72. Forgiveness

[Pastor Ralph]

Please share your thoughts on one or more of the questions in this lesson. 

[hanks]

1. Why do you think Jesus warns His disciples so strongly about not being a cause of temptation to others? Why does Jesus use a millstone to make His point? (17:1-2) 
Jesus is very serious about sin, and warns us not to lead others astray and cause them to stumble. He knows the devastating effect sin has on our lives, and that we are all sinners living in a sinful world. It is a serious thing to sin against a fellow believer tempting them to sin, and we therefore need to take special care for this not to happen. He also knows that Satan uses all kinds of methods to tempt believers to think about the pleasures of wickedness. This is why Jesus uses strong language to make His point. The consequences one faces for leading another to sin, are so severe that it would be better to have a millstone tied around our neck, and be thrown into the sea than to face the wrath of God. Jesus uses a heavy millstone to emphasize not only physical death but eternal condemnation as well. 
 

[hanks]

2. Who are the "little ones" that Jesus seeks to protect from sin? (17:2b) 
The “little ones” Jesus refers to are not only the children but also new believers who are still learning how to follow the Lord. They are the most vulnerable to be led astray in today’s evil world. Anything that leads them away from obedience to the true Word is a stumbling block. They are most likely to follow the actions of leaders in the Church who must now be extra careful not to lead them astray by their loose behaviour, lifestyle, thinking, or attitudes. One must also be careful not to inadvertently lead one to be tempted. I think especially of false teachers that do much harm to these little ones by feeding them false doctrines. We pray Lord let us not be the one that causes one of these “little ones’ to be tempted and sin. “So, watch yourselves” (17:3).
 

[hanks]

3. Why are we tempted to keep silent in the face of the sins of our Christian brothers and sisters against us? Why do we disrupt God's redemptive process when we fail to rebuke them when they sin against us? 
We tend to overlook it if it is a single incident, and might take action after being sinned against several times. I sometimes feel that it is a problem between him and our Lord. Then again, I sometimes feel that I don’t want to embarrass him, and overlook his sin towards me. I now know, that this is the wrong action to take. If we keep silent he might not be aware that his action has affected anyone and most probably will continue sinning against others. However, if we rebuke him privately, letting him know what he has done and he acknowledges his guilt, reconciliation is achieved. 
 

[hanks]

4. Extra Credit. Why is it important for every Christian to be regular part of a congregation? If churches are filled with such sinners, why bother? 
It is precisely for the reason that we need to belong and be active in a church, because we are sinners in dire need of a Saviour. Here we can support each other as we are exposed to Scripture. Being a regular part of a congregation, we are able to help in teaching, in rebuking, in correcting, and in training each other in righteousness (2 Tim 3:16). We should be taught true Biblical doctrine, and this will safeguard us against false teaching and be our guide in living the Christian life. We can uphold the “little ones”, and the young/new believers who might be in need of spiritual and/or morally support. “I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them” (Romans 16:17). 
 

[hanks]

5. What kind of repentance is necessary for us to forgive our brother or sister? What are the things we're looking for in their repentance? Why is it so difficult for us to confess to our brother or sister that we have sinned against them? 
The whole purpose of rebuking our fellow believer is not personal satisfaction but spiritual repentance. For us to forgive that person we desire reconciliation between ourselves but even more with our Heavenly Father. If there is true repentance towards God and towards us, God will forgive, and Jesus tells us to forgive as well. For us to confess to our brother or sister that we have sinned against them can be very difficult since it requires true humility. Besides the pride in our heart there is also the fear of how they will respond to such a confession. We have all come across people who have an unforgiving and quarrelsome spirit. Among our fellow believers there are those that through pride, and arrogance, and readiness to take offense, are determined never to forgive or forget. Even if the sin was a trivial offense. Our obedience in confessing to others shows that we are trusting God to take care of the consequences, handle the possible misunderstandings, and work out everything for our good and His glory. 
 

