1. Forgiveness
Matthew 18:21-35

2. Matthew 18:21-25
“21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. 23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. 24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made”

3. Matthew 18:26-30
“26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. ”

4. Matthew 18:31-35
“31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”

5. Fundamental truths on forgiveness
We must follow God’s pattern of forgiveness
Colossians 3:12-13
We cannot forgive a sinner who refuses to repent
God doesn’t - 2 Peter 3:9; 1 John 5:16, 17
We must forgive a sinner who repents
Or else God will not forgive us
Our forgiveness is dependant our forgiving others
Introduction
Col. 2: Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
2 Pet. 3:9 - he Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
1 Jn. 5: If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. 17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

6. Forgive Defined - What it is
1. To give up resentment against or stop wanting to punish (someone) for an offense or fault; pardon
2. To relent in being angry or in wishing to exact punishment for (an offense or fault)
3. To absolve from payment of (a debt, for example)
American Heritage Dictionary
Forgive

7. Forgive Defined - What it is Verb form - from apheieme - Strong’s #862
primarily, “to send forth, send away” (apo, “from,” hiemi, “to send”), denotes, besides its other meanings, “to remit or forgive” (a) debts, Matthew 6:12; 18:27, 32, these being completely cancelled; (b) sins, e.g., Matthew 9:2, 5, 6; 12:31, 32; Acts 8:22 (“the thought of thine heart”); Romans 4:7; James 5:15; 1 John 1:9; 2:12
Vine
Forgive
Matt. 6:12 - And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Matt. 18:27 - Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
Matt. 9:2, And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. 5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? 6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.
Matt. 12: "Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. 32 "Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.
Acts 8:22 - Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.
Rom. 4:7 - Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
Jas. 5:15 - And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
1 Jn. 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 Jn. 2:12 - I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.

8. Defined - What it is NOT…
Ignoring the sin - Luke 17:3 A probation issued to the sinner - 2 Corinthians 2:7 Limited - Matthew 18:21-22 A refusal to return evil for evil - Romans 12:17-21 Relieving a sinner unconditionally - Luke 23:34
Forgive
Lk. 17:3 - Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
2 Cor. 2:7 - So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.
Matt. 18: Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
Rom. 12: READ
Lk. 23:34 - Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
The expression of Christ simply sets forth His loving desire that His Father be gracious in dealing with these people. 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! Truth on Luke, p 1298

9. Forgiveness Examples to follow The lost son’s Father (represents God)
Luke 15:20-24
Stephen, who forgave his enemies
Acts 7:60
Paul’s forgiving spirit
2 Timothy 4:16
The erring brother in Corinth
2 Corinthians 2:5-8
Forgiveness
Lk. 15: And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 "And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.' 22 "But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 'And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24 'for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry.
Acts 7:60 - And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
2 Tim. 4:16 - At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
2 Cor. 2:5-8 - But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all. 6 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. {punishment: or, censure} 7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. 8 Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.

10. Forgive As God forgives - He… Blots out the sin
Acts 3:19
Does not remember the sin
Hebrews 8:12
Receives and restores the sinner who repents
Luke 15:20-24
Forgive
Acts. 3:19 - Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Heb. 10: This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
Lk. 15: And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. 21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. 22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

11. Because God has forgiven us…
Here in lies the power to forgive others
Ephesians 4:32
Only the merciful obtain mercy
Matthew 5:7; 6:14-15
We must be compassionate because we have received compassion from God
Luke 6:36
Why Forgive
Eph. 4:32 - And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Matt. 5:7 - Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Matt. 6: For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Lk. 6:36 - Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

12. Because…
God commands it - Mark 11:25 The example of Jesus demands it - Luke 23:34 We have been showed mercy by God - Matthew 5:7 We have been forgiven - Ephesians 4:32; James 2:13 Making peace requires it - Romans 14:19
Why Forgive
Mk. 11:25 - And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses
Lk. 23:34 - Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Matt. 5:7 - Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy - Forgiveness is an acte of MERCY, not justice
Eph. 4:32 - And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Jas. 2:13 - For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Rom. 14:19 - Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

13. Why Forgive Because… The law of brotherly love requires it
1 Corinthians 13:4-5; 1 John 4:10-11; 1 Peter 4:8
The “golden rule” demands it
Matthew 7:12
The quality of our character is reflected by it
Romans 12:17-21
Your worship to God can be made vain if you don’t
Matthew 5:22-24; Matthew 18:15-17
Why Forgive
1 Cor. 13:4-5 - Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
1 Jn. 4: Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
1 Pet. 4:8 - And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins.
Matt. 7:12 - Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
Rom. 12: Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Matt. 5:22-24, NKJV - But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire. 23 "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.
Matt. 18:15-17, NKJV - "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 "But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.' 17 "And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.

14. “No matter what, I could never forgive_________”
Others Is possible
We forgave when we were children
You have forgiven your children as parents
You forgive yourself and forget your own faults
Paul’s love command demands it…
“…taketh not account of evil” - 1 Corinthians 13:5, ASV
God says we must!
Ephesians 4:31-32
Forgiving
1 Cor. 13:4-5, ASV - Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not provoked, taketh not account of evil;
Eph. 4:31-32, NKJV - Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.

15. Forgive When and How often? When a sinner repents
Matthew 18:21-22; Luke 17:3-4
Forgiveness is not about numbers, but willingness
“seventy times seven” if necessary
Not 490 times in a day
But, as often as a sinner repents, I must be willing to forgive
Forgive
Matt. 18: When 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.
Lk. 17:3-4 - Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4 "And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him."

16. Forgive How? As God forgives Without conditions and fully
Ephesians 4:32
Without conditions and fully
“And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more”
Hebrews 10:16-17
From the heart
Matthew 18:32-35
Forgive
Eph. 4:31-32, NKJV - Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.
Heb. 10: This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them 17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
Matt. 18: When his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

17. Conclusion Develop a forgiving heart Forgive sinners when they repent
Forgive them fully and without conditions
Pray for God’s help and for sinners
Develop an understanding heart - Proverbs 8:5
Be compassionate and merciful - Matthew 5:7
When you sin, repent and seek God’s forgiveness
1 John 1:9
Conclusion
Prov. 8:5, NKJV - O you simple ones, understand prudence, And you fools, be of an understanding heart.
Matt. 5:7 - Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
1 Jn. 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

18. Ephesians 4:32
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you”

19. “…what shall we do?” Acts 2:37
Alien sinners must…
Hear the Gospel – Romans 10:17
Believe – John 8:24
Repent – Acts 17:30
Confess Christ – Matthew 10:34
Be baptized for the remission of sins – Acts 2:38
An erring child of God must…
Repent and Pray for Forgiveness – 1 John 1:7-9
Christians must be “faithful unto death”
Revelation 2:10
“…what shall we do?” Acts 2:37
Acts 2: Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Rom. 10:17 - So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Jn. 8:24 - I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
Acts 17: And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Matt. 10:34 - Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
1 Jn. 1:7-9 - But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Rev. 2:10 - Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.