Repentance of Sin

What does "repentance" as put forth in the Bible mean? Let's look at Luke 13:1-5 where Jesus spoke of repentance: "...unless you repent you shall likewise perish” (speaking of sinners who had perished). Jesus was telling them to look at their own sins and not just at the sins of others. Remember in Romans 3:23 that the Bible says "for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God"; and in Galatians 3:22 "... the scripture has concluded that all are under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe." CHANGES ARE CAUSED BY REPENTANCE: 1) “Change of heart" - our attitude about that sin has changed to that of God's attitude; 2) The “will” is affected - the ingredient (true repentance) necessary to strengthen our will, so that change takes place, had been added. 3) “Change in conduct” (or life) - the external evidences (fruits) that "show" that our repentance is true.

"Remorse or contrition from past sin(s) against God, to turn" Joel 2:12-13 " 'Now, therefore,' says the Lord, 'Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning. So rend your heart, and not your garmets;' return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful. Slow to anger, and of great kindness; and He relents from doing harm." Psalm 51:10 "Creat in me a clean heart, O God. And renew a right spirit within me." REPENTANCE HAS SEVEN STEPS, OR PARTS: 1) “CONVICTION OF SIN” (Acts 2:36-8; Psalms 51) - "they were pricked in their heart" translates "to pierce thoroughly" or to “be convicted” --- found themselves “guilty as charged!”. 2) “SORROW or CONTRITION” - 2 types: a) “Godly sorrow”- "produces repentance leading to salvation (2 Corinthians 7:8-10)" b) "Worldly sorrow” - “produces death", or leads to spiritual death (it is just superficial or shallow). Matthew 27:3-5, Judas "repented," (had remorse) but it was a "worldly sorrow" 3) “CONFESSION OF FAULT" - to admit one's faults or sins to others and to God. In Luke 15:11-32 Jesus tells the story of the "Prodigal Son" that illustrates how God perceives us, and how we should perceive God. 4) “RENUNCIATION" (Isaiah 55:7; 2 Corinthians 4:1-2) - to renounce, abandon, get rid of it. 5) “RESTITUTION" (Luke 19:8) - undo what we have done wrong, if we can. 6) “REFORMATION" (Matthew 3:7-8; 2 Timothy 2:19; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11) - bring to a right relationship; changes were made. 7) “TRANSFORMATION" or “renewing of our mind” into the "mind of Christ".(2 Corinthians 4:16; 5:17; Romans 12:1-2, 9-21; 1 Corinthians 2:16; Ephesians 4:22-5:21).

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Facing Temptation

Glen Osburn
Christians Expositor
1995 Preacher Study Notes The Apostle Paul said, “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:27, NKJV).

If the Apostle Paid, a mature man physically and spiritually, had to practice daily caution and self-control in order to overcome the temptations of the flesh, how much more must we, my brothers and sisters in Christ? We need to become aware of the ways we can face, and then overcome, the temptations that confront us.

Our discussions will focus on teaching how to recognize a temptation, how to respond to a temptation, and then how to use spiritual tools for successfully overcoming a temptation.

I. Knowing What Is And What Is Not Spiritually Acceptable.

A. A conscience is designed to work based on knowledge
(I Corinthians 8:7-12; Romans 2:15-16).

B. If we are unaware of the truth, either willfully or ignorantly, our conscience will not function correctly. This can result in our being deceived (1 Corinthians 4:4-5; Acts 23:1; 1 Timothy 1:12-16). Ignorance causes us to be unable to recognize temptation because we simply do not know what is, and is not, sinful. br />
C. We may be tempted to go ahead and act upon a desire fully aware that we do not know whether the specific act is right or wrong. There may be a hesitation, an awareness that we are unsure. To this the Bible warns, “... to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean ... he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.” (Romans 14:14, 23, NKJV). So, when we are tempted to do something and we are unsure if it is right or wrong, we must choose to do that which will not offend our conscience or cause us to lose our confidence before God.