[hanks]

6. What does it mean to forgive a Christian brother or sister who has repented of a sin against you? Is it possible to maintain a meaningful relationship with a person who is unwilling to repent of sin? Why or why not?  
If a brother or sister does sin against us, there is a tendency to feel hurt down inside, to nurse a grudge, and tell others what happened to us. Instead, we should forgive that person as often as he or she needs it, this will create a much better chance of restoring the relationship. And we should forgive that person immediately, as this frees us from a bitter, and unforgiving spirit. Because of His great mercy God forgave us, and as we come to understand this mercy, we will want to forgive others. 
Even though we have forgiven that person in our heart, we do not yet tell our Christian brother or sister that he or she is forgiven. We are obligated to approach him or her and rebuke him or her privately in love (17:3), and as soon as he or she has truly repented should we tell him or her that he or she is forgiven (17:4). If a Christian brother or sister is unwilling to repent, we should doubt their salvation, as they have not become one with Christ, who was willing to forgive even those who crucified Him (23:34). We as true believers are still to show kindness and pray for that person. Who might still be a true believer who has only temporarily backslidden. Hopefully that person will come to their senses and repent. Until then we should treat them courteously but should also show them by our attitude that we do not condone their sin and cannot have a meaningful relationship with someone who is unwilling to repent. 
 

[hanks]

7. Isn't there a danger in forgiving a person who isn't "truly" repentant? How repentant is repentant enough for us? Enough for God? 
True repentance can never be just a flippant “I’m sorry”. True repentance always involves hurt, and there is a price to pay for sinning against that person. By forgiving a person who isn’t truly repentant we run the danger of that person sinning again and again. Perhaps unaware that they are sinning, but also seeing that they are getting away with it, they continue without consideration of the hurt they are causing others. When dealing with fellow believers we should trust them for being repentant, give them the benefit of any doubt we may have, unless that person continues with the same sin. Although we should still forgive them, we can know that they were not repentant. God knows our heart, so He will know if we are truly repentant. 
 

[hanks]

8. Why does Jesus add the "7 times" and the "7 times 70" part of His teaching? What is His intent? 
Jesus meant that it does not matter how many times we must forgive, but that we should always forgive those that are truly repentant. It was not a literal 490 times, but a figurative way of saying that there is no limit on how often we forgive. Jesus wants us to remember that this is the gracious way our Heavenly Father treats us. No matter how often we fail Him, we still have the assurance that “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1John 1:9). 
 

[hanks]

9. Why do the disciples balk at this by asking for more faith? What does Jesus' answer about the mustard seed and the mulberry tree mean? What is His point? 
The disciples’ thought of forgiving 7 times in a single day must have seemed like an impossible task. That is why they asked Jesus to increase their faith. Jesus’ answer was that it was not so much about the quantity of faith they had, but more about the quality of faith they possessed. His point is that what prevents us from forgiving others is our own pride and self-importance. Once these are rooted up and cast out, faith as small as a mustard seed, which can even uproot a mulberry tree (very difficult to uproot) and plant it in the sea, will be available. In other words, no task assigned by the Lord, would be impossible for us to accomplish, as long as we remain in trustful fellowship with the Lord. 
 

[Irmela]

1. Why do you think Jesus warns his disciples so strongly about not being a cause of temptation to others? Why does Jesus use a millstone to make his point? (17:1-2)

Sin is serious. If someone sins because of me and then becomes so trapped by not only the sin but also the guilt which comes with it. It is like I have bound that person with fetters. Most often it does not stop with one sin, but becomes a multitude of sins. 

By just that explanation above one can understand that it is better not to be a cause of temptation to someone. 

The millstone was something they all knew. It was heavy and with that around your neck you would definitely not be able to stay above water, you would quite definitely drown. 

The guilt too, of leading someone into sin, would be a heavy burden on you. That too could be described as a millstone around you. 

[Irmela]

2. Who are the "little ones" that Jesus seeks to protect from sin? (17:2b)

"Little ones" can refer to infant believers (not necessarily only those new in the faith), these could be believers of any age. Could be said of persons lacking in importance, influence or power. Those lowly in rank (according to the Amplified Version).

At different times anyone can be placed in that category as a term of endearment by our Lord. 

[Irmela]

3. Why are we tempted to keep silent in the face of the sins of our Christian brothers and sisters against us? Why do we disrupt God's redemptive process when we fail to rebuke them when they sin against us?

