THE SERVANT AS A FORGETTER

The Servant As a Forgetter

Introduction

Last week we studied the servant and forgiveness. This week we want to go a step further. We not only want to teach on forgiveness, but how do I forget the evil done against me? Have you ever heard someone say, “I’ll forgive him, but I want forget.”

NOTICE THREE THOUGHTS ABOUT THE SERVANT AS A FORGETTER:

FIRST OF ALL,
I. HOW CAN THE MIND EVER FORGET?

1. First of all, love does not keep a record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:4-5).

The NewLivingTranslations says 1 Corinthians 13:5“Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged.”

 What about spite?
 Revenge?
 Rehashing the evil in my mind?
 What about malice?

2. Secondly, learn to love the Bible (Psalm 119:165).

Do you ever stay up at night re-living the hurt someone has inflicted on you? You can’t sleep, rest, or relax. The psalmist declares that those who possess a deep love for God’s Word will have a great measure shalom (peace).

3. Thirdly, yield your mind to Christ (Philippians 4:8).

You can control your thoughts! Don’t let you mind go there!The disciplined mind must concentrate on that which is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. Paul says, “if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.”

SECONDLY,
II. LET’S TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT FORGETTING.
See Philippians 3:4-14

1. Notice Paul’s vulnerability (vv. 12-13). In essence, Paul said, “I have not arrived.” How refreshing! Here is this brilliant, competent, gifted, strong leader who freely declares, “I don’t have everything wired, I don’t have it all together.”

a. v. 12 “Not as though I had already attained”
b. v. 12 “either were already perfect:”
c. v. 13 “I count not myself to have apprehended:”

2. Notice Paul’s humility (v. 13).

“Forgetting those things which are behind” is a phrase that reveals Paul was not the kind of man to live in the past! Think of all the people that could have been on Paul’s hate list (2 Corinthians 11:24-27). He intentionally disregarded all those wrongs against him.

3. Notice Paul’s determination (v. 14).

“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Paul did not get bogged down and anchored in the past. He pursued the purpose of His future, “the prize of the high calling.”Some translate klesis(calling) as purpose. Meaning Paul had a higher purpose in life! He was so occupied with his lofty ambition he did not have time to be preoccupied with yesterday’s pain, hurt and concerns.

THIRDLY,
III. A CHALLENGE: TWO QUESTIONS.

1. Is there someone or something I have refused to forget, which keeps me from being happy and productive?If your answer is yes, stop and declare it openly to your Lord, asking Him to take away the pain and the bitterness.

2. Am I a victim of self pity, living out my days emotionally paralyzed in anguish and despair?

Perhaps you have made the following statements:

 It’s too late to change.
 I’ve been so greatly hurt and wronged I will never forget it.
 I’m just too old to change now.
 This is just too much to overcome.

Chuck Swindoll said, “It is never too late to start doing what is right. Never.”