D. Our responsibility then becomes to compare (I Thessalonian 5:21) the doubtful act with the Scriptures so that we can “walk by faith” (2 Corinthians 5:7) and “live by faith” (Romans 10:17). Romans 10:17 tells us that our faith comes from the Word of God. Walking by faith then means living in agreement with the instruction of the Word of God (I Thessalonians 4:1). The Bible is only a lamp to our feet, and a light to our path (Psalms 119:105) if we are guided by and follow its teachings: “For the commandment is a lamp, And the law a light” (Proverbs 6:23) When we know what is right, and then do what is right, we have “confidence before God” (1 John 3:19-22)

E. We must allow the Word to instruct us as to the nature and character of temptation and sin (John 17:17; Hebrews 5:14). We cannot depend on an uneducated conscience to serve us effectively.

F. Even though we must be able to identify temptation if we are going to deal with it, knowledge alone will not bring about victory over temptation.

II. Facing or confronting our temptation

A.Overcoming temptation is not possible without a personal commitment to do what we have learned and know to be right(Romans 12:1-2) Once our conscience has been instructed by the Word of God, we must actively and deliberately obey the word, not be a passive hearer who would “delude” himself into thinking that knowledge is obedience (James 1:22-25). Someone who understands the Word and yet will not act upon it soon forgets “what kind of person” he is (compared to what he ought to be), and decimates or sears his conscience (1 Timothy 4:2). We must make an unqualified personal commitment that when tempted, we will do what we know is right, without reservation.

B.We must focus on our areas of personal temptation before the opportunity presents itself, and make a decision as to what we would do. Role play: “what would I do if ...?” If we find ourselves vacillating, then we need to “purify our hearts.” James 4:8 records, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (cf. James 1:6-8) implies a lack of purity or focus (single-mindedness) in our hearts.

C. We must allow God’s judgments to restrict our choices
(Malachi 3:2-3), or we will not overcome temptation.

III. Helpful Tools For Overcoming Temptation.

A.We must actively stop impure thoughts in order to end impure actions (Matthew 15:19). 2 Corinthians 10:5 reads. “We demolish arguments and every pretention that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (NIV). Proverbs 23:17 reads. “Do not let your heart envy sinners, but live in the fear of the Lord always.”

B.Memorize specific scriptures that have to do with your problem area(James 1:21; Hebrews 10:16) The sword of the spirit (Ephesians 6:17) needs to be where the battle is, that being in our hearts and minds (1 John 2:24; Colossians 3:16). Jesus, when tempted, was helped by God’s word in His heart (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). Psalms 119:11 reads “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You!”

C.Pray(Hebrew 4:l6) Matthew 26:41 reads, "All of you must keep awake (give strict attention, be cautious ) and watch and pray that you may not come into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Amplified).

D.Make yourself accountable to another(James 5:16; Galatians 6:2). Regularly check up each on each other’s progress.

IV. Common Problems And God’s Provision

A.We need to take responsibility for our weakness, and spiritual growth (James 1:13-14). We need to stop shifting blame for our failures to others, or our environment. We need to take responsibility for and control of our spiritual environment, i.e. music, TV, friends etc. (I Corinthians 15:33-34) .

B. Remember that the moral aspirations that God has provided for us are not out of our reach or beyond the limits of our ability to keep. Look for the providential way of escape: “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13; NASB: cf.
I John 5:3: 2 Peter 2:9) Philippians 4:13 reads, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

C.We may get discouraged because of the habitual nature of sin. Often, sinful behavior has been reinforced with temporary pleasure (Hebrews 11:25). Therefore, we need to attack and break the routines that make sinning easier. We must not make “ ... provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts” (Romans 13:14).

D.Remember and practice the presence of God (Psalms 139:7-12; Proverbs 15:3; 1 John 3:19-20; Hebrews 4:13) In Proverbs, the father reminds his son, “For why should you, my son, be enraptured by an immoral woman, and be embraced in the arms of a seductress? For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, And He ponders all his paths.” (Proverbs 5:20-21; read vv. 15-23). Just because we may forget the presence of God does not mean that He is not always present. Remember the song, “There’s An All Seeing Eye Watching You.” In a negative way, remembering God’s presence allows the God-given feelings of guilt and shame to motivate us not to choose sin (1 Corinthians 15:34; 2 Thessalonians 3:14). And in a positive way, it encourages us to know that God is always for us (Matthew 28:20), and is always prepared and willing to “help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

E.Do not neglect Christian fellowship. Fellowship is part of God’s design to help us in our struggle to overcome sin. We help each other through encouraging one another (Hebrews 10:24-25; Galatians 6:2).