It is much easier to keep silent than to confront a brother or sister. It is almost a discomfort which can fall under fear that causes one to keep silent. Then the excuses that maybe I misunderstood them (it wasn't meant like it came across etc.) 

Meanwhile if we did confront them in a loving manner, it could very likely forestall future embarrassment or deeper sin. (The person could be inadvertently hurting someone) It could stop or hinder what God is doing in their lives if we are not honest with them. Unintentionally they could  just be so "bossy". Allowing them to see this action could be a healing of a "flaw" in their "nature". 

[Irmela]

4. Why is it important for every Christian to be regular part of a congregation? If churches are filled with such sinners, why bother?

It is important to be part of a congregation as we weren't meant to live a hermit type of existence. Only when we are part of a group can our "differences" come to the fore and can they get ironed out as it were, or be dealt with. 

In these days I was sent an interesting video clip of someone who decided she was not going to come to church anymore. (The church was filled with hypocrites, they were on their cellphones, gossiping etc) The minister said, it was fine by him, could she just fulfill one task before staying away. She agreed. He gave her a glass of water and asked her to walk twice around the church without spilling any of the water. When she did this, he asked her if she saw anyone on their cellphones or gossipping. She said she never noticed as she was concentrating on not spilling the water. He suggested to her that instead of focusing attention on those in church her focus should be on Christ (as when she had placed her focus on not spilling the water she had not noticed the faults of others). 

[Irmela]

5. What kind of repentance is necessary for us to forgive our brother or sister? What are the things we're looking for in their repentance? Why is it so difficult for us to confess to our brother or sister that we have sinned against them?

It needs real conviction of sin for repentance to be genuine. Only when the deed is seen as sin, by the one who committed it, can it really be forgiven in sincerity and only then can true reconciliation take place. 

It is difficult to acknowledge that we have sinned against someone because of pride. That too needs to be repented from. 

We need to be transparent. 

[Irmela]

6.  What does it mean to forgive a Christian brother or sister who has repented of a sin against you? 

It basically means the relationship is ready to go on as before. The slate is clean. There is no longer a hindrance between you. That is of course if the repentance is real, which will be seen by the works that follow. (i.e. the fruit of repentance will be seen). 

Is it possible to maintain a meaningful relationship with a person who is unwilling to repent of sin? Why or why not?

Not really. Because the trust is broken. For bitterness not to creep into your life, you forgive from your side, but all along there will be some kind of blockage to allow the relationship to blossom fully and reach its full potential. The forgiveness is not accepted as there is no acknowledgement of the need of it. 

It's like a gift being presented and not being of any use, as it hasn't been opened yet. Only once opened and put to use is it of any use to the receiver of the gift. 

[Irmela]

7. Isn't there a danger in forgiving a person who isn't "truly" repentant? How repentant is repentant enough for us? Enough for God?

If there isn't true repentance, it will show soon enough by the sin being repeated. It does not help holding back forgiveness because we cannot see what goes on in the heart. Only God can see that.

In this passage we are admonished to forgive over again and again and again. 

It could be a stronghold in the person's life that needs to be broken down, which causes the person to commit the same sin again and again. Only in showing love, mercy and kindness can one help the person overcome. Be prepared to help, though and point it out in love. Don't blab it out to all and sundry. Pray for God to help you both in this situation. 

[Irmela]

8.Why does Jesus add the "7 times" and the "7 times 70" part of his teaching? What is his intent?

I think he adds it to show there is no need to keep tabs on how often the person does something against you. It is not for us to hold back forgiveness. Forgive anyway, this will prevent roots of bitterness or anger etc to sprout. 

He intends to have us forgive so we too can approach the Throne of Grace and also humbly request forgiveness of our thoughts an actions. 

[Irmela]

 

9. Why do the disciples balk at this by asking for more faith? What does Jesus' answer about the mustard seed and the mulberry tree mean? What is his point?

They felt they needed more faith to be able to truly live in this way, i.e. to be able to forgive over and over again. 

Faith does not have to be much to be able to forgive. Jesus illustrated this by the use of the hyperbole of the tiny mustard seed being needed to uproot a mulberry tree, whose roots are very deep.

