The Servant God Uses

“The Servant God Uses”

1Thess. 2:1-12

Subject: Modeling Ministry Character

Theme: The servant God uses has the gospel as his priority, grace as his motive, and glorifying God as his purpose.

Introduction: Often the qualities that God desire in His servants are not appreciated at all by the world or even the church. This could lead to slander against even God’s choicest servants. Paul planted a church in Thessalonica and because of persecution he left to start churches elsewhere. The believers that Paul left behind no doubt heard some of the things that were said about Paul and as a result Paul is now writing to clear up any misunderstandings concerning the accusations against him and to ensure that His ministry does not suffer loss because of the statements of his enemies. In this section Paul defends his ministry and provides for us a beautiful profile for the kind of servants God will use. Certainly, we learn here what should drive and compel a real servant of the Lord.

Message:

I.               He Accepts the Gospel Mandate as a Priority (1Thess. 2:1-4).

a.     Believing Ministry Will be Fruitful (1 Thess. 2:1). Upon their arrival they know the gospel would work effectively in hearts and that people would be saved! Their initial visit and arrival was fruitful, genuine, and not a failure, even though he had faced previous ministry challenges.

b.     Choosing to be Persistent in Difficulties (1 Thess. 2:2). Despite the opposition, conflict, and contention, God gave them courageous boldness to keep preaching. “The point is that the primary ministry of a Christian is the ministry of character. What we are is far more important than anything we ever say. Our unconscious influence speaks more loudly than our conscious influence.”^[1]

c.      Working with Clean Motives (1 Thess. 2:3). Beloved, choose pure motives in the Lord’s work. Qualities like integrity—noting our message must never be deceitful, morally uncleanness, or manipulative.

d.     Regarding Service as a Trust from God (1 Thess. 2:4). “Paul said he spoke out of the best motives, realizing that God had put his heart to the test. He and his companions spoke not … to please men, but God. Having been found approved (dedokimasmetha, “shown by testing to be genuine”) by God, He entrusted them with the gospel.”^[2]

e.      Trusting God’s Commission Over Human Popularity (1 Thess. 2:4). Approved and entrusted by God with the gospel—a sacred charge, seeking to please God—who examines human hearts—rather than seeking people’s praise.

 

Ultimately the goal is not pleasing people or seeking human approval, but pleasing God who searches and tests our hearts. Our message comes from God’s calling rather than a desire to please people. This is the focus, mandate, and priority of every genuine servant of God. 

II.           He Acts with Gracious Motives and Practices (1Thess. 2:3-11).

a.     Refusing the Motives God Rejects (1 Thess. 2:3-6).

                                                    i.     Refuse Deceit (2:3).

                                                  ii.     Refuse Uncleanness (2:3).

                                                iii.     Refuse Guile (2:3).

                                                iv.     Refuse Man-pleasing (2:4). We should minister to please God and not men.

                                                  v.     Refuse Flattery (2:5). We should not use flattery to manipulate others and to get what we want. The true servant does not serve for what they can get out of it.  

                                                vi.     Refuse Covetousness (2:5). We should not entertain hidden agendas to facilitate our greed.

                                               vii.     Refuse Prestige (2:6). The true servants do not seek status! We must not serve to secure recognition but instead be willing to forego our rights and privileges at times for the benefit of others.

                                             viii.     Refuse Rights (2:6). 

1.     Even though the apostles of Christ had the rightful authority to demand financial support or assert power over the churches, Paul willingly gave up this right.

2.     “The missionaries were not seeking the praise of any man but the praise of God. Traveling philosophers and orators were common in the Roman Empire. They itinerated from place to place, entertaining and seeking a personal following for fame and fortune. Paul and his companions had nothing in common with such men! Rather than seeking something for themselves they delighted in giving to others freely.”^[3]

b.     Selecting the Motives God Reveres (1 Thess. 2:7-11).

                                                    i.     The Gentleness of a Mother (2:7-8).

1.     The true servant’s ministry is characterized by motherly love and gentleness 1Thes 2:7-8

a.      Our ministries toward each other should be characterized by gentleness 1Thes 2:7          

b.     Our ministries toward each other should be characterized by affection and love 1Thes 2:7-8

2.     Instead of lording it over God’s heritage, he was gentle among them as a nursing mother caring for her own children. Paul realized that new converts need nursing, and he carried on this ministry with all the solicitude of a devoted mother.