F.Remember who you are. You are God’s "Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? May it never be! Or do you not know that the one who joins himself to a harlot is one body with her? For He says, ‘The two, shall become one flesh.’ But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him. Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body” (I Corinthians 6:15-20, NASB).

G.Remember Christ. “Consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart. You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin” (Hebrews 12:3-4).

H.If it seems that all else has failed, remember the judgment (Romans 14:12; Ecclesiastes 11:9), and fear God (l Peter 1:17; Matthew l0:28; Hebrews 10:26-31).

Conclusion“For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that One died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf”(2 Corinthians 5:14-15, NASB).

“Now flee from youthful lusts; and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”
(2 Timothy 2:22 ).

If you are caught up in a sin, remember the prodigal son. He knew things were better back at his father’s house, but he had to act on his decision to “get up and go” (Luke 15:18) back to his father before things would change. Once the young man made up his mind to go home (repent), he got up and came to his father. But while he was a long way off, his father saw him, and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him, and kissed him (Luke 15:20, NASB). Remember, when we fail God wants us to come home through repenting of our sin (Acts 8:22) confessing our sin (I John 1:9) and asking for prayer (James 5 :16).
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How God Views Sin

From a lesson by Randall Reynolds

"But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death," James 1:14-15.

"The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law." 1 Corinthians 15:56

"Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead." Romans 3:20; 7:8

We Need a Change of Attitude Toward Sin
Psalms 119:101-104; "I have restrained my feet from every evil way, That I may keep Your word. I have not departed from Your judgments, For You Yourself have taught me. How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way."

Proverbs 8:13a"The fear of the Lord is to hate evil..."

Romans 12:9"Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good."

Ezekiel 18:30, 322" 'Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin ... For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,' says the Lord God. Therefore turn and live!"

2 Timothy 3:1a,5-7"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves ... having a form of godliness(religion) , but denying it's power. And from such people turn away! For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captive of gulible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts,always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."

2 Thessonians 3:6"But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us."

Acts 20:29-31"For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in amoung you, not sparing the flock. Also, from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone day and night with tears."

2 Timothy 3:16-17"All scripture is given by inspiriation of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipted for every good work."

1 Timothy 6:3-5"If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which there come envy, strife, revilings, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is means for gain. From such men withdraw yourself."

Matthew 18:3"... unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven."

Are There Degrees of Sin in God's Eyes?
Romans 5:12-6:12"Therfore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned ... so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who are dead to sin live any longer in it? Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?... Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it's lusts."

Romans 6:23"For the wages of sin is death..."

Romans 14:23"Whatever is not of faith is sin"

Romans 10:17 "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

1 John 3:4"Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness."

Hebrews 10:26"... For if we sin willyfully after we have receieved the knowledge of the truth, there is no longer remains a sacrifice for sins."

1 John 1:8"If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."

Matthew 7:21 "Not every one who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven".

John 14:6, 23 "Jesus said, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me ... if anyone loves Me , he will obey My teachings.'"

Romans 2:13 "For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous."

James 4:17 "... to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin."

James 1:12-15"Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promissed to those who love Him. Let no one say whe he is tempted, 'I am tempted of God'; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is dawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and sin when it is full-grown, brings forth death."

2 Corinthians 11:28-29"But let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread, and drink the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body."

2 John 9 "Whosoever transgresses, and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, has not God..."

Matthew 15:8-9; "These people draw near to Me with their mouth,
And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me.
And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men."

John 4:23 "But the hour comes, and now is when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship Him."

1 John 4:2 "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world",

Acts 17:11 "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so"


2 Timothy 2:15 "Study to shew yourself approved unto God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

2 Corinthians 13:5a "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves..."

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What is Sin?

In the context of heaven and hell and eternity, the Bible definition of sin is “Missing the Mark”

“Those who sin are opposed to the law of God, for all sin opposes the law of God.”1 John 3:4 New Living Translation

Are You Missing the Mark?
Tom, an experienced hunter, raised his rifle, and taking careful aim, fired at the attacking grizzly bear. The bullet missed its mark and the shaken hunter fired again. The bear reared up on it’s hind legs and lunged forward, falling only steps from Tom’s feet. “I don’t know what went wrong!” he exclaimed. Tom rarely missed his target, and he shuttered as he considered what might have happened to him. In a similar way we need to consider sin and its consequences.

