Christmas: Session 1 of 3

 

Christmas Bible Study

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Session 1: The Story of Jesus’ Birth - Luke 2:1-20

In this session, we will look at the traditional and well-known understanding of Christ’s birth. We will consider the culture and traditions during Jesus’ time as well as the problems associated with the choices made in translation. Where did some of our understanding and misunderstanding of Jesus’ birth come from, and how do our interpretations differ from those of the Eastern Churches (Orthodox)?

Luke 2:1-20 NIV – key sections and words are in italics and underlined. Compare to other translations!

The Birth of Jesus

2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ² (This was the first census that took place while^[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ And everyone went to their own town to register.

⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Important points to consider:

• Joseph was not necessarily born in Bethlehem, but his heritage/lineage was from there (House of David)

• Joseph was a “royal”, descended from King David and would have been welcome anywhere in town.

• A woman about to give birth would have been given top priority for hospitality and help by tradition.

• Mary had nearby relatives (Zechariah and Elizabeth) and had visited her earlier.

• Joseph had plenty of time to make adequate arrangements – he would have been condemned if he had not properly prepared for the birth. It is unthinkable that he was not ready.

• No information is given about either the time of day or date.

Questions to consider:

1. How long was Joseph in Bethlehem before Mary gave birth?

2. What is “The Protevangelium of James” and how has it influenced our understanding?

3. Why does NIV use the term “guest room” while KJ translation say “Inn”?

4. What was the design of a typical home (average/poor person’s) in Bethlehem at that time?

5. Why do we picture Mary riding on a donkey (ass?) while traveling to Bethlehem?

6. When referring to a “room”, do we mean a “compartment” or a “space”, and is it significant?

7. Where else is “swaddling clothes mentioned in the Bible? (*see Ezekiel 16:4)

8. What is the difference between stable, barn and storehouse, and is it important?

9. What is the “prophet’s chamber” and why was it important to have one? See Kings 17:19)?

10. Does the story in Luke (or elsewhere in the Bible) tell where Mary gave birth?

11. What do the story of Jephthah (Judges 11:29-40), Saul’s encounter with Eudor in 1 Samuel 28 (v24), the parable in Matthew 5:14-15, and the incident described in Luke 13:10-17 reveal about houses/homes and life patterns of Jesus’ time?

12. In the KJ Bible, the word translated as “Inn” is katalyma, and is the same word that is translated as “upper room” in Luke 22:10-12. If it was an “Inn” in our sense of the word, Luke would have used the term pandocheion which literally means “the place that receives all”. Why is this distinction important?

13. Katalyma can also be translated as “lodge” or “public caravansary or khan”. Can such an interpretation be justified, and if so, what impact would it have on the story of Christ’s birth?

14. Eastern Orthodox churches have a tradition that Mary gave birth alone and out of site. Continuing the idea of, Christ’s incarnation being “out of sight”, their Eucharist is celebrated by priests behind a veil. Is there anything about the story in Luke to justify that belief?

15. What was the cultural, social and economic situation of shepherds at the time of Christ’s birth?

16. Why is it significant that shepherds were the first group of individuals notified of Jesus’ birth?

17. Why did the shepherds need a sign?

18. Why is it significant that the shepherds went away rejoicing and spreading the good news? What were their social and cultural mandates if they had found any baby in a less than acceptable situation?

19. No animals are mentioned in Luke’s account. Where did we get the story about talking animals?

20. Why do some accounts (mostly Eastern Orthodox) place Christ’s birth in a cave?

21. Why are the city of Bethlehem and the humble birth of Jesus significant? What Old Testament passages are fulfilled by the nature of Christ’s birth?

Please leave a comment on this blog page with any suggestions you may have, encouragement you may wish to give me or criticism that you feel I should consider

Forgiveness, Session 6: Failing Leaders

 

Forgiveness, Session 6: Failing Leaders

Matthew 18:1-35

(Please feel free to copy, share and use these blogs in any way that the spirit leads you... share this URL with others!)