Come to think of it as a parent or a friend, one seems to do the forgiving automatically without much thought to it. Also so often it is for a wrong often repeated. I think sometimes it is because of that, that the wrongs/sins are committed without thinking. To help the person the time comes when confrontation is needed and the wrong needs to be exposed as sin so it can be dealt with properly and overcome. (It needs to be uprooted) 

 

[Old Jerry]

Why do you think Jesus warns his disciples so strongly about not being a cause of temptation to others? Why does Jesus use a millstone to make his point? (17:1-2)

 

A. Jesus warns his disciples so strongly because they are to be bringing people to Him and not pushing them the other way. I think he uses the millstone to make his point because they all knew what he was talking about.

 

Who are the "little ones" that Jesus seeks to protect from sin? (17:2b)

 

A. The little ones are probably children because he used this illustration once before.

 

Why are we tempted to keep silent in the face of the sins of our Christian brothers and sisters against us? Why do we disrupt God's redemptive process when we fail to rebuke them when they sin against us?

 

A. I think that we don’t want a confrontation with them. We disrupt God’s redemptive process when we don’t rebuke them because they might not have realized that they have sinned against you. You don’t give them a chance to ask for repentance.

 

Extra Credit. Why is it important for every Christian to be regular part of a congregation? If churches are filled with such sinners, why bother?

 

A. It is important for every Christian to be a regular part of the congregation so that we can learn from each other. The churches are filled with sinners that is why we need to talk to each other so we can sort out the sins.

 

What kind of repentance is necessary for us to forgive our brother or sister? What are the things we're looking for in their repentance? Why is it so difficult for us to confess to our brother or sister that we have sinned against them?

 

A. They need to tell you that they are sorry for what they had done and promise not to do it again. I think that it so difficult for us to confess our sins to our brother or sister because we don’t know how they are going to react nor do we want to admit that we were wrong.

 

 

What does it mean to forgive a Christian brother or sister who has repented of a sin against you? Is it possible to maintain a meaningful relationship with a person who is unwilling to repent of sin? Why or why not?

 

A. I think it means that you won’t bring it up again. It would be almost impossible to maintain a meaningful relationship with the person that doesn’t repent because it would always be on our mind and you would rather avoid them then to have relationship.

 

Isn't there a danger in forgiving a person who isn't "truly" repentant? How repentant is repentant enough for us? Enough for God?

 

A. There is a danger in forgiving a person who isn’t “truly” repentant but there isn’t much you can do about it but to forgive them to see if it happens again. If they repeat the offence they you will need to forgive them again.

 

Why does Jesus add the "7 times" and the "7 times 70" part of his teaching? What is his intent?

 

A. In the bible seven is a perfect number. So he is using the perfect number to tell us that we need to forgive them all the time when they repent.

 

Why do the disciples balk at this by asking for more faith? What does Jesus' answer about the mustard seed and the mulberry tree mean? What is his point?

 

A. The disciples are balking at this by asking for more faith because it is very hard to keep forgiving a person when they keep doing the same thing. It means that you have to be stronger than them.

[Katy]

Q1. Jesus warns His disciples about not being a cause of temptation and sin to others because He takes sin very seriously. It is wrong for us to sin but even worse to be the cause of anyone else committing sin. We certainly must not wilfully lead anyone else into sin, we also must be conscious at all times of how we live our lives and whether any part of our lives may be bad example to others. We must be mindful of our behaviour at all times even during times of relaxation, it is not a time to relax our behaviour in any way. Jesus who is so kind, patient, and loving uses this awful suggestion that it would be better to tie a millstone around a person’s neck and they be thrown into the sea rather than they lead another into sinful behaviour. The reason we see this strong cruel suggestion is because Jesus wants us to realise just how wrong it is to be responsible for someone else to be lead into sin. He wants us to sit up and take notice of His warning.

Q2.The “ little ones” Jesus is referring to May not be just children. They maybe anyone who is a young Christian or any person who is vulnerable. 
Q3.Confrontation is hard for most of us but we must obey God by confronting fellow believers if they sin against us. This is to be done between the two of you, so that the person in question will recognize his sin and not go around repeating the offense again possibly against others in the church. This is to be done in a humble but firm way. Hopefully this will bring about true repentance. However this can be a very hard thing to do. We maybe afraid of being rejected or not listened to, or being accused of exaggerating the situation. We must remember that this is what God has told us to do and by not obeying His command we are disrupting His redemptive process.

