“. . As the Lord Forgave You" (Colossians 3:12-14)

by Greg DeGough

Introduction· Example of Joseph's willingness to forgive his brothers (Genesis 50:15-21).
· The Lord has not given us the option of vengeance, reserving that for Himself (Romans 12:19).
· Being omniscient, God knows who to punish and when to mete out that punishment.
. Having finite knowledge, we do not know how and when to do this.
· The Lord's character includes forgiveness (Exodus 34:6-7; Numbers 14:18-19; Psalms 86:5; 130:4).

Main PointsI. Words Translated Forgive and Its Derivatives.
A. . “pardon, cancellation of an obligation, a punishment, or guilt; forgiveness of sins.”
B. “to cancel, remit, pardon, forgive.”
C. “remit, forgive, pardon.” (Possibly forgive graciously as a favor, not as a debt. This word stems from the Greek word for grace).

II. A Prerequisite of Forgiveness.
A. Telling the offender he/she has offended.
1) God does so (2 Chronicles 7:13; Jeremiah 36:3). We must do so with those who have offended or wronged us (Matthew 18:15-17).
2) We can never practice forgiveness when the offender does not know he/she has done something wrong. Be willing to tell someone who has wronged you that you are angry or hurt because of their wrong-doing, being very careful to control your anger (Ephesians 4:26). This will provide opportunity for forgiveness.

III. Characteristics of Forgiveness.
A. The Willingness to Forgive Must be Unconditional(Luke 23:34; Acts 7:60).
B. Forgiveness Has a Price. The one who forgives always pays the price (Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 9:22).
1) God decided to pay the price of forgiveness before the ones forgiven ever chose to accept (Romans 5:8; 1 Peter 1:18-20; Revelation 13:8).
a. God is our example of forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13).
(1) God is merciful (Daniel 9:18-19).
(a) We will never achieve restored harmony through forgiveness if others perceive us as unmerciful people.
(2) God is kind and compassionate (Ephesians 4:32).

C. The Goal of Forgiveness is Reconciliation.
Reconciliation necessarily involves both parties in a relationship.
1) Real Forgiveness is Conditional.
God places conditions upon His forgiveness. It is not a one-way sacrifice in which God and man are reconciled through the actions of one party. Forgiveness is a two-way reconciliation.
a. The conditions God places on real forgiveness:
(1) Humility and Seeking the Offended Party's Grace (2 Chronicles 7:13-14).
(a) If we make no effort to seek the forgiveness of the one we have wronged, we impossibly frustrate real forgiveness.
(2) Confession (Psalms 32:1-5; 1 John 1:9).
(a) If we do not willingly and freely acknowledge our guilt in the breached relationship, we hinder real forgiveness.
(3) Faith (Matthew 9:2; Mark 2:5; Luke 5:20; Acts 10:43).
(a) If we do not believe forgiveness and reconciliation are possible we will never seek them, or work for them.
(4) Repentance (Luke 17:3; Acts 8:22).
(a) If we do not change the thoughts of our minds which are the foundation of our offensive behavior, we cannot achieve real forgiveness.
(5) Baptism and Conversion (Acts 2:38; 3:19; Mark 4:12; Acts 26:17-18).
(a) If we do not make authentic changes in our behavior, especially that which caused the problems we are experiencing, we frustrate real forgiveness.
(6) Equivalent forgiveness (Matthew 6:12, 14-15; 18:23-35; Mark 11:25; Luke 11:4).
D. Forgiveness is Limitless (Matthew 18:21-22; Luke 17:4).
E. We Must Not Determine Willingness to Forgive By the Past (Colossians 2:13).
F. A Forgiving Person is Forgetful.
1) We must understand forgetfulness in the context of judgment against the offender because of the forgiven offense. We must treat the offender as if he/she has never sinned against us.
a. Consider God's omniscience vs. His promise to forget our iniquities (Jeremiah 31:33-34; Matthew 18:34-35).