1. Review

   1. Session 1: Forgiveness is God’s Purpose – Luke 4: 14-30

      1. Recognize the complexity of forgiveness and aspects of its definition

      2. Define God’s forgiveness and identify some aspects of it in the Bible

      3. Better understand the role of Jesus Christ in God’s purpose

      4. Realize the universal scope of God’s forgiveness: it is initiated by God through Jesus as a gift to all mankind and is necessary to restore fellowship with Him.

   2. Session 2: Why Should We Forgive? - Colossians 1:13-14; 2:6-14; and 3:12-13

      1. Clarify/prioritize three Christian motivations to forgive others: for Christ’s sake (Luke 1:76-77), for others’ sake (John 20:23), and our own sake (Matt 5:14-15)

      2. Better understand our obligation to forgive others – 2 Corinthians 2:9-11

      3. Realize that true, Christ-like forgiveness is not possible. We are invited to participate in God’s forgiving activities – Matthew 26:40 (Flesh is weak), Romans 7:18-25

   3. Session 3: The Politics of Salvation – Luke 19:1-10

      1. To appreciate the socioeconomics of repentance (Luke 18:9-14, 3:11-14, 19:8)

      2. To understand the relationship between repentance and God’s forgiveness (Acts 2:38-39, 1 John 1:9, Matthew 6:14-15, James 5:15-16)

   4. Session 4: Becoming Forgiving People – John 8:2-12 and 1 John 1:5-2:6 8:12

      1. Understand the five sensitivities of forgiving people and the perception of others

         1. Sensitive to repentant heart

         2. Eager to understand mitigating circumstances

         3. Desire restoration with the offender

         4. Reconcile for the sake of others (see Colossians 3:12-17)

         5. Realize our own fallen state and need to forgive for our own sake

      2. Identify and explore ways to acquire and apply the five sensitivities

         1. Prayer and in-depth study of His Word

         2. Support each other and share burdens

         3. Offer or establish a ministry of reconciliation

         4. Seek examples to emulate and strive to be such an example

   5. Session 5: See How They Love One Another – 2 Corinthians 5:14-21

      1. How the elements of worship - singing, teaching, the Lord’s Table, baptism, small group meetings (Sunday School, other studies) and doxology - shape the five sensitivities of a forgiving person (See with the new vision provided by Christ’s Salvation). Colossians 3:12-16, Galatians 3:27-28, Romans 7:7-25;12:5, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

      2. Recognize the centrality of reconciliation to the church’s ministry and outreach

         1. Consideration of John 13:34-35 and Revelations 2:2-6 (what does a strong, faithful,
            Christ-centered church look like – compared to one that lost its first love?)

         2. Defined Outreach, Preaching, Ministry and the need for a strong fellowship that supports, encourages and drives the elements of reconciliation, love etc.

      3. The ways we are reminded of God’s love, grace, forgiveness and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Luke 1:76-77) emphasizing participation in church life.

2. Session 6: Failing Leaders – Matthew 18:1-35 (focus on local leadership within Church)

   1. Session Objectives:

      1. Consider and understand (perhaps forgive) some church leaders who betray and abuse members because they are “unhealed wounders” and appreciate how members and the whole congregation are injured. For example: local pastor exploiting a member, a minister stealing church funds, deacons constantly tearing members down, a teacher flashing bursts of temper (rage), a worship leader disguising substance abuse, etc.

      2. Understand the Christian community’s obligation to forgive and restore failing leaders, and examine the restoration practices which we use, or should use, in our church

      3. Recognizing the importance of reaching out to the fallen, and the consequences to those who fall and do not repent, confess, seek forgiveness or recognize they have a problem.

   2. Church leaders who betray or abuse members because they are “unhealed wounders” and hurt church members and the congregation.

      1. What about Matthew 7:1-6? See the article by Paul Copan

      2. 80% of identified exploitive leaders had been abused or abandoned as children or adolescents. See with the “heart’s eyes” as session 4 of this series suggests. What can we do to identify the “damaged” believer/leader and lead them to realization of problem?

