Sermon Notes 2/5 – Ephesians

-We are redeemed and forgiven because we are in Jesus

Redemption means the power of sin is broken in our lives

       John 13:1-15 (vs14-15) – since the Lord forgave us, we need to forgive others

verse 10 – take a bath – means to be saved

              – wash your feet – this is being forgiven of our sins

          Forgiveness Principles

1. FORGIVING IS A CHOICE – Luke 6:37

-make the right & Biblical decision and simply choose to forgive

-Jesus is our example of forgiving – Ephesians 4:30-32

    ***Lk 23:33-34 – Jesus forgave those who crucified Him

    ***Lk 23:39-43 – Jesus forgave one of the thieves on the cross

2. THERE IS A BATTLE BETWEEN FORGIVING AND OUR FEELINGS – Eph 2:1-3 and 1 Peter 1:13-14

-forgiving is an act of obedience and not a feeling

-Obey the Word, forgive and your feelings will catch up with your obedience

-You have forgiven when you forgive someone no matter whether you feel like you have forgiven them or not

-Declare you have forgiven

We choose to forgive because Jesus and the Bible tells us to forgive – Matt 4:19-20

follow – to be on the same road that Jesus is on

3. NOT FORGIVING IS NOT AN OPTION FOR ANY BELIEVER

-forgive immediately for one reason:

1.  unforgiveness breaks our fellowship with Jesus – we must stay right with the Lord

2. there are consequences for not forgiving – Is 59:2 & Ps 66:18

4. FORGIVING DOES NOT MEAN FORGETTING – Phil 3:20-21

-some events in life we will not forget – but we must still forgive

-do not allow past bad hurts and events to consume us

-we must stay right with Jesus at all times – so forgive

-Relationships may not be fully restored, but still forgive.