3.     So deep was his affectionate concern for them, he was anxious to share with them rather than to receive from them. His was not a cold, perfunctory dispensing of the gospel of God but a pouring out of his very soul. He loved them, and love is heedless of cost. Like his Master, he did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life (Mark 10:45).

                                                  ii.     The Industry of a Laborer (2:9).

1.     A further evidence of Paul’s unselfishness was working as a tentmaker to earn a living so that he could minister to the people without being a burden to any of them. While it is true that the gospel preacher is entitled to financial support from other Christians, it is commendable to see him foregoing this right, if necessary, from time to time.

a.      A true minister of Christ will continue to preach the gospel whether he receives money for it or has to work to finance himself.

b.     Notice he labored and toiled and night and day. The gospel didn’t cost the Thessalonians a penny, but it cost Paul plenty.

2.     I recall the cool winters when we lived with my grandparents. After school each day my Grandad and I would head into the forest to get firewood for the fireplace. It was cold so we dressed warmly and grabbed a few wood sacks and headed out to the forest before it got too dark to work. We would locate a fallen tree, finish cutting it down or up with our axes and then gather it into the sacks and bring it home on our backs.  Many times, we split the logs in two before we could carry it a half mile on our backs to the home wood pile. Periodically we cut down large oak trees, and this would involve a great deal of work splitting the logs, stacking them, and storing them for use later. This was hard work for an early teenage boy, and I can remember being bone weary and tired from such physical labor.  I believe this is the labor and weariness Paul is referring to.

                                                iii.     The Example of a Mentor (2:10). The believers could testify to Paul’s exemplary behavior toward them; and God also was a Witness that he was devout (or holy), just (or righteous), and blameless. If the best sermon is a holy life, Paul was a great preacher. Not like other preachers whose eloquence was greater than his conduct!^[4] None of the members of the assembly could accuse Paul of being a poor example.

                                                iv.     The Wisdom of a Father (2:11). Fathers must live so that they are good examples to their children. He had lived a dedicated life, while caring for the church family.

1.     His life was holy. He “carefully fulfill the duties God gives to a person.”

2.     His life was also righteous. This refers to integrity, uprightness of character, and behavior. This is the practical righteousness that God works out in our lives as we yield to Him (Phil. 3:4–10).

3.     Paul’s life was also unblamable. Meaning “not able to find fault in.” His enemies might accuse him, but no one could level any charge against Paul and prove it. Christians are supposed to be “blameless and harmless” as they live in this world (Phil. 2:15).

a.      A father must not only support the family by working, and teach the family by being a good example. He must also take time to speak to the family members personally…. To be sure, this is difficult and demanding work. But it is rewarding work that glorifies God.

b.     Paul encouraged the new believers. This is what a father does with his children, for children are easily discouraged. New Christians need someone to encourage them in the Lord. ^[5]

Beloved, our preaching and ministry must be honest, selfless, and driven by an authentic mature love. You see genuine spiritual leadership exhibits transparency, hard work, personal sacrifice, and genuine affection—like a loving mother and a guiding father—rather than manipulation, profit, greed or deceit.  

III.        He Aims at a Glorious Mark of Purpose (1Thess. 2:12).

a.     Accept God’s Invitation Today. 1 Thessalonians 2:12 says, “That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.” Spiritual leadership is much like a loving father toward his children—exhorting, encouraging, and charging believers individually. But notice God’s invitation:

                                                    i.     “Walk” involves the daily course of behavior, practical conduct, and exemplary activities. A continuous, step-by-step way of living.

                                                  ii.     “Worthy of God” is matching or reflecting God’s character, holiness, and reputation. We cannot earn or match God’s absolute perfection on our own merit, but our lifestyle should honor the One who saved us.

                                                iii.     “Who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory” reflects on a future realm that is a partial reality currently—a high destination and divine invitation. God has summoned believers into His present reign of grace and future eternal glory, which should motivate a distinct, gracious, and righteous lifestyle. Why not submit to our King already?

b.     Labor With Him for Precious Souls! God is really the One doing the calling, moving believers out of darkness and into His own present reign and future heavenly glory. 

                                                    i.     Respond to God Incredible Grace: Obedience and good conduct flow from being called by God, not to force God to call us.