         1. The sinners background may help us understand, but that person must still recognize their sin and ask for forgiveness before we can begin their healing process

         2. Fallen leaders must still ask for and accept the forgiveness of God and others before they know the deep self-worth that comes from experiencing reconciliation.

      3. Members feel personal shame, grief and anger which go unshared because we begin to distrust fellow church members. The damage, hidden just below the surface, will often surges to the surface spitting a congregation into cliques and divisions.

      4. Who are to be protected and how (Matthew 18:1-7)?

   3. The Christian community has an obligation to help a failing leader recognize their problem, confess it as a problem, ask for forgiveness, accept forgiveness and participate in their own restoration. (Matthew 18:21-22)

      1. For Christians, forgiveness means restoration – no continued humiliation, probation or eternal banning. Forgiveness requires that we treat restores with the same grace extended to new converts.

      2. Areas of support and help – restoration practices

         1. Denominational – the leader surrenders credentials to the denomination for a period of study, counseling - monitored by progress reports leading to full restoration.

         2. Spiritual Prayer Team – A small group, assembled by the fallen leader from among the congregation and/or other Christian friends who will act as guides and mentors holding him accountable. They may offer special care to the leader and his family

         3. Congregational – A local congregation following the “threefold admonition” in Matthew 18:15. Usually this is formalized in some way, but it remains supple to individual cases.

            1. This is the best framework to heal an injured congregation and nurture its Christian responsibilities for community discernment during restoration

            2. Not the best if restoree moves or it stops at judgment phase

            3. May not have sufficient resources

         4. Friendship-church team approach – Combines the Spiritual Prayer Team approach and Congregational approach. It is more formalized than the first, yet less formalized than the latter.

            1. This practice has more inclusive goals that care for the restoree and provide care for the wounded congregation.

            2. When possible and at an appropriate time, the team would organization a more formal restoration worship service for the restoree.

   4. What does the Bible tell us of those who “go astray” and the consequences of failing to be restored

      1. What does Matthew 18:17 tell us? Is there an alternative?

      2. What does Matthew 9:9-13 and Matthew 12:15-21 teach us about restoration?

      3. What can we learn from the stories of the lost sheep, lost coin, and prodigal son (Luke 15), the ten lepers (Luke 17:10-19); Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10); the restoration of Peter (John 21:15-19); Barnabas restoring both Paul and John Mark (Acts 9:27 and 15:36-39) in respect of restoring someone who has gone astray?

   5. Study Questions

      1. How are church members injured when a leader fails them? Are they all injured, or just those directly involved?

      2. Besides physical and mental abuse, what other kinds of unhealed wounds might contribute to a leader’s fall?

      3. How should we respond when a fallen leader does not apologize and repent?

      4. How does our church recognize and address failings within our leaders? How does our church forgive, heal, and restore leaders who fail? Which of the example responses, or combination of responses, given in section E-c-ii would be most effective in our church?

3. Closure

Who Are You to Judge Others?

By Paul Copan

Hands down, Matthew 7:1 is the most frequently quoted Bible verse today: “Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged.” It’s been twisted to mean we can’t say someone’s action or lifestyle is wrong. However, when someone says, “Don’t judge,” he’s judging you for judging someone else. You’ve done wrong by saying someone else has done wrong! Clearly, we can’t escape making moral judgments. Furthermore, in the same context of the oft’ quoted verse, Jesus made a moral judgment about certain persons, using metaphors about “dogs” and “pigs” (Matthew 7:6), stressing that we shouldn’t continue to present God’s grace to those who persistently scoff and ridicule. At some point we must shake the dust off our feet and move on to the more receptive (Matthew 10:14, Acts 13:51). On the other hand, Jesus commanded, “Stop judging according to outward appearances; rather judge according to righteous judgment” (John 7:24, emphasis added).

