The Servant As a Forgiver

NOTICE FOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT FORGIVENESS:

I. GOD FORGIVES US.

Read Psalm 103:1-5; 10-12.
It all begins with a proper understanding of God’s forgiveness! Forgiveness begins vertically (with God) before it can be established horizontally (with man).

II. OUR FORGIVENESS OF ONE ANOTHER.

1. The true servant does not keep score (Ephesians 4:31-32). We must not keep a record of those who have wronged us! We must be free from the bondage and baggage of grudges.

2. The true standard of forgiveness is found in the example of Christ (v. 32).“even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” The phrase “even as” means in the same manner. We are to forgive in the same manner Christ has forgiven us.

3. The true servant of Christ will make things right with his brother (Matthew 5:23-24). Notice four things we are instructed to do:

a. Stop-“Leave there thy gift before the altar”
b. Go- “and go thy way”
c. Reconcile- “first be reconciled to thy brother”
d. Return- “and then come and offer thy gift.”

We must go personally to the offended brother!

III. HOW MANY TIMES SHOULD I FORGIVE MY BROTHER?

Is there a limit placed upon forgiveness? See Matthew 18:21-35

1. To refuse to forgive is hypocritical (vv. 32-33).

2. To refuse to forgive inflicts inner torment upon us (v. 34-35).

IV. HOW TO MAKE IT HAPPEN.

1. Focus fully on God’s forgiveness of you. Meditate on Psalm 103:1-5, 10-12 and personalize these words by substituting "me" and "my" for "us" and "your." Ponder the depth of God’s mercy and the debts against you He has graciously canceled.

2. Next, deal directly and honestly with any resentment you currently hold against anyone. Forgive and forget!

Who Me a Servant?

Introduction

1. The desire of God is for every believer to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.
Read Romans 8:29 “conformed”- summorphos is translated “fashioned like unto” in Philippians 3:21.

2. To be conformed to the image of Christ means I must be a servant (Read Matthew 20:28 “ministered”- diakoneo or to serve.

3. God is engaged in building into His people the same serving qualities that characterized His Son.

4. God has called us to servants not celebrities (Read Matthew 20:25-27).
v. 26 “among”-is the Greek word en a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), it is translated “in” 1874 x and “among” 117x. God does not want celebrities status in you.

5. According to Christ, true greatness is measured by the people you serve, not by the people that serve you (v. 26 “minister”- diakonos is translated servant 7x and deacon 3x).

6. We should not aspire to be the chief, celebrity or even the “church boss,” but a servant of Jesus Christ (v. 27 “chief”- protos is translated first 80x and is translated chief only 9x).

**NOTICE THREE QUALITIES OF “AUTHENTIC SERVANTHOOD” FROM THE LIFE OF THE APOSTLE PAUL:

THE 1ST QUALITY OF AUTHENTIC SERVANTHOOD WE SEE FROM THE LIFE OF PAUL IS:
I. TRANSPARENT HUMANITY (1 Corinthians.2:1-3).

Note three key words that describe Paul’s transparent humanity:

1. The first key word is weakness (v. 3).
2. The second key word is fear (v. 3).
3. The third key word is much trembling (v. 3).

NOTE: Contrary to popular opinion Paul didn’t always have it all together! He admits that he was even afraid. This is transparent humanity! Paul was short in stature, he had poor eyesight, some even believe he was hunchback.

THE 2ND QUALITY OF AUTHENTIC SERVANTHOOD WE SEE FROM THE LIFE OF PAUL IS:
II. TRUE HUMILITY (1 Corinthians 2:4-5).

1. He admitted he wasn’t very persuasive in his preaching (v. 4 “enticing”- peithos meaning persuasive).

2. He admitted he wasn’t concerned about impressing others (vv. 4-5 key words “man’s wisdom” verses “God’s Spirit” yet God’s Spirit equals the “power of God").

THE 3RD QUALITY OF AUTHENTIC SERVANTHOOD WE SEE FROM THE LIFE OF PAUL IS:
III. TOTAL HONESTY (1 Thessalonians 2:3-6).

1. When you are totally honest with God, you can be totally honest with men (vv. 4-5).

2. When you are totally honest with God, you will not seek glory from men (v. 6 “sought”- zeteo means to aim at, or strive after, to crave, this word is even translated desire 3x).

Conclusion

The true servant of Jesus Christ should strive to attain transparent humanity, true humility and total honesty before God. Are you an authentic servant of Jesus Christ?