Thy Kingdom Come

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Thy Kingdom Come

A Journey Into Powerful Prayer

June 30, 2021 • Pastor Arthur Jackson III

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A JOURNEY INTO POWERFUL PRAYER
“MAKING GOD’S NAME HALLOWED”
Matt.6:10a
“…Thy kingdom come…”

In our last lesson we learned Hallowed be thy name is the first and most important petition to make when we pray. If in everything we say and do we are making God's name "hallowed," then we will be helping make the next petition in the Lord's Prayer a reality. This second petition is Thy kingdom come. If we are to have a "journey into powerful prayer," our first priority must be to make God's name hallowed. Our second priority should be to pray for God's kingdom to come.

It’s important to know that the kingdom of God was such a priority to Jesus Christ that He taught and talked about it more than He did any other subject while He was on earth.
• JESUS WAS PASSIONATE ABOUT THE KINGDOM OF GOD

 HE MADE PREDICTIONS ABOUT THE KINGDOM.
IN MATT.4: 17 It says, “from that time Jesus began preaching, Repent for the kingdom of heaven was at hand”

 HE GAVE PRINCIPLES ABOUT KINGDOM OF GOD.
IN MATT.5: 3 Jesus told His disciples if they were “…poor in spirit theirs would be the kingdom of heaven.”

 HE TOLD PARABLES ABOUT THE KINGDOM OF GOD
IN MATT.13: 24 -52 Jesus told 7 parables back-to-back telling His disciples what the kingdom of God was like
In fact Jesus was so passionate about the kingdom that theologians have argued that because “The kingdom of God” was His primary message, everything that Jesus did and said was centered on the kingdom.

Therefore it makes sense that when Jesus was instructing His disciples how to pray, one of the first things He told them to pray for was The Kingdom!

 If the Kingdom of Heaven was a priority to Jesus Christ shouldn’t it be a priority to us?

WHAT IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD
THE REIGN OF GOD

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS THE REALM WHERE GOD REIGNS SUPREME, AND JESUS CHRIST IS KING. In this kingdom, God’s authority is recognized, and his will is obeyed. The concept of a Kingdom of God is not primarily one of space, territory, or politics, as in a national kingdom, but rather one of kingly rule, reign, and sovereign control.

 Old Testament scholar Graeme Goldsworthy summarized the Kingdom of God as, “God’s people, in God’s place under God’s power”

 The idea of God as king was fundamental to Judaism, and Jewish ideas on the subject undoubtedly underlie, and to some extent determined, the heavy New Testament usage

Behind the Greek word for kingdom (basileia) lies the Aramaic term “malkut”, which Jesus may have used. Malkut refers primarily not to a geographical area nor to the people inhabiting the area but, rather, to the activity of the king himself, his exercise of sovereign power. The idea might better be conveyed in English by an expression such as kingship, rule, or sovereignty.

WHERE AND WHEN IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD?
Sometimes the Bible refers to the Kingdom of God as a present reality while other times in the Bible it is described as a future realm or territory.
The apostle Paul said the Kingdom was part of our present spiritual life:
 “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17, ESV)
Paul also taught that the followers of Jesus Christ enter into the Kingdom of God at the point of salvation:
 “He [Jesus Christ] has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.” (Colossians 1:13, ESV)
However, Jesus on the other hand often spoke of the Kingdom as a future inheritance:
 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.’ ” (Matthew 25:34, NLT)
 “I say to you that many will come from the east and the west and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 8:11, NIV)

So, the simplest way to understand the Kingdom of God is this, it is the realm where Jesus Christ reigns as King and God’s authority is supreme. However this Kingdom exists here and now (in part) in the lives and hearts of the redeemed, as well as in perfection and fullness in the future.

 God's kingdom present. When Jesus came to earth, He brought God's kingdom present with Him. To begin His public ministry, Jesus says, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Mt 4:17b). The kingdom is at hand because Jesus is on the verge of leading men and women into an obedient relationship with God the Father. Being a Christian is being a member of God's kingdom present, which is called the "church." God's purpose for the church, the body of Christ, is the same as it was for the nation of Israel. The apostle Peter reminds us we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation (1 Pet. 2:9a). According to 1 Peter 2:9b, what is our purpose on earth?