How do we resolve the apparent tension? By taking note of the spirit in which we make judgments. Do we think we’re superior (the attitude Jesus condemned), or are we assessing actions or attitudes with a spirit of humility and concern, recognizing our own weaknesses (1 Corinthians 10:13; Galatians 6:1)? In Matthew 7:5, Jesus told us first to examine ourselves (removing the log from our own eye), then we can help our brother or sister (taking the speck out of his or her eye). So there is a problem to be dealt with – but only after self-examination. The wrong kind of judging is condemning. The right kind of judging is properly evaluating moral (or doctrinal) matters with a humble, helpful attitude. (In 1 Corinthians 5:5, “judging” – even excommunicating – is required in light of a church member’s shameless sexual misconduct.) We should treat others the way we would want to be treated (cp. Matthew 7:12), thinking, “There – but for the grace of God – go I.”

So, when discussing judging with others, first clarify what you mean by the word “judge.” This can serve as the context for clarifying right and wrong kinds of judgment. Further, we must take care to avoid the “Who am I to say So-and-So is wrong?” mentality. We can’t shrink from making moral judgments, nor can we escape them – lest we declare it wrong to say another is wrong.

Please leave a comment on this blog page with any suggestions you may have, encouragement you may wish to give me or criticism that you feel I should consider.

Forgiveness, Session 5: See How They Love One Another

 

Forgiveness, Session 5: See How They Love One Another

2 Corinthians 5:14-21

(Please feel free to copy, share and use these blogs in any way that the spirit leads you... share this URL with others!)

1. Review

   1. Session 1: Forgiveness is God’s Purpose – Luke 4: 14-30

      1. Recognize the complexity of forgiveness and aspects of its definition

      2. Define God’s forgiveness and identify some aspects of it in the Bible

      3. Better understand the role of Jesus Christ in God’s purpose

      4. Realize the universal scope of God’s forgiveness: it is initiated by God through Jesus as a gift to all mankind and is necessary to restore fellowship with Him.

   2. Session 2: Why Should We Forgive? - Colossians 1:13-14; 2:6-14; and 3:12-13

      1. Clarify/prioritize three Christian motivations to forgive others: for Christ’s sake (Luke 1:76-77), for others’ sake (John 20:23), and our own sake (Matt 5:14-15)

      2. Better understand our obligation to forgive others – 2 Corinthians 2:9-11

      3. Realize that true, Christ-like forgiveness is not possible. We are invited to participate in God’s forgiving activities – Matthew 26:40 (Flesh is weak), Romans 7:18-25

   3. Session 3: The Politics of Salvation – Luke 19:1-10

      1. To appreciate the socioeconomics of repentance (Luke 18:9-14, 3:11-14, 19:8)

      2. To understand the relationship between repentance and God’s forgiveness (Acts 2:38-39, 1 John 1:9, Matthew 6:14-15, James 5:15-16)

   4. Session 4: Becoming Forgiving People – John 8:2-12 and 1 John 1:5-2:6 8:12 – Will be added when I either find or reproduce my notes -

      1. Understand the five sensitivities of forgiving people and the perception of others

         1. Sensitive to repentant heart

         2. Eager to understand mitigating circumstances

         3. Desire restoration with the offender

         4. Reconcile for the sake of others (see Colossians 3:12-17)

         5. Realize our own fallen state and need to forgive for our own sake

      2. Identify and explore ways to acquire and apply the five sensitivities

         1. Prayer and in-depth study of His Word

         2. Support each other and share burdens

         3. Offer or establish a ministry of reconciliation

         4. Seek examples to emulate and strive to be such an example

2. Session 5: See How They Love One Another – 2 Corinthians 5:14-21

   1. Session Objectives:

      1. Identify how worship – singing, teaching, the Lord’s Table, baptism, small group meetings (Sunday School, other studies) and doxology shape the five sensitivities of a forgiving person (See with the new vision provided by Christ’s Salvation)

      2. Recognize the centrality of reconciliation to the church’s ministry and outreach

   2. Our “ministry of reconciliation” begins in our hearts (2 Corinthians 5:14-21) and we are reminded of our needs by our Christian fellowship during meetings (therefore, we need to attend all that we can) and the various elements of those meetings

      1. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you…” Colossians 3:16

         1. “Teach and admonish each other with all wisdom… “ (when, where, how?)

