Preached by Pastor Mike Hess Sunday morning 06/13/2010.
Gospel Power in Our Lives
Forgiveness #1
Philemon 1:1-7
Exodus 34:6
“The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”
Psalm 103:8-10
“The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.”
Psalm 130:3-4
“If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O LORD, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness that you may be feared.”
Two Main Characters:
1. Philemon
2. Onesimus
I. The Greeting
Philemon vv. 1-3
II. Philemon’s Character
Philemon vv. 4-7
1. Philemon loved the Lord and His people. (vv.4-5)
I John 4:10
“In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
2. Philemon was a man of fellowship. (vs. 6)
3.Philemon was a man of encouragement. (vs. 7)
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Closing Thoughts:
1. The issue of forgiveness is an issue of character. If you are Christ-like, then you will forgive others when they confess and repent.
2. A forgiving person is concerned about the testimony of the Lord and is concerned about becoming more like Christ and being obedient to his Word.
3. Forgiveness is difficult, but by God’s grace you and I can be forgiving people who are ready to forgive when someone repents.
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