                                                  ii.     Apply Yourself to Personal Care: True spiritual leadership and church ministry involve personal, tailored care—knowing when someone needs a push, a word of comfort, or a firm reminder. (See Knowing Jesus or Bible Ref) 

Criticisms of modern church leaders often center on concerns about self-centeredness, power concentration, and a shift away from traditional pastoral care. Modern leaders are selfish and even toxic!

• They Focus on Self-Promotion: Critics and researchers, such as the Barna Group, note that some modern pastors lean toward celebrity culture, spending more time promoting themselves than serving their congregations. (Malphurs Group)
• They Use Autocratic Control: Toxic leaders often eliminate accountability structures, surround themselves with “yes men,” and punish or sideline anyone who questions their decisions. (Church Answers)
• They Exploit and Use Tithing Pressure: Discussions on platforms reflect a broad consensus that abusive or overly controlling environments frequently feature demeaning approaches to tithing, financial manipulation, and treating congregants as a means to an end. (Carey Nieuwhof)
• They Invert Dynamics (“The Flock for Me”): Observers point out that unhealthy church cultures flip the biblical model of a shepherd laying down life for the sheep into a dynamic where the congregation exists to serve the leader’s ego, career, or financial gain.

Conclusion:

The servant God uses has the gospel as his priority, grace as his motive, and glorifying God as his purpose. It is also true that people will not necessarily understand or appreciate your efforts; they may even take your sacrifices for granted and question your motives. Yeah, it’s a painful reality that the best of God’s servants have and still deal with. Even the Lord Jesus in his tireless efforts for others had many critics still! Many of the very people we serve might even feel like they deserve better obligations or far more from us. They are literally far too immature to recognize the mountainous contributions of other ministers to their welfare! All they can think of is what they want, expect, demand, require…. This is how a baby acts! The important thing to focus on is pleasing our Lord Jesus with the correct motives and activities. This is where our focus must be as servants of Christ. Seek to please God! Do not focus your heart on satisfying every demand of people, concentrate on pleasing your Lord! Rest in His satisfaction and pleasure.

Paul, along with Silvanus and Timothy, defends their efforts to bring the good news to the Thessalonians, emphasizing three primary focuses:

• A Purposeful Arrival: Their visit was not unsuccessful; it was motivated by a genuine desire to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ (verses 1-2).
• A Trustworthy Message: They gave a truth-filled message that was free from deception and error, aiming to please God rather than mere people (verses 3-4).
• A Selfless Care: They expressed deep affection for the Thessalonians, sharing not only the Gospel but also their own life, demonstrating the characteristics (care, labor, example, wisdom) of loving parents (verses 7-12).

These verses illustrate the qualities of a true servant of God, featuring integrity, gentleness, and commitment to the well-being of the young congregation. Accordingly, leaders must be servants marked by humility, sacrifice, and stewardship rather than personal elevation. Accountability in healthy church models emphasize transparency, shared leadership, and adherence to scriptural guidelines (such as Titus 1:7) that disqualify leaders who pursue dishonest or selfish gain. (The Gospel Coalition)

Beloved, we must personally emphasize the significance of being a true servant of God who is deeply rooted in the grace of God. Choose the purpose of Christian service because it contributes to the fullness of Christ, and that every believer, regardless of their role, is called to minister to this end. True servanthood begins with you and me as individuals, who embody Christ and glorify His grace personally. These are essential qualities of a servant, including humility, assurance, and joy, all stemming from a deep understanding of God’s grace and plan. God calls us to recognize our identity as servants who reflect the grace of God in our lives. (See T. Austin-Sparks)

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^[1] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 2026.

^[2] Thomas L. Constable, “1 Thessalonians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 694.

^[3] Thomas L. Constable, “1 Thessalonians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 694.

^[4] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 2027–28.

^[5] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 166.

What About Annihilation?

“What About Annihilation?”

Rev. 20:10; Mark 9:42; Matt. 26:24 

 

SUBJECT: HELL/EVANGELISM

THEME: Perhaps a better understanding of Hell will stir us to become more consistent evangelists for our Lord.

RELEVANCE: Our compassion for the perishing multitudes must be informed and aroused by the realities of Hell, to encourage us to become involved or remain with the task of evangelism. Multitudes are dying without Christ and going to Hell, who will give themselves to consistently point them to Christ?

