Sermon Disucssion Guide



“Father forgive them, because they don’t know what they are doing.”

Luke 23:34

A person’s last words as they are dying often have profound implications. In Jesus’ case, his final words deeply impact each of our lives, as we will learn through the seven lessons in this series.

The first thing Jesus did as he hung on the cross was to ask his Father to forgive those who were crucifying him.

“I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

Matthew 5:44

For Christians, Jesus is the model for how we are to live. Over and over we see him teaching forgiveness. It is clear that forgiveness is the pattern and purpose of his ministry. In this lesson, we will look at why and how we can forgive as Jesus did.

Open your group with a prayer. This is only a guide – select the points you want to discuss.

How Do I Follow Jesus in His Pattern?

decide to forgive

1. BECAUSE JESUS FORGAVE YOU.

What does Ephesians 1:7 say about God’s forgiving nature and how it is manifested in Jesus?

• What does it mean to be “in him”?

Read Colossians 3:13. How should Christians live and what should they practice?

• When we model Christ in this way, how does our thinking change about being wronged?

Discipleship – When we choose to live a Christian life, we represent Jesus before others. To be an effective witness requires committed discipleship, studying and reflecting on Jesus’ example and applying it to our own lives. How is forgiving as Christ forgave you an essential example of Christ-likeness? Take a moment to ponder what it means to you to know that Jesus has forgiven you. Lift up in prayer anyone in your group who needs to forgive someone, as well as anyone who needs to be forgiven. We, as children of God, are born-again to become forgivers.

2. BECAUSE YOU NEED TO BE SET FREE.

What happens when we forgive others (Matthew 6:14)? What happens when we don’t forgive them (Matthew 6:15)?

• How does forgiveness release us from a prison of bitterness or anger?

• Share a personal story of what happened to you when you forgave someone. How did you feel afterwards?

What stern warning does Jesus give in Matthew 18:33-35?

• What does it mean to forgive someone from your heart?

• What advice would you give a person who says, “But you don’t understand my awful situation and how hard it is to forgive.”

Fellowship – Before we can truly be adopted into God’s family, we must repent—or turn around—from our former style of living. Initially, we may fear that change. But as we surrender one area after another for Christ’s clean-up job, what do we discover is true in our lives? One or two of you share how giving up an old habit of unforgiveness has impacted your life for Christ. How can your group help one another become transparent in this area? One or two of you share how letting go of past hurts impacted your life for Christ.

3. FORGIVE FOR ITS OWN REWARD.

In Luke 6:35 we are told to love our enemies and to do good. Why?

• What is the reward you receive when you forgive?

• Why do you think there are people who are unwilling or unable to receive this reward?

What is the relationship between love and forgiveness, according to Luke 7:47.

• Why did Jesus forgive the woman’s sins?

In Genesis 50:19, we find Joseph forgiving his brothers for abandoning him years before. What did he say about how God worked in their treachery? What did this enable Joseph to do?

Ministry – When we help others in the family of Christ we all grow together. We’ve all met members of our Christian family who are bitter because they have been unable to forgive. How can we care for those individuals? Discuss ideas for ministry you can do individually and as a group. Decide whether you would like to help someone individually or as a group, and share some strategy thoughts.

4. FORGIVE THOSE WHO DON’T DESERVE IT.

How many times are we supposed to forgive someone who has wronged us, according to Luke 17:3-5?

• What point do you think Jesus was making in this scripture?

• How is a person’s faith increased?

Mission – In order to relate Jesus to others, we need to have his heart. How does unforgiveness block our capacity to love? Is there an area in your life that needs forgiveness? How would applying this forgiveness help you fulfill your mission in life? Pray for the Lord to reveal to you areas that need your attention.

Take a moment to review any assignments/challenges made during the personal application and commitment section of your previous meeting. Seeing God at work in the lives of those who commit to Him is essential for growth.

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:

“They were stoning Stephen as he called out… ‘Lord, do not charge them with this sin!" And saying this, he fell asleep.’” Acts 7:59-60

Stephen, a disciple of Christ, was being stoned to death for sharing the gospel. What was his first response? He begged the Lord, following Christ’s example, not to hold his death against his attackers. In order for us to forgive as Stephen did, we must realize that Jesus first forgave us. By forgiving those who have hurt us—even when they don’t deserve it, we are the ones set free from bitterness and from the power unforgiveness holds over our lives. When we choose to forgive, we’ll discover that the gift multiplies.

Forgiveness is a supernatural act. We can only do it with Christ’s help. Are you stuck in unforgiveness right now? Is it hindering your prayers or keeping you from time in God’s Word? Is it affecting your attitude, your thinking, or even your health? Give Jesus your heart and your desire for revenge.

Which point in this lesson spoke most directly to you? Share with your group the difference this will make in your life this coming week. Above all:

“And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” Ephesians 4:32

Sermon Discussion Guide Leader Notes

Goals for this Week’s Study

• How hard was it for you to say “I’m sorry” when you were a child? How about now?

• Discuss why it’s important to forgive and look at each of the ways we can model Jesus’ pattern of forgiveness.

• Realize that forgiveness is who God is, why Jesus came, and what Christians do. Conclude by having each person share a step they will take toward forgiveness as a result of this lesson.

Preparing to Lead Your Group

✓ Pray for insight as you begin to prepare for leading your group. Ask for God’s wisdom, that the Holy Spirit will be the teacher and that you will be God’s instrument to lead the group to greater understanding and a willingness to commit to becoming more like God. Prayer should be your primary source of personal preparation for leading your group.

✓ Plan where you want to take your group in the next 60-90 days. Is your group strong in some areas and weak in others? How can you challenge the members to live more balanced Christian lives? Consider God’s five purposes for the church: Fellowship, Discipleship, Ministry, Mission and Worship, and make a plan to encourage your group members to growth and commitment in their weak areas.

✓ Ponder your progress after each session and at the end of a series. Reflect on what went well and what didn’t. Re-evaluation is key to your growth as a leader. Consider whether your plan is being effective in moving the group to greater understanding and commitment. How are you doing with leading the discussion: is it stimulating, challenging, and meaningful? Are you able to keep the group on track? Do you need to make some changes?

Using This Sermon Discussion Guide

➢ This Sermon Discussion Guide is only a tool to aid you in meeting the needs of your group. For most groups there are too many questions to answer in one session together. After considering the needs of your group you may choose one of the following options:

• One section of questions;

• One or two questions from each section

➢ Feel free to adapt the format to meet the needs of your group. If your group is mature and wants to dig deeper, add Scripture and ask suitable questions. Remember that this is only a guide.

➢ The questions relating to the five purposes are helpful to develop balance and spiritual maturity in our lives. You can bring your group to an awareness of their needs in these areas by using these questions as a regular part of each discussion.

➢ Personal application is key to everyone’s growth and should be included in every discussion. When asked how he or she intends to apply a certain principle a group member may say, “I need to spend more time in the Bible and in prayer.” It is important for you to help group members make applications that are more specific and commit to a specific plan of action by asking, for example, “How are you going to begin?” An example is to get up 30 minutes earlier each morning, spending 15 minutes reading the Bible and 10 minutes in prayer. Encourage each group member to be accountable to the group for personal progress at the next meeting.

➢ As the leader your goal is to help bring the group into a stimulating discussion that helps the members recognize their need for personal life change. Ultimately you want them to be willing to commit to change with accountability to the group. Accountability helps us to persevere in our commitments and achieve the blessings of success.

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