 God's kingdom promised. The day is rapidly approaching when the trumpet will sound and Christ will return to set up His eternal kingdom. The Bible describes this as a time when nations shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks... neither shall they learn war any more (Isa. 2:4). There will also be a phenomenal change in the animal kingdom. Isaiah tells us: The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them
How can we help bring God's kingdom to earth?
There are at least three ways:
1. By living for God. When we sincerely pray, Thy kingdom come, we are submitting to God's rule in our hearts. We are asking God to control our hearts and lives. As we submit to His control, a little more of God's kingdom comes to earth. This means our first concern is God's kingdom, not our own little kingdom with its cars, cash, and careers.
2. By winning others. Being involved in helping someone come to Christ brings a little more of God's kingdom to earth because He now reigns in one more life. If we are to do our part in helping God's kingdom come, we must do everything possible to bring our lost family members, friends, and associates to Christ.
3. By praying for God's kingdom future. When Christ returns, God's ultimate kingdom will be established. Describing this future kingdom, Jesus says: And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven (Mt 8:11). This is the marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:9), when all saints of all time sit down with the Lord for a great homecoming banquet. Praying for God's future kingdom should always be in our prayers.

More from A Journey Into Powerful Prayer

Remembering to Rejoice

August 4, 2021 • Pastor Arthur Jackson III

A JOURNEY INTO POWERFUL PRAYER “REMEMBERING TO REJOICE” Matt.6:13b “…for Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” As we come to the end of our teachings on the Model Prayer, I want to pause for a moment and reflect on the seven things we’ve discovered about prayer: • PRAYER IS ABOUT REMEMBERING — “Our Father which art in Heaven.” • PRAYER IS ABOUT REVERENCING — “Hallowed be Thy name.” • PRAYER IS ABOUT RULING — “Thy kingdom come.” • PRAYER IS ABOUT RESIGNING — “Thy will be done.” • PRAYER IS ABOUT REQUESTING — “Give us this day our daily bread.” • PRAYER IS ABOUT RELEASING — “And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” • PRAYER IS ABOUT RELYING — “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Tonight, we will learn the truth that PRAYER IS ABOUT REJOICING — “For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory for ever, Amen.” Jesus concludes His teaching on The Model by giving His disciples a beautiful DOXOLOGY.  “Doxology” by definition is, – “a hymn or form of words containing an ascription of praise to God.”  This phrase (or its equivalent) occurs many times in the Old Testament. For example, in I Chronicles David released a similar doxology to God.  1 CHRONICLES 29:10-13 (NIV) - David praised the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, "Praise be to you, O LORD, God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. In a world so filled with trials, troubles, and tribulations, it is a comfort to serve a God Who is worthy of all the praise and glory we can give Him. It is a comfort to find someone and something to rejoice about. Let's dig into these precious words for just a few minutes this evening and learn the truth that Prayer Is About Rejoicing. I. WE CAN REJOICE IN THE PREEMINENCE OF GOD “For thine is the kingdom” A. He Is Sovereign When we say that God is sovereign, here is what we mean. This word means “independent and holding complete power.” It comes to English from the Latin language where it meant “over or above.” That is what God is! He is “over and above” this world. As we look around this world this evening, it may look like Satan and the forces of evil are running the show. In fact, what we see is a visible, physical kingdom, dominated by fallen men and a creature called the devil, 2 Cor. 4:4. What we cannot see however is that there is also an invisible, spiritual kingdom dominated by an all-powerful God. A God Who is working out a perfect, eternal plan in this world. The Bible is clear, the God we serve is all-powerful and in absolute control of all things. Notice these passages: • Isa. 43:13, “Yea, before the day was, I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?”  