The fourth in a series of 5 sermons
Series Theme:
It is something you hear many declare in the middle of the most horrific trauma.. parents forgiving others for the death, sometime violent, of their child.
Others find it impossible to forgive others, even for just not sticking up for them as a friend in the company of others when the subject of ridicule and scorn.
The Bible teaches us much about forgiveness.
This series of five sermons seeks to uncover some of Scripture’s main teaching on this most important of subjects, for we are to forgive as we have been forgiven.
Readings reproduced on this page:
The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1996, 1984. Grand Rapids: Zondervan
Readings
1 Corinthians 11:17–24 (NIV84)
17In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good.
18In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it.
19No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval.
20When you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat,
21for as you eat, each of you goes ahead without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another gets drunk.
22Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? Certainly not!
23For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread,
24and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
Text
Matthew 5:21–26 (NIV84)
21“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’
22But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
23“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,
24leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
25“Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.
26I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
