Mon.12.29.14...Forgive us our Sins... Part 2

“Forgive us our sins as we have forgiven those who sin against us.” This is such a huge topic and issue that we are returning to it. Today, we want to focus on forgiving others and dealing with stronghold sins. We especially need to confess the deadly sin of unforgiveness. In light of the huge sin debt that our Lord has forgiven us, how dare we not forgive the relatively small sin debt of others (Mt.18:21-35). I know it doesn’t feel small at first, but it’s crucial that we bring closure to their sin against us, or it will close off our fellowship with our Father. Jesus highlighted this right after giving the Lord’s prayer. He said, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” Mt.6:14-15. The older brother’s unforgiveness toward his prodigal brother hardened his heart and kept him from enjoying his father’s joy and fellowship at the celebration. He ended up resenting even his father’s grace.

So if the Spirit of Christ should point out an area where we are harboring unforgiveness or are failing to reflect Christ in thought, word or deed, then follow David’s example- “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin.” Ps.32:5.

But if we foolishly seek to hide the enemy (our sins), rather than confessing and ridding ourselves of such, then great setbacks await us- “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper…” Prov.28:13. The strong walls of Jericho fell to Joshua and the people as they obeyed God. But they were next soundly defeated at the small town of Ai because one man saw, coveted, and stole forbidden things. He concealed his transgressions. It wasn’t until he confessed his evil that the army was victorious. How horrible to think that if I should cherish sin in my heart, that I could hinder not only myself, but the army of God and M3.   

So if you (including me) ever end up struggling with a concealed and enslaving sin, then it’s time to use another powerful, divine weapon to drive it out- confessing to another brother who can help you conquer. Breakthroughs begin when dark, enslaving sins such as pornography, immorality, drugging, drinking, etc are exposed to the light- ”Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” Eph.5:11. Such sins are sickening to your soul. “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16. We want to be righteous men who are prayerful and helpful so that a struggling brother feels safe to open up to us. When he does, we want to lovingly seek to restore him, hating the sin, but loving the sinner. “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Gal.6:1-2. The law of Christ is his law of love. His great love that forgave us is to motivate us to forsake our sins and help others overtaken by sin. Love is the greatest.

G.a- Once again, we’ve covered several important Scriptures. Pick one from all of the above that especially grabbed your attention; write it out on our blog and briefly comment on it.

G.b- Write out a portion of that passage on your MP3 card. Do the “Did it” when you did it.

Announcements/Reminders