Isaiah 46:10-11, “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.” • Eph. 1:11, “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:” B. He Is Supreme Our Lord rules this evening because it is His right to do so. You see, when man was created and place in Eden, he was given dominion over this world, Gen. 1:26-28. When man sinned, he gave that dominion away. Now, according to scripture Satan, not man, is the god of this world, 2 Cor. 4:4. When Jesus Christ came into this world, died on the cross and rose from the dead He redeemed everything the first Adam had given away. He paid the price, and He stripped that evil pretender Satan of his dreams of ruling the universe. Our God and not Satan is the Supreme being in the universe. Since that is true, He alone deserves our worship, our love, our devotion, and our allegiance. Therefore, when we pray this prayer, we acknowledge His supremacy and our own subjection to the Lord as our Sovereign Lord. We are acknowledging that He is our King, and we are His servants. This implies that we are His and His alone. Yet, we still use the word “My” to describe the things we claim to possess. “My money, my job, my life, my house, my family, my church, my this and my that, my, my, my.” May the Lord help us all to remember that all we have and all that we are is due to the kindness, love and grace of our glorious King, 1 Cor. 15:10. II. WE CAN REJOICE IN THE POWER OF GOD “And the power” A. His Power Is Enormous We have already established the fact that God is Sovereign and that He is in control. Now, we are told to rejoice in the fact that He has the power to control things as well. Church, please understand we do not serve some anemic, weak God. WE SERVE A GOD OF POWER AND ABILITY! He can do anything He pleases to do because He holds all power. He is Almighty God!  Gen. 18:14, “Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.”  Job 42:2, “I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.”  Psalms 62:11, “God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.”  Jer. 32:17, “Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:”  Eph. 3:20, “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” It is far easier to list what God cannot do than it is to list what He can do! You see, God cannot lie; He cannot change; He cannot make mistakes; He cannot fail! When we come before Him in prayer, we can pray with confidence because He has the power to hear us and grant our requests! Hallelujah! B. His Power Is Eternal We are told that all these things, His kingdom, His power, and His glory are “for ever.” Another of the great attributes of our God is the fact that He is “immutable.” This word means “unchanging or unable to change.” That describes the Lord God, Mal. 3:6; Heb. 13:8; James 1:17. His power today is the same as it ever has been! What confidence that should give us when we come to Him in prayer! All God has ever been He still is and He will continue to be. After all, He is “I AM.” (⇒ Do you need__________________________? Well, He can do that! Since our Lord has all the power, He has the ability to grant our requests.) III. WE CAN REJOICE IN THE PERSONALITY OF GOD “And the glory.” A. He Alone Deserves Glory Everything God is doing as He exercises His preeminence, and His power is for His glory. Psalms 8:1, “O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.” He does what He does so that He might be honored by His creation. He does what He does so that men might be drawn before Him in worship. He does what He does so that His name might be exalted. He alone is glorious, and He alone deserves glory! As we pass through this life, we will often try to accumulate glory for ourselves. However, God alone deserves all the glory, 1 Cor. 10:31. If we could ever learn that simple truth, it would forever revolutionize our lives, our churches, and our praying. Perhaps one reason we do not see our prayers answered is because we do not seek His glory first, James 4:3. Perhaps one reason we do not see more people saved is because we do not desire that for His glory alone. Perhaps one reason revival tarries in our day is because we do not seek it for His glory alone. Our God is a jealous God, and He will not share His glory with another, Ex. 34:14; Isa. 42:8. When we come to prayer, let us therefore remember that not only does our Father have the authority and the ability to answer our prayers, but He also has the alacrity to answer them as well. He wants to move in our lives, our homes, our churches, and our world in power and for His glory, but He will only do so, when He and He alone receives all the glory! Therefore, we can rejoice in a God Who had the ability, the authority, and the desire to hear and answer the prayers of His children! Praise His name! And my, what a promise! His glory will never fade but will endure forever! And those who know Him will share in that glory some day, John 17:24. B. He Alone Determines Glory We are told that His kingdom, His power, and His glory are “for ever.” This is a great promise that we can rejoice in. He will ever possess the kingdom, the power, and the glory. But I just want to point out that He and He alone determines who will share His glory some day. Only those who know Him in a grace relationship will be permitted to enter into His glorious kingdom at the end of the way, John 14:6; Acts 4:12.

