Sunday, September 07, 2008
FORGIVENESS
THREE DIMENSIONS OF FORGIVENESS
John 8:1-12
INTRO: Some say this passage does not belong here. Some say John could not have written it. Some say it is out of place, etc. But I hope you agree with me that it is the Word of God and God is capable of putting His word together and preserving it!
Instead of quibbling about its authenticity, let's rather seek the message it has for us.
On the surface it appears the Pharisees are just trying to uphold the Law of Moses. But John says they were trying to trap Jesus!
They have debated about who He is. His brothers have rejected Him. The crowds debate his heritage. The Pharisees reject Him and try to destroy Him.
In the midst of it all, we see some things about forgiveness:
FIRST WE SEE JESUS' COMPASSION (FORGIVENESS)
He is in control. His initial response is to ignore them.
Then He calls for their judgment. The one without sin
Jesus extends compassion (forgiveness) to the woman,
And tells her to sin no more!
THEN WE SEE THE ACCEPTANCE OF FORGIVENESS
The woman needed forgiveness and probably accepted it.
Forgiveness must be accepted.
John 3:16 "... whosoever believeth
"
Romans 10:9: "if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
The Pharisees missed Jesus' offer of forgiveness.
FINALLY, WE SEE THE NEED TO FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER
Ephesians 4:32: Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
The Pharisees knew only judgment. If they had accepted forgiveness, they might have been more forgiving.
The Lord's Prayers says, " forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us." DO WE???
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Preached September 7, 2008, Greenville Southern Baptist Church
Pastor Fred D. Kerr
