1. The Last Words Of Christ (Part 1)
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The Last Words Of Christ (Part 1)
Scripture Reading:
Luke 23:33-46
Chris Simmons

2. Words reveal a man’s heart. 1 Peter 2:23
“Father forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)
Words reveal a man’s heart. 1 Peter 2:23
The Lord recognized the ignorance (Acts 3:17; 17:30-31) which Peter’s first gospel sermon would quickly address (Acts 2:24-26, 36)
Which Jesus had commissioned them to proclaim (Mark 16:15-16)
They wouldn’t have done what they did if they had paid attention to the prophets: Acts 13:27; 1 Cor. 2:8
While Jesus is magnanimously submitting the forgiveness to the Father and expressing a total willingness to accept the forgiveness of His enemies on any terms God approves
The word “forgive,” however, indicates that the actions of the ones crucifying Him were an affront to God and therefore sin which would come within the scope of the Father’s demand for His Son’s death!
Chris Simmons

3. What about us? Colossians 3:12-14 “… just as the Lord forgave you …”
7/16/2017 am
“Father forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)
What about us? Colossians 3:12-14
“… just as the Lord forgave you …”
We need a forgiving heart. Our forgiveness depends on it. Matthew 6:12-15; 18:21-35; Ephesians 4:31-32
We need to be conscious of our guilt. Psalms 130:3-4
Forgiveness can turn guilt into joy. Psalms 32:1-5
Chris Simmons

4. Much discussion and much error.
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“Truly I say to you, today you shall be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43)
Much discussion and much error.
The preceding request: “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!”
Jesus Christ had authority to forgive sins on earth. Matthew 9:1-8
Chris Simmons

5. A royal park or garden – a “place of blessedness above the earth.”
7/16/2017 am
“Truly I say to you, today you shall be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43)
What is paradise?
A royal park or garden – a “place of blessedness above the earth.”
In the Septuagint used in Genesis 2:15 and 3:23 to describe the Garden of Eden
cf. Revelation 2:7, “… to him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God …”
Luke 16:19-28, described as Abraham’s bosom in the Hadean realm – opposite torment
The thief was in totally hopeless misery and pain. By way of contrast, Jesus could and did offer him paradise; i.e., relief, peace, comfort, and bliss. The emphasis seems to have been upon “what” Jesus is promising this otherwise doomed man rather than “where.”
Chris Simmons

6. More than just being with Christ … Revelation 3:21; Romans 8:14-17
7/16/2017 am
“Truly I say to you, today you shall be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43)
Jesus’ desire is that we be with Him. John 17:24; Revelation 14:13; Luke 16:25
In a prepared place that’s eternal. John 14:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; 1 Peter 1:3-4.
More than just being with Christ … Revelation 3:21; Romans 8:14-17
Now that the kingdom is established … Colossians 1:13; Romans 6:1-11
Chris Simmons

7. To take priority over our fleshly families. Matthew 10:34-37
“‘Woman, behold, your son!’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother!’” (John 19:26-27)
To be in Christ is to have a new spiritual family. Matthew 12:47-50; 1 Timothy 5:1-2
To take priority over our fleshly families. Matthew 10:34-37
We can become adopted members of God’s household. Ephesians 2:19; Galatians 4:4-7; “See how great a love … that we should be called children of God …” 1 John 3:1-2
Chris Simmons