The Servants

(Pastor Ontoy, Matthew 18:21-35)

The Stories of Jesus: The Servants
Matthew 18:21-35
 
FCF: We hold sinful grudges.
Proposition: Forgive others.

Outline 

3 reasons you must forgive:

1. We’ve been forgiven a great debt.

2. Others will offend us.

3. There’s a price you must pay if you don’t forgive.

Discussion Questions: 

1. What did the Holy Spirit teach you or convict you of today?

2. What does Jesus' answer to Peter teach us about the nature of forgiveness in the kingdom of God? How does this challenge our common understanding of forgiveness?

3. The king in the parable forgives an enormous debt that the servant could never repay. How does this illustrate the grace of God toward us? In what ways can we better grasp the immensity of God's forgiveness in our own lives?

4.  How does understanding the depth of God’s forgiveness toward us affect the way we view forgiveness in our relationships with others?

5. How does harboring unforgiveness affect our relationship with God and others?

6. Jesus' teaching on forgiveness is placed within the context of church community (Matthew 18:15-20).

1. Why is it important that forgiveness is central to the life of the church?

2. How can we, as a church family, create a culture of forgiveness and grace?

3. What changes can we make in our attitudes, actions, and relationships to reflect God’s forgiveness more fully?

7. Is there anyone in your life whom you are struggling to forgive? What steps should you take to begin to forgive that person in light of Jesus’ teaching?

8.  Sometimes, people struggle with the idea of forgiveness because it seems to let the offender "off the hook." How does this parable help us reconcile forgiveness with the need for justice?

9. What does it mean to forgive “from your heart”? How can we tell the difference between external forgiveness and true, heartfelt forgiveness?

 Group Prayer:

• As a group, take time to pray for each other, asking God to give each person the strength to      forgive others, even in difficult situations.

• Is there any practical way the group can support someone in the process of forgiveness—whether through accountability, encouragement, or simply by being present as they work through the challenge of letting go of offense?