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Scripture:
II Peter 3:15-18
(“Grow” 1. “in grace” 2.
“in knowledge”)
Intro: There are some qualities of Christian
behaviour that should be a part of each Christian’s
life, and when lacking, examination of self should
immediately set in. (Heb. 4:12)
-
(Plead) Confession of sin. (I Jn. 1:9; 2:1-2
(Reason)
-
(Prayer) Communion of Spirit. (Jn. 16:13; Ps
119:9, 11) (Resting)
-
(Purpose) Consecration to service. (Lk. 9:23)
(Right)
I. Forget: Past Tense. (Phil. 3:13-14)
A.
Attitude in reference to past.
1.
Social status: Greatness. (Phil. 3:4-10)
2.
Sinful status: Godliness. (Heb. 10:17)
B.
Attitude in reference to problems. (Heb.
12:1-2)
1.
Shed sin’s shackle and forget it. (Pr.
28:13-14; Heb. 3:12-13)
2.
Shun slowing weights and forge on. (Phil. 3:14-15)
a.
Bad attitudes: Bitterness. (Heb. 12:15)
b.
Fads about: You don’t have to do what everybody else
is doing. (Jas. 1:13-15; Ro. 6:23)
Car bumper sticker: “Remember a Christian is not
perfect. He is forgiven.” (Pr. 11:2) “When pride
cometh, then cometh shame.”)
II. Forgive: Present Tense. (Eph. 4:30-32)
A.
Attitude in regard to people. (Mt. 6:14-15; I Jn.
2:12)
1.
Forgiving spirit necessary to fellowship. (Ps.
66:18; Isa. 59:1; Jer. 5:25)
2.
Forgiving sinner needs an apology from sinner. (Mt.
18:21-22; Lk. 17:3-4)
a.
Compassion absolute need toward others. (Jd. 22-23;
Jas. 5:19-20; Gal. 6:1,10)
b.
Consideration of self: How did God forgive you?
(Eph. 4:32)
B.
Attitude in regard to self personally. (Ro. 5:8; I
Jn. 1:9)
1.
Forgiven people find it easier to forgive: Malice?
Grudge? Retaliation?
2.
Forgiving people are bigger people inwardly: Pure.
Peace. (Col. 3:13)
a.
They face reality of their feelings.
b.
They face reality of their fellowship. (Prodigal:
Shamefulness & filthiness of a muddy pig sty.)
Illustration: Little boy asked what forgiveness is
and gave answer. “It’s the odor that flower breathe
when they are trampled upon.”
III.
Forbear: Prevention Trait. (Col. 3:12-13; Eph. 4:2)
A.
Restore people who stray. (I Jn. 5:16)
1.
Be spiritual in approach. (Gal. 6:1)
2.
Be straight in appeal. (Jn. 8:32, 36; Jas. 5:19-20)
B.
Request prayerfully for saints who stray. (Eph.
6:18; I Tim. 2:1-2; II Tim. 4:16)
1.
Pray that they will stay right. (II Cor. 13:7; I
Sam. 15:10-11)
2.
Pray that they will get right.
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