INTRODUCTION:

The dreadful final future of the unsaved is distinctly outlined for all to witness! Rev. 20:14-15, And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. [15] And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

This is why we need to be motivated to share the Gospel and send out missionaries! Our neighbors and the world are destined for a Devil’s Hell forever! We must be concerned to reach them for Christ before it’s too late. But a question lingers that I must answer.... 

MESSAGE:

Are The Unsaved Annihilated in Hell? (No!)

This question has been asked out of a desire to defend the merciful nature of God, “Are people eventually annihilated in Hell?”. People failed to accurately see how grave sin really is and how much God finds it offensive. We tend to feel sorry for the unsaved, but what about God’s righteous nature? We tend to value people’s comfort more than we value God holiness without even realizing we are. We all want to hurry to emphasize the loving compassion of God while at times ignoring His righteousness and love for justice. We default to avoiding the awkwardness this realization may create for a sinner. Another result is we’re incline to find it unbelievable that a good God would commit ‘good’ people to Hell forever.

A. CONSIDER THE CLEAR STATEMENTS OF SCRIPTURE.

God deals with these matters in the clearest terms in many cases.

1. Sinners Will Suffer in Hell Eternally.

Rev. 20:10, And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

The final and permanent defeat of Satan, who is cast into the lake of fire to join the beast and the false prophet (one thousand years later) to face eternal torment. This verse triumphs the ultimate victory of God over evil at the end of the age.

·       “The Devil” as the deceiver of nations—Satan, is finally captured and judged.

·       “The Lake of Fire and Brimstone” the absolute, inescapable divine judgment and total separation from God.

·       “The Beast and the False Prophet” Human or political systems and false religious powers that previously opposed God and were thrown in earlier.

·       “Tormented…Forever” the permanent, irreversible, and conscious nature of their ultimate defeat.

2. The Punishment of the Unsaved Will Be Worse than Violent Death. This demonstrates that the punishment is not annihilation but a form of everlasting torment. Mark 9:42, And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

·       Mark 9:42 tells us that leading a new or vulnerable believer into sin is a severe spiritual crime. Jesus dramatically emphasizes that drowning with a heavy stone tied to one’s neck is better than facing God’s judgment for corrupting someone’s faith. Jesus warns that tempting others to do wrong or shaking the faith of a believer carries heavy accountability.

·       This vivid execution of a verdict illustrates God’s complete devastation, finality, and inescapable judgment. All this points to final and ultimate accountability for sinfulness before our Lord. Beloved, wickedness is not dismissed, overlooked, or remains unaddressed. No, one will get away with anything! (Mt. 25:46; Mk. 9:43-48; Re.19:20; 20:10).

·       Revelation 14:10-11, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: ¹¹ And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

Revelation 14:10-11 details judgment upon those who worship the beast and receive its mark, describing their punishment as drinking the unmixed wine of God’s wrath and eternal torment with fire and brimstone before the angels and the Lamb. Sufferers will face torment by fire and brimstone in the presence of holy angels and the Lamb. Will this punishment eternally endure? The smoke of torment ascends forever without day or night rest.

B. CONSIDER UNMISTAKABLE WARNINGS OF THE LORD JESUS.

Jesus said it would have been better if Judas had never been born (Mt. 26:24). Jesus' words make no sense if Judas was only going to be annihilated.

·       Matthew 26:24, The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.

·       While acknowledging God’s sovereign will (Christ’s impending betrayal and death are destined by Scripture) to secure our salvation and His necessary death, Jesus affirms the agonizing doom on Judas Iscariot for choosing to betray Him. The stark warning reveals personal accountability and the supreme gravity of actively opposing God’s purposes.

·       It would have been better “for that man if he had not been born”: This ancient Jewish idiom describes the ultimate, irreversible tragedy of divine judgment. It highlights the terrifying reality that whatever temporary earthly gains Judas received were infinitely outweighed by the eternal consequences of his betrayal.

Hell has eternal consequences that must be grappled with by the unsaved and the saved individuals. Jesus warned in Matthew 10:28, “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Our Lord highlights the distinction between physical and spiritual realities, urging us to prioritize our spiritual well-being over earthly fears. Jesus contrasts the limited power of humans to harm the body with God’s ultimate authority over both body and soul. We are encouraged to remain steadfast in our faith despite potential persecution or threats. The focus is on the eternal consequences of one’s spiritual state rather than temporary physical harm. Jesus correctly provokes us to think deeply about the Fear of Man vs. Fear of God, Spiritual Resilience, and the Eternal Perspective.  