         2. “sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs…” with what in your heart?

         3. What are we to do in the name of “Jesus Christ”?

      2. What activities help us remember our own salvation and link us to one another?

         1. Lord’s Table – share the one Body and Blood of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16-17)

         2. Baptism – Christ’s sacrifice, death and resurrection (our new life and new way of seeing ourselves, others and God’s will) Colossians 3:9-14, Galatians 3:27-28)

         3. Meeting together often – Romans 12:5

         4. Proclamation of the Word (reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and new commandments)

         5. Recitation of favorite passages (reinforcement of key theological concepts)

         6. Common sharing (with those whom we have sinned against and who have sinned against us) – 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

         7. Recognition of our need for forgiveness and reconciliation (Past 4 Sessions!)

      3. Why do we need constant reminders of our salvation and need for reconciliation?

         1. We still have rebellious hearts and need to seek to do good (Romans 7:7-25)

         2. Part of our witness is the observable love we have for… (Colossians 3:12-14)

1. God and Christ

2. Our families

3. Our fellow believers

4. Our church family

1. Bitterness, anger, resentment, pride and greed can prevent us from recognizing God’s will in our lives and keeps us from full fellowship with our Creator.

1. What is the relationship between reconciliation via true forgiveness and Church ministry/outreach?

   1. Although interrelated, preaching, ministering and outreach (reaching out) are different. Each is a key facet of a loving, caring, forgiving congregation (body of Christ)

      1. Outreach – witness to community of God’s grace, forgiveness and reconciliation

      2. Preaching – proclaiming God’s word as a reminder to those saved and as an invitation to those who are unsaved

      3. Ministry – caring for each other and reminding each other of God’s love, forgiveness and reconciliation through the ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

   2. To be the kind of loving family described by Paul, we must:

      1. Daily take steps to remind us of God’s love, grace, forgiveness and Christ’s sacrifice

      2. Take every opportunity to meet together as a family: Sunday service, Sunday evening meetings, Wednesday supper, Wednesday Bible Study, small groups (Sunday School) and home Bible groups.

2. Study Questions

   1. What does Matthew 26:20-30 tell us about what we should be focused on and remembering during the celebration/ordinance of the Lord’s Table?

   2. Which elements of Ash Avenue Baptist Church’s service will shape members into a forgiving community? Are there elements that should be added? Whom should you tell?

   3. Thinking back on some of the key scriptures of this session, how important to our moral formation is worshipping with others? Would a Christrian develop the traits described by Paul as easily without a church community?

   4. How do those outside of our church fellowship perceive your love for our God, Jesus Christ, fellow Christians and all other people? How is your love for other people, and desire for the salvation of all others, demonstrated?

1. 
   
   Please leave a comment on this blog page with any suggestions you may have, encouragement you may wish to give me or criticism that you feel I should consider

Forgiveness, Session 3: The Politics of Salvation

 

Forgiveness, Session 3: The Politics of Salvation

Luke 19:1-10

(Please feel free to copy, share and use these blogs in any way that the spirit leads you... share this URL with others!)

1. Review

   1. Session 1: Forgiveness is God’s Purpose – Luke 4: 14-30

      1. Recognize the complexity of forgiveness and aspects of its definition

      2. Define God’s forgiveness and identify some aspects of it in the Bible

      3. Better understand the role of Jesus Christ in God’s purpose

      4. Realize the universal scope of God’s forgiveness: it is initiated by God through Jesus as a gift to all mankind and is necessary to restore fellowship with Him.

