Forgiveness And Unforgiveness Series

Introduction

A. This is a continuation of Jesus Sermon on the Mount

1. After having given His disciples the model prayer

a. Lets turn to Matthew 6:12

b. Jesus continues to explain an important clause in His model prayer

Matthew 6:12 (NKJV)

And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.

2. It seems as though Christ thought His disciples and us needed further explanation of forgiveness

a. There are several passages we must consider along with our main passage

(1) Turn to Matthew 18:21 7 22

(2) Here Peter asked Jesus a question

Matthew 18:21-22 (NKJV)

Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" {22} Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven

(3) Turn to Matthew 5:23-24

(4) Here Jesus illustrates just how important our personal relationships are

Matthew 5:23-24 (NKJV)

"Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, {24} "leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift

(5) And now we have our main passage, Matthew 6:14-15

Matthew 6:14-15 (NKJV)

"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. {15} "But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

II. Body

A. The doctrine of this church is that once we are saved, we cannot loose our salvation

1. But in light of our main passage this morning, it looks like we can loose our salvation by not forgiving some one of their sins against us

a. At one time every other church in this community believed that there was some way we can loose our salvation.

(1) Now I don’t know if they have looked at our Matthew 6 passage and said, see, there Jesus said we loose our salvation when we are unforgiving of another

(2) Forgiveness seems to be one of the most important things in a Christian’s life

(3) So how do we reconcile this issue

(a) Turn to Mark 11:25-26

2. We have read Matthew 5:23 - 24

a. Don’t even try to worship if there is some one with whom you should reconciled

Matthew 5:23-24 (NKJV)

"Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, {24} "leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift

(1) Your worship is unacceptable while there are problems between you and another individual

b. Now here in Mark 11:25-26 we learn that our prayers are unacceptable while there are problems between you and another individual

Mark 11:25-26 (NKJV)

"And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. {26} "But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses."

c. Our relationship with the Father is dependant upon our relationship with others around us

(1) If we fail to truly forgive from the very depths of our hearts our relationship with the Father suffers

(a) Lets turn to John 10:27-30

B. We are forever saved

John 10:27-30 (NKJV)

"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. {28} "And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. {29} "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand. {30} "I and My Father are one."

1. Jesus is talking about His sheep

a. Who do you think that is?

(1) Its any and all who have placed their faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ

(2) John 1:12 says,

John 1:12 (NKJV)

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name

(3) Acts 16:31

(Acts 16:31 NKJV) So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household."

(4) Romans 10:9

Romans 10:9 (NKJV)

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

(5) Who is saved? Who are Christ’s sheep?

(a) Each and every individual who has, is, or will place their faith in Christ

(b) You and I when we have received Jesus as our Lord and Savior

John 10:27-28 (NKJV)