Q4.Hebrews 10 v25. Tells us “ Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another , and all the more as you see the day approaching.” This verse tell us that it is what the Lord wants us to do, and we must obey Him. Christian Fellowship is important for each of us, because we need the friendship, encouragement and teaching of each other to thrive as Christians. We should also be contributing in some way to our Churches depending on our gifts and talents. The gathering of Christian’s is like a fire , if a coal is removed from the fire and put to one side it grow cold and eventually dies altogether. We may not be able to go to Church for some reason but we must get back as soon as we can to enjoy fellowship, teaching and contributing our little bit. 
Q5. We need to see deep repentance that is heart felt and true. We need to know they are convicted and repentant. When we see this we must forgive them. And we must keep on forgiving them as long as they are truly repentant. This is not always easy and we need to ask God to help us to keep on forgiving without bearing any bitterness towards this person. We find it difficult to be told by anyone that we have sinned against them because it hurts our pride and we are naturally defensive. We make excuses for why we did it, or maybe deny it was serious. Maybe we feel ashamed to have sinned especially if it was unintentional. 

[haar]

1.    Why do you think Jesus warns his disciples so strongly about not being a cause of temptation to others? Why does Jesus use a millstone to make his point? (17:1-2)

He warned his disciples strongly against being a cause of temptation because temptation leads to sin.

The Millstone would be used to tie round culprit’s neck and thrown into the deep sea so that he would sink without escaping. This was to demonstrate the ugliness of temptation that causes sin of the little one.

2.    Who are the "little ones" that Jesus seeks to protect from sin? (17:2b)

Little ones can mean young or newly born Christians but can also refer to the young by age.

3.    Why are we tempted to keep silent in the face of the sins of our Christian brothers and sisters against us? Why do we disrupt God's redemptive process when we fail to rebuke them when they sin against us?

The reason may be because it is easier for each party to just go his own way and let the sleeping dog lie.

4.    Extra Credit. Why is it important for every Christian to be regular part of a congregation? If churches are filled with such sinners, why bother?

So that everyone can love, support, carry the burden of one another, and forgive one another despite our differences or level of hatred for one another.

5.    What kind of repentance is necessary for us to forgive our brother or sister? What are the things we're looking for in their repentance? Why is it so difficult for us to confess to our brother or sister that we have sinned against them?

We need to show deep remorse to the one we have offended and ask for forgiveness. But this is usually difficult for most of us to do due to pride.

6.    What does it mean to forgive a Christian brother or sister who has repented of a sin against you? Is it possible to maintain a meaningful relationship with a person who is unwilling to repent of sin? Why or why not?

It means that we have waived the offence and be ready to move on again. We generally find it difficult to continue the relationship with someone who sins against us but refuses to repent. But this should not be so.

7.    Isn't there a danger in forgiving a person who isn't "truly" repentant? How repentant is repentant enough for us? Enough for God?

I think we should forgive whoever sins against us and repents even if the repentance doesn’t seem genuine.

8.    Why does Jesus add the "7 times" and the "7 times 70" part of his teaching? What is his intent?

He means we should continue to forgive each tine the sinner repent without stopping.

9.    Why do the disciples balk at this by asking for more faith? What does Jesus' answer about the mustard seed and the mulberry tree mean? What is his point?

The disciples concluded that they needed a bigger faith to obey such teaching. Jesus simply implied we just need a small faith by our willingness to obey and we can do it by the help of the Holy Spirit.

[Godswriter]

1.    Why do you think Jesus warns his disciples so strongly about not being a cause of temptation to others? Why does Jesus use a millstone to make his point? (17:1-2)

Because the temptation to sin is always present in some way and that means they needed to be on guard for it. Because the millstone is what was used to sink the guilty party for what they had done. It was used to make a point that sin is a serious matter. 

2.    Who are the "little ones" that Jesus seeks to protect from sin? (17:2b)

Little ones could be immature believers or children. 

3.    Why are we tempted to keep silent in the face of the sins of our Christian brothers and sisters against us? Why do we disrupt God's redemptive process when we fail to rebuke them when they sin against us?