Turning Down Temptation

July 28, 2021 • Pastor Arthur Jackson III • Matthew 6:13

A JOURNEY INTO POWERFUL PRAYER “TURNING DOWN TEMPTATION” Matt.6:13 “…And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” The six petitions of the Model Prayer are structured like a ladder. The top three rungs are in Heaven, having to do with God's FATHERHOOD.... His NAME. The next rung down concerns God's KINGDOM, the third rung involves His WILL. The next three rungs descend to earth as we pray for daily BREAD, FORGIVENESS, and finally PROTECTION from evil. On the ladder of this Model Prayer, we descend down from the contemplation of who God is, our Father, to who we http://are...sinful children. In the first three petitions of this prayer our soul rises directly to God; in the three following we face the hindrances of these aspirations. IN THE LAST PETITION WE DISCOVER THE SOLUTION TO ALL THESE DIFFICULTIES. Proper prayer includes praying for spiritual protection. This final petition has two requests. The first is negative: "And lead us not into temptation". The second is positive:"... but deliver us from the evil one." THE PRIMARY THOUGHT IN THIS PETITION IS THAT NO ONE IS ABOVE FALLING. No one is above shelving his or her faith, family, and/or future. No one is above yielding to temptation of sin. No one! Not the Pastor in his pressed suit, not the Deacons with their bibles and hymn books in hand, not the choir members in their robes nor the Church Mothers sitting on the front row! No one is immune to falling into sin. Secondly, the emphasis of the petition expresses the need to know how to pray for spiritual protection for ourselves. That is what the sixth and final petition of this Model Prayer is all about: "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil or the evil one." There are two things we should seek here.  THE DIRECTION OF GOD AND  THE DELIVERANCE FROM SIN. THE DIRECTION OF GOD  It goes without saying we should constantly seek His direction! If we are to be the kind of Christians that bring honor and glory to the Lord Jesus Christ, then it is vital that we seek God's direction and His leading in our lives. Our attitude should be, "Lord lead me. Show me what you want me to do." Is this your attitude?  Psalm 143:10 —“Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness".  Psalm 5:8—Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face”.  Psalm 25:5 — “Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day”.  Psalm 27:11— “Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies”. “Lead us not into temptation”. To understand this petition we need to take a close look at the word "temptation" It comes from the Greek word {pi-ras-mos}, which carries the main meaning of "TESTING." It refers not so much to solicitation to do evil or enticement to sin, as to TRIALS THAT TEST THE CHARACTER OF A PERSON. We need to be clear that God does not tempt us to do evil. God did not cause Adam and Eve to sin. He is not the author of sin. If God tempted men to sin, then His nature would not be holy.  JAMES 1:13-14 — “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: [14] But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” Why do we need to pray that He will not lead us into testing or temptation? Even though God is not the instrumental cause or author of our testing, He does permit or allow us to experience temptation from the World, from the Flesh, and from the Devil. The Bible is clear that temptations and testings are going to come into our lives. They are unavoidable. Times of intense temptation are going to happen. Therefore, this petition is a request that the Lord minimize (not eliminate) the occasions of our testing that may result in our sinning or giving in to our fleshly desires. It articulates the repentant disciple's felt weakness to stand up under severe trials in view of our sinfulness. The idea here is, "Lord, preserve me from temptation that will bring me under its sway and will cause me to fall." It is the expression of the redeemed soul that so despises and fears sin that it wants to escape all prospects of falling into it, choosing to avoid temptation rather than having to defeat temptation. We cannot help being exposed to temptation, and we are not to pray that we will be spared being tempted at all. Rather, we are to pray that we will be spared those temptations from Satan that we cannot withstand. This phrase, then, must be used in the sense of permitting. DO NOT ALLOW OR PERMIT US, TO BE TEMPTED TO SIN. • THANK GOD, HE PROMISES THAT WE WILL NOT BE GIVEN MORE THAN WE CAN HANDLE.  