And Forgive One Another

Minister:
Date: PM
Text: Ephesians 4:31,32
Psalters: 348, 162, 234, 83
Confession of Faith
  1. Necessary putting off.
    1. The virtuous activities require that we put off the vices of bad attitudes.
    2. “Bitterness” is a root producing bitter gall, something inedible or poisonous.
      1. It is persistent sourness in a soul, so cannot get along with another.
      2. Bitterness often results from dwelling on wrongs/hurts done to us, both real and perceived.
    3. “Wrath and anger” flow out of bitterness.
      1. “Wrath” is strong, passionate heat (temper, angry outburst).
      2. “Anger” is a settle indignation, a disposition, stored up.
    4. “Clamor and evil speaking” and “malice” flow from, are the expressions of wrath and anger.
    5. “All” these evils are to be put away as loathsome, for their presence grieves the Holy Spirit of God (30).
  2. We are to put on the contrasting, positive virtues.
    1. The positive virtues are a reflection of the righteousness God gives along with the forgiveness of our sins.
      1. If we work only on getting rid of the negative, we still are not conformed to the image of God’s Son.
      2. “Become” (instead of “be”) in the sense of a process of cultivating because they do not happen automatically.
    2. The root/base virtue is forgiving (and loving, 5:1).
      1. “Forgiving” is to be gracious, to give freely for a wrong done and not treat one according to their sin.
      2. To forgive is the promise to deal with them as they do not deserve, the promise not to think about the wrong done to us.
      3. Our forgiving is unconditional, and it includes our lovingly seeking their repentance.
    3. Become “kind,” i.e., useful and pleasant, obliging and benevolent, over against harsh and bitter.
      1. The one who cultivates kindness desires to give, to help, to be valuable and benevolent to others.
      2. Charity is kind (I Cor. 13:4), looking for things to encourage and to praise and for ways to help.
    4. Become “tender-hearted,” i.e., have bowels of compassion, be compassionate.
  3. The reason and the motive (the only one) for these positive virtues is God’s forgiving us for Christ’s sake.
    1. The way God has forgiven us is “for Christ’s sake.”
      1. God’s forgiving has no basis in us, but only and completely in Christ.
      2. God unconditionally forgives us entirely of His own free grace, as a pure gift.
    2. “Even as” means we are to reflect/imitate God’s attitude and action toward us.
      1. The only ones able to obey this command are those who know God’s rich mercy, great love, exceedingly rich grace (2:4,7).
      2. What God has done for me so freely, unconditionally and undeservedly I cannot refuse to another.