   2. Session 2: Why Should We Forgive? - Colossians 1:13-14; 2:6-14; and 3:12-13

   3. Objectives of this lesson

      1. Clarify and prioritize three Christian motivations to forgive others

         1. Forgive for Christ’s sake – Luke 1:76-77

         2. Forgive for the sake of others – John 20:23

         3. Forgive for our own sake – Matthew 6:14-15

      2. Better understand the Christian obligation to forgive others – 2 Corinthians 2:9-11 (Obedience)

      3. Realize that true, Christ-like forgiveness is not possible. We are invited to participate in God’s forgiving activities – Matthew 26:40 (Flesh is weak), Romans 7:18-25

2. Session 3: The Politics of Salvation – Luke 19:1-10

   1. Objectives of this lesson:

      1. To appreciate the social and economic costs of repentance.

      2. To understand the relationship between repentance and God’s forgiveness

   2. The social and economic costs of repentance (Repentance leads to forgiveness)

      1. Forgiveness is solidarity with sinners. Luke 18:9-14

1. Luke 7:34

2. Luke 5:27-29,32

3. Luke 15:11-32

4. Luke 18:9-14

5. Luke 15:2

1. If Jesus flouted social convention and offended religious sensibilities at every turn, he did so neither by chance nor by malice, but because this is what it takes to engage in God’s politics of salvation.

1. Forgiveness is a call to costly repentance - Luke 3:11-14.

   1. Solidarity is God’s side of the forgiveness interaction. Repentance is the human side, and it has clear social and economic implications. It is no less than the call to

      1. Do justice in our relations with others.

      2. sharing our coat and food with folks who have none

      3. giving our possessions to the poor

      4. doing honest business with our clients

      5. refusing to extort money from the powerless

      6. repaying with interest those whom we have cheated (Luke 3:11-14 and 19:8)

   2. Repentance calls us to a profound reordering of human perspectives and priority

1. The relationship between repentance (and confession) and God’s forgiveness - repent

   1. We are called to repent to receive God’s forgiveness – Acts 2:38-39, 1 John 1:9

      1. All are called to repent – Acts 17:30-31

      2. Godly not worldly – 2 Corinthians 7;9-11

      3. Consequences of not repenting – 2 Peter 3:9, Romans 2:4-9

      4. To repent we need Jesus – Luke 24:46-47

   2. We are to emulate God’s grace/justice/mercy by forgiving others – Matthew 6:14-15

      1. Each other – Ephesians 4:32

      2. Forgive those who repent – Luke 17:3-4, Luke 11:4

      3. A truly repentant heart confesses and… - James 5:15-16

1. Questions:

   1. Consider the Prodigal Son. We notice immediately the father’s solidarity with his returning son; a servant offers the fine cloak signaling the father’s intention to celebration. The returning son’s kneeling posture suggests his remorse (repentance) and may reflect his proposal to return as a slave (14:21). The father refuses this costly offer, and welcomes him home as a son (14:22). Does this imply that the returning son’s repentance was not costly? How is the older son sinning as much as his sibling did? What does this story tell us about the two possible responses to our own sin?

   2. Zacchaeus was despised as a traitor for helping the occupying Roman army to collect taxes and as a cheat for over-collecting those taxes. What lifestyles do you despise (drug addiction, freeloading on government programs, lavish living with no concern for the poor, and so on) or occupations that you think is sinful or unworthy of a Christian (owning an adult book store, operating a gambling casino, or working for an abortion clinic, and so on). More exact parallels to the story of Zacchaeus might be people who profit from substandard apartments, disguise accounts to help the wealthy escape taxes, or hide their own business activities from taxation. What must you do about this?

   3. What does each of the following passages reveal about Forgiveness? Luke’s account of Jesus’ forgiveness from the cross (Luke 23:34) and Stephen’s forgiveness of his attackers as he is stoned (Acts 7:60).

Please leave a comment on this blog page with any suggestions you may have, encouragement you may wish to give me or criticism that you feel I should consider

Forgiveness, Session 2: Why Should We Forgive?

 

Forgiveness, Session 2: Why Should We Forgive?

Colossians 1:13-14; 2:6-14; and 3:12-13

(Please feel free to copy, share and use these blogs in any way that the spirit leads you... share this URL with others!)