Ultimately, the core message of Matthew 10:28 centers on making choices that align with our faith. We should deliberately choose to follow God’s path toward eternal life while placing less emphasis on earthly concerns. This shift greatly impacts how we view challenges and fears, guiding us toward a life dedicated to our faith.

As we reflect on Matthew 10:28, we find that overcoming fears requires aligning our focus on God and our spiritual lives. It invites us to build faith without boundaries and recognize that our eternal purpose far surpasses earthly worries. Instead of letting fear control our actions, we can choose courage that comes from faith in God. Embracing the liberating truth of this passage, we can confidently navigate our lives, spreading love while trusting in God’s perfect plan. –David Miller

“When we fear God, we free ourselves from the chains of anxiety concerning what man might do to us.” – David Platt

CONCLUSION:

We need compassion for the perishing multitudes stirred by the reality of Hell! This encourages us to become involved or remain committed to the tasks of evangelism and discipleship. Often, we miss the important work of showing God will vindicate His righteous nature…perhaps we never really realize this significant ministry, but people are accountable to the Creator Himself. He will judge finally one day…. Beloved, it’s guaranteed! 

Our Daily Aim

 

Our Daily Aim

1 Corinthians 10:31

Not only does God seek our genuine worship, but our primary motivation as believers should be to glorify Him in all things.

God says in His Word, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). We are directly instructed by such passages to align every action—even mundane tasks like eating—with honoring God. Nothing is excluded and everything is included in this consideration. First Corinthians 10:31 emphasizes that it is not merely about food, but a lifestyle of seeking God’s purpose in daily choices. Executing His will becomes paramount to genuine disciples of Christ and subjects of His eternal kingdom. Making such a lifestyle our very aim…our passion.  

Here are several particulars we must keep in mind:

1.     Situation: Paul was addressing whether Christians should eat meat sacrificed to idols. He advised that while they had freedom in Christ, that freedom should not cause others to stumble into sin, but rather be used to build up the church family. So, many things are indeed permissible, but they should be done out of love and to honor God primarily rather than triggering faltering and sin in others.

2.    Focus: “Whatsoever ye do”: God covers all aspects of life, including spiritual, social, private, and cultural, serving as a comprehensive rule for Christian conduct. Doing things (anything) for God’s glory means acting in a way that points to His character and goodness, evidencing His greatness and extraordinary brilliance to any witness. It is tantamount to living as “trophies” or “treasures” of His gracious nature. 

3.    Goal: To “do all to the glory of God” is acting in a way that pleases Him, recognizing Him as the giver, and using our resources to serve Him. Further, to glorify God is to admire His characteristics, praise His works, trust His name, and obey His Word. For starters we note that He is holy, faithful, merciful, gracious, loving, majestic, sovereign, powerful, and omniscient to mention a few. As we recount His majesty. Then we view His works as wonderful, wise, marvelous, and fearfully complex. Reflecting on His activities. The goal is to turn ordinary, everyday activities (like eating, working, serving, or leisure) into sincere acts of worship and devotion.

4.    The Ultimate Test: Accordingly, we must avoid selfish or destructive behaviors (like greedy gluttony, extreme starvation, or intentionally harming our general health), living obediently, and ensuring that all actions (work, speech, and interactions) reflect Christ—the glory of God. Consequently, using this standard for our behavior or to determine our happy complicity—if any action cannot be done for God’s glory (with thanksgiving, obedience, and love), it must be avoided.

So, every action in a Christian’s life, from mundane tasks to major decisions, should be done with the intention of honoring, praising, and reflecting God. We have a guide for daily living, urging us to align our motives with God’s will. In essence, 1 Corinthians 10:31 turns life into a continuous act of devotion, encouraging believers to move beyond mere religious rituals and live in a manner that constantly honors God. 

Why Does God Forgive People?

 

Why Does God Forgive People?

ROM. 3:21-26

SUBJECT:  THE FOUNDATION OF FORGIVENESS

THEME: The Only Thing That Motivates God to Forgive Fallen Humanity is His Great Love and the Fact That All Sin Was Paid for in the Death of Christ. God Pardons Us When We Receive His Grace, and Jesus Christ’s Sacrifice Provides the Basis, or Foundation for Forgiveness.                                                                                

RELEVANCY: God’s wants you to experience complete forgiveness of your sins and to receive full restoration in your relationship to the Lord God. If you are looking for forgiveness based on your pleas, promises, and performance, then I can guarantee you will remain in sin and guilt. If you accept Christ’s sacrifice on your behalf, you will receive the fullness of God’s life-giving forgiveness.