Because we are afraid of being ridiculed or being treated unfairly. We do it by not telling someone else they have sinned and need to repent and ask for forgiveness.

4.    Extra Credit. Why is it important for every Christian to be regular part of a congregation? If churches are filled with such sinners, why bother?

So that we can support each other and have accountability. They are supposed to be supported by one another and be accountable to each other. 

5.    What kind of repentance is necessary for us to forgive our brother or sister? What are the things we're looking for in their repentance? Why is it so difficult for us to confess to our brother or sister that we have sinned against them?

We need to show remorse that leads to repentance and be willing to make things right. Because we fear retribution. 

6.    What does it mean to forgive a Christian brother or sister who has repented of a sin against you? Is it possible to maintain a meaningful relationship with a person who is unwilling to repent of sin? Why or why not?

It means to be willing to forgive as Christ forgave us. No because Scripture states if they won't repent; we are regard them as a sinner. 

7.    Isn't there a danger in forgiving a person who isn't "truly" repentant? How repentant is repentant enough for us? Enough for God?

Yes but it is better to forgive so you can be forgive. Repentant enough that there is a change of heart and mind. What I just said. 

8.    Why does Jesus add the "7 times" and the "7 times 70" part of his teaching? What is his intent?

We need to continue to forgive so we don't become embittered. To keep us from being bitter. 

9.    Why do the disciples balk at this by asking for more faith? What does Jesus' answer about the mustard seed and the mulberry tree mean? What is his point?

They feel that they are not able to do what He is asking. It means that we need to have enough faith to believe that we can forgive. That faith as small as a mustard seed can bring forth action.

[kreilly]

Why are we tempted to keep silent in the face of the sins of our Christian brothers and sisters against us? Why do we disrupt God's redemptive process when we fail to rebuke them when they sin against us?

I think we don't want to truly have a spirit of truth in the church.  If we point out others sins, that opens up the opportunity for them to point out our sins and maybe we don't really want to hear about all that.  Also, I think we worry about turning people away from the church and that if we point out their sins they will get angry and quit coming to church or it will stir up division in the church.  Sometimes we are more worried about church attendance numbers than we are about following God's plan for building the Kingdom.  We get caught up in what the world says a successful church looks like and start to follow that way.  God's plan is that we would all be humble and willing to receive rebuking and that it would lead us to true repentance.  Anything less than that disrupts God's plan for His Church.

Isn't there a danger in forgiving a person who isn't "truly" repentant? How repentant is repentant enough for us? Enough for God?

I'm not sure whether I would know if someone was truly repentant or exactly how deep their repentance goes.  It is not up to me to measure another person's level of repentance.  Only God knows what is going on in their heart.  He was pretty clear when he said to forgive others repeatedly.  If someone keeps sinning against you and you have some authority over them to provide consequences, instead of enabling the behavior, you can forgive them and still do that in order to help them realize they need to change.  Ultimately, true change will not come for them, however, without the conviction of the Holy Spirit. 

Why do the disciples balk at this by asking for more faith? What does Jesus' answer about the mustard seed and the mulberry tree mean? What is his point?

Haar had a great answer.  You only need a tiny amount of faith (mustard seed) because the Holy Spirit does all the rest.  I think they balk at the teaching because they had grown up with the Jewish teaching of an "eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" hence the desire to have a set number of times they had to forgive before they could be done.  When Jesus says there is no number, they have to always forgive, they know they are going to need help!  Thank the Lord, He sent His Holy Spirit, because they were right, we need some help to obey this teaching!

[kreilly]

Why are we tempted to keep silent in the face of the sins of our Christian brothers and sisters against us? Why do we disrupt God's redemptive process when we fail to rebuke them when they sin against us?

Extra Credit. Why is it important for every Christian to be regular part of a congregation? If churches are filled with such sinners, why bother?

Just reading Lev. 19:17-18 today--Do not hate a fellow Israelite in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in their guilt.  Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. 

Truly, God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.  He has always said that we should rebuke one another when we sin, so that we will keep one another accountable and also keep our own hearts from becoming angry, resentful, and hardhearted towards our brothers and sisters.  This is one way we love our neighbors as ourselves.  If we are not involved in a congregation we can't be loving each other and even rebuking each other when we need it in order to keep each other sharp and pure.