1. Review

   1. Session 1: Forgiveness is God’s Purpose – Luke 4: 14-30

      1. Recognize the complexity of forgiveness and aspects of its definition:

         1. Question of justice, revenge, repentance, confession, pride, enemies, sin & Fellowship

         2. “lift up, bear, dismiss, send away, let go, pardon, loose, be gracious”

      2. Define God’s forgiveness and identify some aspects of it in the Bible

         1. Reason for blood sacrifice in Old Testament (demonstration of obedience)

         2. Essential part of God’s character: Nehemiah 9:16-20, Psalm 32: 1-2, 103:v8-14

      3. Better understand the role of Jesus Christ in God’s purpose

         1. Salvation through forgiveness offered by Jesus – Luke 1:76-77

         2. Jesus’ instructions to love our enemies, forgive each other – Matthew 5:43-48, 6:12

      4. Realize the universal scope of God’s forgiveness.

         1. Forgiveness is initiative of God – Luke 1:76-77, Acts 26:17-18

         2. God’s forgiveness through Jesus Christ – Luke 5:17-26, Luke 7:36-50

         3. God’s gift to all mankind – Luke 1:67-79, John 3:16, Acts 2:36-50

         4. God’s forgiveness is necessary to restore fellowship with Him

   2. We can only truly forgive when we have love within us; hence, “love your enemies”. It is unlike secular love requiring man-defined justice (not God’s justice) and revenge. Only through Jesus can we truly forgive each other (and ourselves).

2. Session 2: Why Should We Forgive - Colossians 1:13-14; 2:6-14; and 3:12-13

   1. Objectives of this lesson

      1. Clarify and prioritize three Christian motivations to forgive others

      2. Better understand the Christian obligation to forgive others

      3. Realize that true, Christ-like forgiveness is not possible, we are invited to participate in God’s forgiving activities

   2. Three reasons to forgive others:

      1. Forgive for Christ’s sake – His ministry of reconciliation (Luke 1:76-77)

         1. Luke 9:23

         2. 2 Corinthians 5:17-18

      2. Forgive for the sake of others – John 20:23

         1. Romans 5:8 (Demonstration of love)

         2. Luke 23:34

      3. Forgive for our own sake – Matthew 6:14-15

         1. Matthew 18:23-35

         2. Matthew 5:23-24

   3. Are we obligated to forgive others? – 2 Corinthians 2:9-11 (Obedience)

      1. Hebrews 2:1-4

      2. Luke 11:4

   4. Can we truly forgive as Christ forgave? Matthew 26:40 (Flesh is weak)

      1. Romans 7:18-25 (21-23)

      2. 1 John 1:8-10

3. Questions

   1. In the Colossians verses for this lesson, what reason does Paul give for forgiving?

   2. If, as Christians, we are to reconcile our differences and forgive, how does this affect the idea of justice and fair play? Must we be “stepped on” to achieve peace?

   3. Is the order in which the three reasons for forgiving given in this lesson important? What order of priority is most important for us?

   4. Why do we not experience true Christ-like forgiveness more often in our world today? Is it because Christians are a minority? Are too few Christians practicing forgiveness? Is the lack of forgiveness because we are too weak to really forgive? Is true forgiveness impossible?

   5. Read Hebrews 4:14-16. What does this tell us about our weaknesses – including inability to forgive as Christ forgave us – and what we should do concerning our failings?

Please leave a comment on this blog page with any suggestions you may have, encouragement you may wish to give me or criticism that you feel I should consider.

Forgiveness: Session 1 of 6

 

Forgiveness, Session 1

Luke 4:14-30

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1. Introduction:

   1. Key questions that may be addressed in this five-part study:

      1. What is forgiveness and why is it important? What should/must be forgiven?

      2. How is forgiveness related to revenge, anger, punishment, grace, mercy, love, hate, repentance, pride, bitterness, prejudice, or our own sins?