Sin is “missing the mark” --- failing to hit the target with God’s standards. God has set standards of conduct and any failure, intentional or unintentional, is a sin. If you are concerned about pleasing God, then you will want to consider carefully what the Bible says about sin.

Transgression
It is wrong to add to, or take away from, the things God has revealed. Jesus said, “Not every one who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). Are you inclined to accept or reject religious concepts on the basis of your opinion? If so, you may miss the mark by accepting more than God has authorized. The apostle Paul wrote, “But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8). For example: praying to saints and the baptism of infants are not part of the message given through the apostles. Numerous other examples could be given. We must be careful to obey God in matters of religious practice.

Moral Standards
God’s standards are rejected by many today. Whether respected or rejected, they do not change. God will judge each person according to the deeds done in the body, whether good or evil (2 Corinthians 5:10). “Do not be deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulters, nor effeminate [male prostitute or person who has sexual relations with homosexual], nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers (hateful toward another), nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). To engage in these practices is to “miss the mark.”

The Sin of Disbelief
Are you influenced by the pseudo-intellectualism that creates doubt concerning the validity of the Bible? Do you assume that maybe the Bible does not relate to our age at all? Have you studied the Scriptures thoroughly? Have you observed the many evidences for the existence of God and the Bible as His revealed Word to us?

It is necessary to believe in God to be pleasing to Him. “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). If you believe in God, you must also believe His Word and obey it in order to please Him. To disbelieve is to “miss the mark.” “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” (Hebrews 4:2).

Are You Accountable?
Do you assume God will overlook errors you are not aware of? Jesus said, “... if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.” (Matthew 15:14). It is your responsibility to study the Bible and follow it. You must not rely upon religious leaders. They may be sincere, but sincerely wrong!

If you are mentally competent and old enough to grasp the concept of sin, you are accountable to God. The Bible says that “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). For this reason Christ is needed in order to receive forgiveness for sin. If you want to please God you will try to avoid sin, but even with your best efforts you will “miss the mark.” This is why you need Christ as Savior. He lived a perfect life and was qualified to make atonement for sin.

The Choice is Yours
You can have forgiveness for past sins through faith in Jesus. If you believe Him to be the Son of God, then confess Him as the Christ and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins in obedience to His command. (Matthew 10:32; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:3-5). Then, as a Christian you may ask God for forgiveness each time you miss the mark. The Christian is instructed to repent and pray for forgiveness. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgiveness us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). [Note the context; the “we” here is Christians who have already taken the steps necessary for salvation].

If you reject Christ, you will stand before God in judgment with the sins you have committed. That will cause you to be separated from God’s presence throughout all eternity in a place of continual punishment. “... Jesus shall be revealed with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus. And these will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power”
(2 Thesssalonians 1:7-9).Won’t you seriously consider the consequences of “missing the mark” and place your confidence in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

WHAT CAN YOU DO?You can accept the authority of Christ by doing what He commanded (Matthew 7:21; John 14:15; 15:10-14; Luke 6:46). Notice the pattern for becoming a Christian as revealed in the Scriptures. The Gospel was heard, resulting in faith (Romans 10:17). Repentance of (turning away from) sin (Acts 17:30) and confession of Jesus as the Son of God followed (Romans 10:10). Believers were baptized INTO Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of sins (See Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:38; 22:16;Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Peter 3:20-21), and added to His church (Acts 2:47). Christians were taught to be faithful even to the point of death (Revelation 2:10).

WE WELCOME YOUFollowing the instructions of the Scriptures, members of Christ’s body assemble as congregations for worship, encouragement, and Bible study. The congregation in your community welcomes you to investigate the Bible with us. With a spirit of brotherly love we would seek to reconcile our differences by following the Bible ONLY. We recognize the Bible as God’s inspired word, the ONLY reliable standard of faith and practice. We desire the unity for which Christ prayed and which the Bible emphasizes in the expression, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Together we seek to maintain “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

A friendly welcome awaits you. We do not wish to embarrass you in any way. You will not be asked for contributions. We assemble for Bible study and worship each Sunday morning and we welcome you to meet with us. We would be happy to talk to you about your comments or questions and would also be glad to find a congregation near you belonging to Jesus Christ and worshipping according to the Bible pattern.

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“. . 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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