1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 — “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it”. The petition, "Lead us not into temptation," does not imply that God might lead us into some evil and we should pray that He would not. RATHER IT IS A NEGATIVE WAY OF SAYING WE WANT TO BE LED ARIGHT. It is a request to be led in the right direction, to be righteous in our walk. I do not know of anyone who went into sin when they were honestly praying to be led in the right way! Why? Because this is a prayer that God will answer! He desires that we walk the path of purity. We need, however, to pray this prayer if we are going to succeed in walking the right path, for the right path is not an easy one upon which to walk. A petition similar to this is offered by David, Psalms 141:4.  PSALM 141:4 — “Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.” • GOD ALLOWS TESTINGS IN OUR LIVES IN ORDER TO GIVE US THE OPPORTUNITY TO PROVE OUR FAITHFULNESS TO HIM. Job is a classic example of this fact. Satan tempted Job, but God allowed it. It is never God's desire to lead us into evil itself. Therefore, if we resist the devil, we are promised that he will flee from us. • GOD ALSO ALLOWS TESTING AND TEMPTATION TO STRENGTHEN AND REFINE OUR CHARACTER, AND TO DEVELOP PURITY, MATURITY, JOY, AND PATIENCE IN OUR CHRISTIAN LIFE. Conquered temptation knits the fibers of our souls into muscular cords.  JAMES 1:3 — “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience”.  2 CORINTHIANS 8:2 — “How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality”. THE DELIVERANCE OF GOD IS SOUGHT... "But deliver us from the evil one"  Proper prayer for spiritual protection from “the evil one” understands that the devil is a real person, not an impersonal cosmic force. Satan is alive and well on planet earth. He is your enemy whether you are a Christian or not. We should pray that the Lord would deliver us from Satan's power, his snares, arts, and his temptations. In a cursed world where we are battered by evil all around us, in this prayer we confess our inadequacy to deal with evil. We confess the weakness of our flesh to resist temptations and the absolute impotency of human resources and strength to combat sin and rescue us from its clutches. Above all, we confess our need for the protection and deliverance of our loving heavenly Father. We need God's protection and strength that come from putting our faith in Christ for our salvation. If a person has not received Christ as their Savior, then Satan is their father, and they will be condemned to Hell for eternity with him.  JOHN 8:44 — Jesus said of the Pharisees, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” If you are a Christian, Satan is out to ruin your Life, your Testimony, your Family, your Joy and most importantly your Fellowship with God by deceiving you into sinful living.  1 PETER 5:8 — “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” The development of the idea of Satan in the Bible is of the greatest interest. In Hebrew the word Satan simply means "AN ADVERSARY." It can often be used of men. A man's adversary is his Satan. In the King James Version, the Philistines are afraid that David may turn out to be their adversary or Satan (1 Sam 29:4). Solomon declares that God has given him such peace and prosperity that there is no Satan left to oppose him (1 Ki 5:4). David regards Abishai as his Satan (2 Sam 19:22). In all these cases, Satan means an adversary or opponent. From that, the word Satan goes on to mean one who pleads a case against someone.