INTRODUCTION:

1.  At the base of every modern skyscraper you will find a foundation or platform on which it is built.  Often this would involve digging down deep into the ground to ensure that a good substructure or basis is established. This will prevent the skyscraper from sinking into the ground, tipping over, improving the structural integrity, and strengthening the building. It provides a more stable basis. Simply stated a good foundation must be laid if that building structure is to last. (Dr. C. Stanley)

2.  Likewise, when it comes to building our lives we must have a solid foundation, some things that will not give away during the pressures of life. In the matter of our salvation, it is vitally important that it be based on the correct foundation. A failure to lay a reliable foundation will certainly result in an eternity in the lake of fire. This is extremely important to us.

3.  God’s foundation for Forgiveness is the finish work of Jesus Christ. One of the key words in our text is the word “Propitiation”.  Which basically means to satisfy justice.  God accepted the blood of Christ as the complete and satisfying sacrifice for all human sin, thus establishing the only method of reconciliation between God and Man. Again, God expressed his entire righteous anger against our sin on Christ on the cross to the point of death, paying what we owed in full. This gift of the sacrifice of God’s own Son to atone for our own sin must be received to be forgiven. The finished work of Christ is the reliable, dependable, eternal, trustworthy, unfailing, and guaranteed foundation for our forgiveness of sins. Romans 3:25, Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation [fair complete payment] through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission [forgiveness] of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

MESSAGE:  

I. What Does Not Motivate God to Forgive (Rom. 3:21-23).

What if someone asked you, “Why does God forgive people?” I have encountered many people who have given me answers implying that God has to forgive people for this reason or that. God doesn’t have to do anything! God certainly does not forgive us for any of these reasons:

A.  HE DOESN’T FORGIVE US BECAUSE WE ARE GOOD PEOPLE.

We all know that we aren't good. Even Jesus said, “There is none good but One, that is, God” (Matt. 19:17). We live in a fallen world, and we are born in a fallen state. The apostle Paul taught the Romans,

Romans 5:12-14, Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: [13] (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. [14] Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

The Bible truth is clear; we are Adam’s heirs. We are born in a sinful state, separated from God and in need of God’s forgiveness and reconciliation to Himself.

B.  HE DOESN’T FORGIVE US BECAUSE WE PROMISE NEVER TO SIN AGAIN.

In all probability, we will sin again, and God knows it even if we won’t admit it to ourselves.

C.  HE DOESN’T FORGIVE US BECAUSE WE GO TO CHURCH OR GIVE MONEY TO WORTHY CAUSES. Our works, as noble as they may be, have nothing to do with our salvation. We see this clearly in Ephesians 2:8–9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.”

D.  HE DOESN’T FORGIVE US BECAUSE HE IS HAVING A GOOD DAY AND FEELS KINDLY TOWARD HUMANKIND. God is not capricious, bestowing forgiveness on one day and withholding forgiveness on the next. God’s nature doesn’t change; He isn’t ruled by whim; He doesn’t operate according to an emotional barometer. When things go well, some people comment, “God was smiling on me today.” The fact is, God is always smiling on us. (Dr. C. Stanley)

E.  HE DOESN’T FORGIVE US BECAUSE WE ASK HIM TO FORGIVE US.

   1.  God forgives us when we ask Him to forgive us, but He doesn’t forgive us because we ask Him. That would imply that God is in a state of unforgiveness toward us until we ask, which simply isn’t the case. God is always extending an offer of forgiveness to us.

   2.  Our plea for forgiveness doesn’t move God to action; He has already moved toward us—all the way from Heaven right to the place where we live in our sin—and He is waiting for us to turn to Him and receive the forgiveness He offers.

F.  HE DOESN’T FORGIVE US BECAUSE HE IS A GOOD GOD AND WOULD NEVER SEND ANYBODY TO HELL. That’s one of the foremost heresies of our time. I hear it often: “God is a good God, and He’d never condemn a person to an eternity without Him.” That isn’t what the Bible teaches. John 3:16—the salvation verse that tells us that “whosoever believeth” will have everlasting life—is followed by these words: John 3:17-19, For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  [18] He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [19] And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

   1.  Our actions condemn us. Primarily the sin of unbelief! 

   2.  God doesn't desire that any should perish, but He will not override our will.

   3.  If someone chooses to reject God's offer of forgiveness, then he or she has chosen his/her eternal destiny without God.

