extremely Costly (Heb. 12:14-17)
V. You Must Deal with Your Unforgiving Spirit (Mark 11:25-26)

Those who receive forgiveness from God are expected to extend forgiveness to others. And those who extend forgiveness to others are in a position to receive God’s forgiveness. Jesus said so in Mark 11:25–26. The challenges of life sometimes reveal to us that we have not forgiven others, and therefore, we must stand in our own sin and are subject to its consequences, which are never pleasant.

The Lord calls us to willingly forgive others. When we forgive those who may have wronged us, we are in an advantageous position to receive forgiveness from the Father.

To fail to forgive is to harbor resentment, which can grow into bitterness, which in turn always brings us into adverse relationships with others. To fail to forgive is also to harbor a desire for revenge—to make certain that the person who has wronged us is punished according to our standards of what is right and wrong, or according to our standards of what is a fair punishment. The Scriptures teach that we are to leave vengeance to the Lord and not take it upon ourselves (Rom. 12:19). Anytime we attempt to act as the judge, jury, and law for another person, we are in danger of being judged ourselves.

Again, if you choose to remain in an unforgiving state, the effects are like a slow poison that works in the soul and spirit (Stanley). An unforgiving spirit is always corruptive, destructive, and degenerative. Choose to be free of the bondage associated with an unforgiving heart. Choose to forgive!