Conclusion
We Cannot Be More, or Less, Forgiving Than God. We must use His example in our relationships with others.

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“Expel the Wicked Man From Among You" 1 Corinthians 5:13

by Greg DeGough

Introduction· Discipline is evidence of love (Hebrews 12:5-12). It must not be based on, or used for, vengeance. That belongs to the Lord (Romans 12:19-20)
· However, it is a form of punishment (2 Corinthians 2:6)
· That means a balance must be maintained when considering and administering discipline.

Main Points

I. Bible Examples

A. The Brother Who Sins Against You (Matthew 18:15-17)
B. Those Who Have a Form of Godliness (religion) But Deny Its Power (2 Timothy 3:5)
C. Divisive Persons - Heretics,(Titus 3:9-11; Romans 16:17-18; 1 Timothy 1:18-20; 2 Timothy 2:14-19)
D. Those Who Do Not Obey Authorized Instructions, Who Live Disorderly Lives
(2 Thessalonians 3:6-15; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13)
E. Leaders Who Persist in Sin (1 Timothy 5:19-20)

II. Conditions for Discipline

A. One Who Is Called a Brother (1 Corinthians 5:11)
B. Clear understanding of the standard of behavior

1) God's Word is that standard (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 5:9, 11; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15)
2) For what sins is discipline required?
a. Not only “gross sins." (2 Thessalonians 3:6-15)
C. Substantiated disobedient behavior
1) Through witnesses (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Timothy 5:19-20)

D. Persistent rebellion

1) He will not listen, he refuses to listen (Matthew 18:15-17)
2) Continue to sin (1 Timothy 5:19-20

III. Behaviors in Discipline

A. Consistency in Applying Scripture

1) For the sake of scriptural consistency and in order to be credible, church discipline should oppose sins of attitude with the same severity as for “gross sins."

The NT condemns immorality, murder, and drunkenness; but along with them envy, jealousy, anger, selfishness, complaining, and criticism. Each of those vices is an impediment to entering the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21).

Unbelievers are often made to feel unwelcome in the church because of secondary matters such as smoking or drinking. Yet gossiping, complaining, and selfishness among church members are seldom exposed and properly disciplined. A more consistent position would promote the purity of the church and would also enhance its ministry as a supportive, accepting center of Christian love.1

B. Gentleness (based on case)

1) Not treating them as enemies (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15)
2) Distinguishing between rebellion and weakness (Galatians 6:1)


C. Grief (1 Corinthians 5:2)

D. Proactive action

1. Go and show him his fault (Matthew 18:15-17)
2. Warning, admonition (Titus 3:9-11)

a. Multiple times
b. Escalating pressure by increasing scope of audience (Matthew 18:15-17)

E. Privacy, to the extent possible (Matthew 18:15-17)

F. Once We Realize There Will Be No Repentance

1) Pay careful attention to the persistent offender (Romans 16:17)
2) Rebuke them before all, in the case of leaders (1 Timothy 5:19-20)
3) Avoid, shun, reject, keep away from, expel, put out of fellowship, deliver to the adversary, do not even eat with them (2 Timothy 3:5; Titus 3:10; 1 Corinthians 5:2, 6, 13; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15)
4) They should feel shame for their behavior (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15)
5) Notice that this is not merely a removal from leadership duties.


G. Submission by the repentant (Hebrews 12:9)

IV. Purposes for Discipline

A. Bring About the Sinner's Repentance So That They Will Be Saved
(1 Corinthians 5:5; Jude 22-23)

B. Prevent Corruption of Christ's Body, the Church

1) A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough (1 Corinthians 5:6)
2) Deceive the minds of naive people (Romans 16:18)
3) Destroy the faith of some (2 Timothy 2:18)


C. Prevent Division of the Body, the Church

1) Those who insist on their own teachings with intention to lead others after them will divide Christ's body (Titus 3:10)

1 Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Baker encyclopedia of the Bible. Map on lining papers. (633). Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House.

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