And Forgive One Another
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
12/8/2013 PM
|
Text:
|
Ephesians 4:31,32
|
Psalters: |
348, 162, 234, 83 |
Confession of Faith |
- Necessary putting off.
- The virtuous activities require that we put off the vices of bad attitudes.
- “Bitterness” is a root producing bitter gall, something inedible or poisonous.
- It is persistent sourness in a soul, so cannot get along with another.
- Bitterness often results from dwelling on wrongs/hurts done to us, both real and perceived.
- “Wrath and anger” flow out of bitterness.
- “Wrath” is strong, passionate heat (temper, angry outburst).
- “Anger” is a settle indignation, a disposition, stored up.
- “Clamor and evil speaking” and “malice” flow from, are the expressions of wrath and anger.
- “All” these evils are to be put away as loathsome, for their presence grieves the Holy Spirit of God (30).
- We are to put on the contrasting, positive virtues.
- The positive virtues are a reflection of the righteousness God gives along with the forgiveness of our sins.
- If we work only on getting rid of the negative, we still are not conformed to the image of God’s Son.
- “Become” (instead of “be”) in the sense of a process of cultivating because they do not happen automatically.
- The root/base virtue is forgiving (and loving, 5:1).
- “Forgiving” is to be gracious, to give freely for a wrong done and not treat one according to their sin.
- 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.
- Our forgiving is unconditional, and it includes our lovingly seeking their repentance.
- Become “kind,” i.e., useful and pleasant, obliging and benevolent, over against harsh and bitter.
- The one who cultivates kindness desires to give, to help, to be valuable and benevolent to others.
- Charity is kind (I Cor. 13:4), looking for things to encourage and to praise and for ways to help.
- Become “tender-hearted,” i.e., have bowels of compassion, be compassionate.
- The reason and the motive (the only one) for these positive virtues is God’s forgiving us for Christ’s sake.
- The way God has forgiven us is “for Christ’s sake.”
- God’s forgiving has no basis in us, but only and completely in Christ.
- God unconditionally forgives us entirely of His own free grace, as a pure gift.
- “Even as” means we are to reflect/imitate God’s attitude and action toward us.
- The only ones able to obey this command are those who know God’s rich mercy, great love, exceedingly rich grace (2:4,7).
- What God has done for me so freely, unconditionally and undeservedly I cannot refuse to another.