APPLICATION: If you have been offering these reasons to God as to why He should forgive you of your sin then please stop today because you are wasting your time and energy. God is the one who establishes the basis for Forgiveness and this rest within His own Holy nature! There is nothing that we could do to motivate God to forgive us! (Dr. C. Stanley)

II.  What Motivates God to Forgive? (Rom. 3:24-25)

The motivation for God’s forgiveness lies totally within God Himself. He forgives us because He has a basis to forgive—the propitiation of Jesus Christ. But, what are the specifics?

A.  GOD IS MOTIVATED BY HIS LOVE; FORGIVENESS IS ROOTED IN GOD’S LOVE.

1 John 4:8-10, He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. [9] In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. [10] Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

God forgives out of His unconditional, eternal love. John tells us that God’s very nature is love, and forgiveness flows from His nature (1 John 4:8–10). We are forgiven because it is God’s will to forgive.

B.  GOD IS MOTIVATED BY HIS GRACE; FORGIVENESS IS BASED ON GOD’S GRACE.

Romans 5:15, But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

Rom. 5:17, For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

C.  GOD IS MOTIVATED BY HIS MERCY; FORGIVENESS IS GROUNDED IN GOD’S MERCY.

Ephes. 2:4-5, But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, [5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 

APPLICATION: Since God’s Forgiveness is rooted in His very Nature and since He is the unchanging God, then we have a consistent unchanging bases for forgiveness. God does not change in his nature. That means if He forgives you for what you view as a little sin, then by the same motives He will forgive a big sin.  Just as He forgave you for your few sins, He can forgive the worst criminal ever known by the same motives.  The quantity nor the quality, nor the impact of our sins neither encourage nor discourage God from forgiving us.  Forgiveness is based in His very nature, He is Merciful, Loving, and Gracious these are the principles that motivate Him to forgive.  (Dr. C. Stanley)

Hebrews 13:8, Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

James 1:17, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

How does it make you feel to know that God forgives because He wants to forgive, and not as a result of anything that you do?

III. God Sets the Rules for Forgiveness (Rom. 3:24-26).

Because forgiveness is totally at God’s initiative and subject to God’s will alone, we must ask, “Has God established any rules or protocol for forgiveness?” He certainly has.

A.  THE HOLY NATURE OF GOD WILL NEVER CHANGE.

We must recognize that God is a holy God, which means He is separate from humankind in nature. God has no capacity for sin, and He cannot have fellowship with sin. God is totally pure, righteous, and without fault. He cannot coexist where sin is present.

Light and dark do not exist simultaneously. In a similar manner, your sin cannot exist in God's presence. God consumes or destroys sin just as light consumes darkness. And in that, we find a picture of our vulnerability before God when we are filled with sin. We are subject to being consumed by Him, having the innermost being vaporized by His fire of righteousness. In a word, we are subject to death.

Hebrews 12:14, Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

B.  GOD’S PERFECT PROVISION IS JESUS CHRIST.

Romans 3:25, Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

God made a provision, however, for us to be cleansed of sin so that we might have fellowship with Him. Literally, Jesus satisfied the wrath of God against us sinners and our sin…and it was God himself who “hath set forth” this reality. God presented Christ as the atonement, and that provision was in the form of a blood sacrifice. Through the cross God demonstrated His righteous nature though he endured our sin for a season. No doubt, someone will say, “But I don't like this idea of blood.” The idea of blood sacrifice was not our idea—it was God’s idea. It is not within our prerogative to choose another means for reconciliation with God. God sets the rules in this matter, and God established Christ’s blood sacrifice as a means of reconciling us to Him.

1.  There Is No Forgiveness Without Blood Sacrifice.

This theme is in the Bible from cover to cover.

