1. Matthew 18:21-35

2. Chapter Theme: (vs.21-23) The Law stated you could forgive the same trespass up to THREE TIMES. The Law stated you could forgive the same trespass up to THREE TIMES. Peter thought he was being generous by suggesting, SEVEN TIMES Peter thought he was being generous by suggesting, SEVEN TIMES Jesus was pointing to the eternality of GOD THE FATHER when He suggested up to 70 X 7 Jesus was pointing to the eternality of GOD THE FATHER when He suggested up to 70 X 7

3. I. The Question of Forgiveness: (vs.21,22) I. The Question of Forgiveness: (vs.21,22) There is a need for believers to forgive one another; There is a need for believers to forgive one another; WE do not do forgiveness very well: WE do not do forgiveness very well:

4. II. The Application to the Kingdom: (vs.23) There is a normal day of accounting for debts due There is a normal day of accounting for debts due In order to be in right standing with the Master; one must settle debt owed; In order to be in right standing with the Master; one must settle debt owed;

5. III. A Debt Too Great To Pay: (vs.24-27) So far has He removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12 (NKJV) 12 As far as the east is from the West, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more." Jeremiah 31:34 (NKJV) 34 No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more."

6. IV. Reality Check: (vs.28-31) Matthew 6:12 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. Matthew 6:14-15 14 "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. 2 Corinthians 2:10 10 Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, Ephesians 4:32 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.

7. V. Final Remarks: Judgment: (32-35) "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. " (Matthew 5:44) "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors....For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matthew 6:12, 14-15).