      3. Can someone who is outside of God’s love forgive others or be forgiven?

      4. Must we forgive others before God forgives us? What does refusal to forgive do to a person?

      5. Must God have forgiven us before we can truly forgive others?

      6. Must we forgive our enemies? What about justice, revenge and forgiveness, does one preclude the other?

      7. What is the politics of forgiveness and of repentance-driven forgiveness?

      8. Should we forget or ignore injury or injustice to forgive? Is only sin to be forgiven?

      9. Must we love, like or have a relationship with someone before we can forgive them?

      10. How is the paradox of forgiveness resolved through Jesus Christ?

   2. Overview of the first lesson on Forgiveness:

      1. Objectives:

         1. Recognize the complexity of forgiveness and aspects of its definition.

         2. Define God’s forgiveness and identify some aspects of it in the Bible

         3. Better understand the role of Jesus Christ in God’s purpose

         4. Realize the universal scope of God’s forgiveness.

2. Defining forgiveness

   1. First: what is our current understanding or “gut feelings” about forgiveness?

   2. What Hebrew and Greek words are translated as “forgive” or “forgiveness”?

      1. Nasa (Hebrew) – lift up, bear, dismiss, send away

      2. Aphiemi (Greek) – let go, send away, pardon, forgive

      3. Apoluo (Greek) – let go, loose

      4. Charizomai (Greek) – be gracious

   3. What do each of the following metaphors reveal about forgivenss?

1. Nehemiah 9:16-20

2. Psalm 32:1-2*

3. Psalm 103:8-14*

4. Jeremiah 31:31-34

5. Micah 7:18-20*

6. * denotes Nasa used

1. What does the story in Luke 7:44-50 tell us of the relationship between forgiveness and love?

1. What was Jesus’ mission while here? Today’s scripture: Luke 4:14-30 –

   1. Read substituting “forgiveness” for “release or freedom” and “free” (both use “aphesis”)

   2. What is the significance of verse 21? Why did Jesus say this?

   3. What is the importance of story of Elijah and of Elisha?

2. God and forgiveness

   1. Forgiveness is God’s initiative

1. Luke 1:76-77

2. Luke 5:17-26

3. Luke 24:45-48

4. Acts 10:43

5. Acts 26:17-18

1. In Luke and Acts there are 28 specific references to forgiveness: 24 through God’s actions and 4 that are instructions for us (directly or indirectly) to forgive each other.

2. What is the relationship between love and forgiveness, and how can we forgive our enemies? Luke 6:27-36; Matthew 5:43-48 – Can we forgive someone we hate?

3. Does God demand repentance before He will forgive us? Matthew 6:12,14-16; 18:21-35 Mark 11:25,

1. God’s forgiveness and Jesus of Nazareth

   1. What does Luke 5:17-26 (21) reveal about Jesus?

   2. What does Luke 7:36-50 (49) reveal about Jesus?

   3. We can/should/must forgive sins and offenses against us individually, but who can forgive sin?

2. God’s gift to all mankind

   1. Luke 1:67-79 (77) How was Jesus a gift, and how has He given the knowledge of salvation?

   2. Acts 2:37-40 (38) What is the result of repenting?

3. Revisiting Luke 4:14-30

   1. How does this passage reveal that forgiveness is God’s initiative?

   2. How does this passage reveal that forgiveness is God’s action through Jesus?

   3. How does this passage reveal that forgiveness is God’s gift to all mankind?

4. Questions to consider for session 1

   1. When we think about forgiveness, we tend to focus upon our human efforts to forgive. What can we learn from Luke’s starting point: that forgiveness is God’s initiative?

   2. Why was it scandalous to say that God’s forgiveness was being enacted in Jesus of Nazareth? Do people still find this to be scandalous today?

   3. Are there some people or groups of people that you really do not want to forgive today? Why do we resist forgiving certain people? Luke 6:27-36

   4. How is the anger, resentment, bitterness or pain of an offense addictive? Why do we hold onto such feelings, and sometimes flame them even greater? Why is forgiveness hard to give to some people?

   5. Can anyone truly forgive another without God’s gift of forgiveness through Jesus’ sacrificial death, His resurrection and the indwelling Holy Spirit? In other words, is it possible to fully forgive without the power of Jesus?

Please leave a comment on this blog page with any suggestions you may have, encouragement you may wish to give me or criticism that you feel I should consider.