Hebrews 9:22, And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

      a.  When Cain and Abel made sacrificial offerings to God, the offering that was accepted by God was the blood sacrifice of a lamb. (See Gen. 4:2–5.)

      b.  The sacrifices that atoned for sin under the law of Moses were blood sacrifices.

      c.  In like manner, the blood of Jesus shed on the cross of Calvary is the sacrificial, substitutionary, all-sufficient atonement for our sins. Each of the words in the previous sentence is important to our understanding of the forgiveness made available to us through the death of Jesus Christ. (Dr. C. Stanley)

1 Peter 1:18-19, Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; [19] But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

  2.  We Must Accept God’s Provision and Not Seek to Establish Our Own. (See Rom. 10:1-5) 

Romans 3:24, Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

“Being justified freely,” describes the worldwide opportunity for every precious soul. God has made it possible for us to be justified—declared righteous and sinless—by His grace. Such salvation is only through faith and reliance on God’s pure unmerited favor, not through our good deeds or performance.

C.  GOD’S RULES FOR FORGIVENESS SATISFY HIS REQUIREMENTS.

   1. Rule #1: The Sacrificial Death of Christ.

Jesus gave His life on the cross as a sacrifice. He wasn’t merely put to death by the Romans or the Jewish leaders. On the contrary, Jesus appeared in history to “put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself” (Heb. 9:26). Jesus gave His life, as an act of His will conforming to the Father’s will, as the “Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Rev. 13:8). While religious and political leaders of that time bear their responsibility for the murder of Christ (Acts 2:22-24, Jesus was on a mission to sacrifice himself for our sin.

        a.  A Dying Sacrifice.

Hebrews 9:26, For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.   

        b.  A Predetermined Sacrifice.

Rev. 13:8, And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

His death was not an accident nor a mere act of the will of the Jewish and Roman officials.  It was the will of God as determined before the world was created that took place on Calvary 2,000 years ago.  It was God radically making provision to rid His universe of sin!

    2.  Rule #2: The Substitutionary Death of Christ.

1 John 2:1-2, My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: [2] And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

          a.  He Died in Our Place.

Jesus took your place and mine on the cross. He died in your place and in my place and in the place of everyone you know.

          b.  The Penalty for Sin Is Death.

And we are all sinners. Unless God, pure and righteous, take our place and suffered the penalty for our sin, we would have to bear that penalty ourselves. The apostle Paul explained this in Romans 3:10–18 by citing several verses from the Old Testament: As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: [11] There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. [12] They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. [13] Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: [14] Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: [15] Their feet are swift to shed blood: [16] Destruction and misery are in their ways: [17] And the way of peace have they not known: [18] There is no fear of God before their eyes.   

    3.  Rule #3: The All-Sufficient Death of Christ.

       a.  The Work That Jesus Did Was Definitive.

We no longer need to offer blood sacrifices in acknowledgment of our sin. We need only have faith in Jesus Christ and accept what He has done on our behalf. The writer of Hebrews says that God took away the first means of blood sacrifice that He might establish the second means, the sacrifice of Jesus. (Heb. 9:15-28)

       b.  His Sacrifice Was Made Once and For All Time.

The sacrifice of Jesus was the only one necessary. The phrase that is used is a powerful one: “once for all.”

Hebrews 10:10-14, By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. [11] And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: [12] But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; [13] From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. [14] For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

     4. Rule #4: The Atoning Death of Christ.   

Romans 5:1, Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

          a.  Atonement is a word that means “reconciliation”—at-one-ment. Jesus' death on the cross made it possible for the gap between God and people to be bridged. Romans 5:1 speaks of atonement in terms of peace.  

         b.  Christ’s Death is THE Atonement.

Romans 5:11, And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

What Jesus did on the cross, He never needs to do again, and neither does anyone else ever have to suffer and die as He did. He is the sacrificial, substitutionary, all-sufficient atonement (Romans 5:20-21; 6:10-11). Christ died for us. Jesus came so that you and I might transfer our guilt to Him, and accept, by faith, that He is the guiltless One who has received our sin and taken it to Himself.

CONCLUSION:  If you are expecting forgiveness based on your pleas, promises, and performance, then you will remain in sin and guilt. But, if you accept His blood sacrifice on your behalf, you open yourself to receiving the fullness of God’s life-giving forgiveness.

The Only Thing that Motivates God to Forgive Fallen Humanity is His Great Love and the Fact That All Sin Was Paid for in the Death of Christ. God Pardons Us When We Receive His Grace and Jesus Christ’s Sacrifice Provides the Foundation for Forgiveness. Beloved, this is the only reason why God forgives people.

1.  If you need God’s forgiveness you may come and receive Christ and his work!

2.  If you think you have gone too far to be forgiven, you need to remember forgiveness rests in the nature of God, not in the quality and quantity of your actions.