And Forgive Us Our Debts, As We Forgive Our Debtors

July 21, 2021 • Pastor Arthur Jackson III

A JOURNEY INTO POWERFUL PRAYER “FORGIVING THOSE WHO HURT YOU” Matt.6:12 ”…And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” All of us have been deeply hurt by another person. How do we deal with that hurt? Jesus tells us in the Model Prayer. If we miss this petition in the Model Prayer, everything else we learn about prayer in this "journey" is simply a waste of time. Jesus tells us that we should pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”  Our text uses the word “debts” to refer to our sin. This is one of five words used in the New Testament for sin. Allow me to share those words and a few places where each can be found with you this evening. 1. Romans 3:23; Luke 15:21 — This particular word is used several times in the New Testament and carries the meaning of “Missing the mark.” It is an archery term and is used to refer to an archer shooting an arrow that falls far short of the target. It refers to the fact that in our sins, we all miss the standard of God's perfect righteousness. 2. Eph. 2:1; Col. 3:13 — This word is often translated “offenses” or “trespass” in the New Testament. It carries the idea of “slipping or falling.” It refers to sins that result from carelessness instead of intentional disobedience. 3. James 2:9 — This word is usually translated as “transgression.” It refers to "an intentional crossing of the boundaries established by God in His Word.” This is a far more conscious sin than either of the other two. 4. 1 John 3:4; Matt. 7:23 — This word is usually translated either by “iniquity” or by “transgression.” It literally means “without the Law or lawlessness.” It refers to high handed sin that is committed without regard to what God has to say about the matter. It is direct and open rebellion to against God, His ways and His Word. 5. Matt. 6:12 — This words is translated “debt, debtor or ought.” It refers to something that is “owed to another party.” Here, Jesus says that our sin is like a debt owed to God and to our fellow man. After becoming Christians, WE STILL SIN and therefore need DAILY forgiveness so our fellowship with our heavenly Father may continue. However, we must be willing to forgive others if our sins are to be forgiven. To learn to forgive those who hurt us, we must answer three questions. WHY SHOULD I FORGIVE? There are at least four reasons I should forgive others... 1. FORGIVENESS ALLOWS GOD TO FORGIVE MY SIN - God requires us to forgive others because He has forgiven us (Col. 3:13). It is such a serious matter not to forgive those who hurt us that Jesus' comment on this subject is the only footnote to the Model Prayer. He says if we forgive those who hurt us or sin against us, (then) our heavenly Father will also forgive us GOD IS ONLY WILLING TO FORGIVE US IF WE FORGIVE OTHERS. We cannot get from God what we refuse to give to others. For example, Jesus says, Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy (Matt. 5:7). If I don't show mercy and forgiveness to others, God will not be merciful and forgiving to me. 2. FORGIVENESS REVEALS MY FAITH IN GOD AND HIS WORD - If we really have faith in God and His Word, we will forgive because of that promise. An unforgiving spirit is clear evidence you don't trust God or His Word.  Romans 12:19-21 (NKJV) Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. 3. FORGIVENESS CLOSES THE DOOR TO OTHER SINS. When we refuse to forgive and thus hold a grudge, we open the door to all kinds of other sins, such as bitterness, resentment, jealousy, gossip, and hate.  Ephesians 4:31-32 - Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you. Bitterness is the direct result of refusing to forgive. When we refuse to forgive, bitterness takes root in our hearts and produces its evil fruit. All those terrible things listed after bitterness are the result of bitterness. The only way to close the door on these sins is to forgive. 4. Forgiveness makes me more like God. God is the God of mercy and forgiveness. To reveal His glory to Moses, the Lord passes in front of him proclaiming Himself to be the... Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin (Ex. 34:6-7a). When we forgive, we are doing something that originates in heaven. God is never more proud of us than when we are willing to forget a hurt because that's when we are most like Him. God is clear about His requirement for our forgiving others HOW DOES GOD FORGIVE? 1. God forgives completely. God promises: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). What does the word all include in that verse? All our sins! One of the greatest promises in the Bible is what God says in the last sentence of Jeremiah 31:34.  Jeremiah 31:34 (NKJV) 34 No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more." After we confess a sin to God, He will never say, "Remember that sin you committed, that bad thing you did?" God never brings it up again, and that's the way we should be. If we forgive as God does, we do not bring up that sin or hurt anymore. We don't tell other people about it, so they can know what victims we are and how someone else has hurt us. However, do you know who will bring it up? The Evil One! He will always try to get his foot in the door to keep your bitterness burning by reminding you of those who have hurt you. Then, he can lead you into all kinds of other sins. However, if we forgive as God has forgiven us, we will forgive completely and never bring it up again. 2. God forgives freely. It doesn't seem fair to be guilty of sin and then to be freely forgiven. It seems like we should have to do something to pay for the bad things we have done. However, what does Romans 3:24 tell us?  Romans 3:24 (NKJV) - being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, Our forgiveness is free but it is not cheap; it cost God His only Son. God sent His Son to die on the cross so not only could we be forgiven, but also so we could forgive those who hurt us and not be guilty of the sins of bitterness, resentment, gossip, etc. If I forgive as God does, I must forgive completely and freely. HOW CAN I FORGIVE THOSE WHO HURT ME? Not only does God command us to forgive and tell us the consequence for refusing to forgive; He also gives us wonderful examples of how to forgive. One example is the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis. All through his life, Joseph was willing to forgive those who hurt him. He forgives Potiphar's wife for lying and accusing him of trying to rape her and forgives Potiphar for having him put in prison for several years. He forgives Pharaoh's chief butler for forgetting him and leaving him in prison for two years. He forgives his brothers for selling him into slavery. Joseph was willing to forgive and forget. Did he forget the events? Did he forget the pit or the prison? The lies and suffering? No! Joseph chose to forget the pain associated with those events. Joseph knew the past was done and nothing could change it. Joseph also knew God has a purpose for our pain, hurts, and sufferings. Joseph says something to his brothers near the end of his forgiveness-filled life that reveals how we can forgive those who hurt us. What is it?  GENESIS 50:19-21 (NKJV) Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones." And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. Joseph could forgive because he knew God has a good reason for every hurt and a purpose for every pain He allows. We need to learn that sometimes God allows us to be hurt because He has a plan for our pain