Episode 11: Philemon - Behind The Message

October 13, 2020

On this week’s Behind The Message the discussion continues from the weekend’s message on forgiveness taken from the book of Philemon. Pastor Daniel, Jennifer, and Pastor Mike talk further about forgiveness and how living out the Gospel message informs and defines our relationships with others.

Big Truth
We forgive others as God in Christ has forgiven us.

WHAT IS TRUE FORGIVENESS?
Forgiveness is the recognition and release of the debt that is owed us, along with reconciliation and restoration of the relationship with the person who has wronged us.

WHY IS FORGIVENESS SO DIFFICULT FOR US?
-Pain inflicted by others is real.
-We forget the sovereignty of God.
-We long for justice.
-Forgiveness is perceived as weakness.
-We have an inward battle against an enemy called pride.

WHY SHOULD WE FORGIVE?
-We forgive because our Father commands us to forgive.
-We forgive others because we have been forgiven far more.

Discussion
Lead Group Members to discuss the following…

-What Got You? Ask your group members to each share a takeaway from the weekend’s sermon or from the BTM video that got them thinking or doing.

-Read Ephesians 4:32. What is the believer’s motivation for extending forgiveness to others?

-Read Matthew 18:23-35 and discuss the following…
-In this parable, who owed the largest debt?
-What was to be the consequence of his inability to pay back the debt?
-Who paid the debt of the wicked servant?
-What was the wicked servant’s response to his fellow servant and the debt owed?
-What are some conclusions that we can make about the wicked servant based on the wicked servant’s response to his fellow servant?
-How should the forgiveness extended to the wicked servant have impacted his relationship with his fellow servant?

-Consider the five reasons that forgiveness is difficult from the sermon this past weekend. Share with your discussion group which of those five reasons is the biggest roadblock to your extending forgiveness.

-Evaluate your relationships with others. Is there anyone you have wronged and you need to ask for forgiveness? Is there anyone to whom you need to extend forgiveness? Make a commitment to take the first step towards forgiveness and share that step with a member of your discussion group asking them to pray for you and hold you accountable.