Things that hinder us Unforgiveness Footholds Eph 4

Things that hinder us: Unforgiveness

Footholds • Eph 4: 26 -27 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. • What is a foothold – in the Greek it means ‘place’ so by our sin we are giving the enemy a place to get in • Another way by which he gains footholds is by our unforgiveness • 2 Cor 2: 10 -11 ” Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. ”

The Need to Forgive • Required by God (Matt. 6: 9 -15) • Our relationship with God is inextricably linked with our relationship with others • Essential for our freedom (Matt. 18: 21 -35) o o Know the extent of our debt (Luke 7: 47) Repayment is impossible Mercy is required so that no advantage be taken (2 Cor 2: 10 -11) To avoid bitterness (Heb 12: 15) For our own sake to stop the pain

What forgiveness – is not

The Offence 8

The Bond Eph 4: 26 -27, Matt 18: 21 -35 9

Forgiveness 10

Leaving it in God’s Hands Rom 12: 17 -21 11

What Is Forgiveness? To set a captive free and realise that YOU were the captive 12

What is Forgiveness? • • • Not forgetting Not tolerating sin Not reconciliation Not seeking revenge Giving up your desire to be the judge and letting God judge • Resolving to live with the consequences of another’s sin • Not using the past against them • We forgive to stop the pain

Three Levels • If you were to write down the sins that people have committed against you – leave it for a while and then apply a conscience test, which of the following would it fall into - Minor - offence - Just forgive and move on - Medium - Injustice - Will take some time to continue bringing back to the cross Involve others to help pray with you - Major- Significant betrayal / hurt - Seek additional prayer support / counselling

Where Is The Justice? The Cross of Christ 17

Prayer - Application • Matt 12 MSG “There’s nothing done or said that can’t be forgiven. “ • Application • Consider how much God has forgiven you • Spend time reflecting on any area that you may still need to forgive someone • Particularly focus on parents, spouse, once close friends • Forgive yourself • Forgive God • Do not give the enemy a foothold • Let go of everything that hinders