Our Savior's Church - Lafayette
Discussion Guide

In But Not Of

Pastor Jacob Aranza
|
February 4, 2024

Main Idea

Pastor Jacob Aranza reminded us that unforgiveness is a disease that can only be acquired if we choose it, but we can also choose to get rid of it. He shared five biblical truths that will help us forgive, including the fact that forgiveness is not an option, but obedience to Jesus. He also gave four biblical steps to forgiving others.

Scripture References

Luke 17:1, Luke 17:2-6, Luke 17:12, Hebrews 12:15

Think about someone you need to forgive. How can remembering that forgiveness is rooted in your faith in God and not in your faith in others, help you to forgive that person?

Unforgiveness is 'spiritual leprosy' that can have devastating effects on our lives, just like physical leprosy. Choose to forgive and release others so that you can be free from its effects.

Why do you think Jesus connected the story of teaching about forgiveness to healing ten lepers? How does unforgiveness affect us like leprosy?

Discussion Questions:

Have you ever experienced the four stages of hurt, unforgiveness, resentment, and bitterness after being offended? How did you break free from that cycle?

In what ways can you renew your mind and release unforgiveness through prayer and speaking forgiveness and blessing over others?

Do you struggle with forgiving someone who has hurt you deeply? How can remembering that you are forgiven by God and choosing to forgive others by faith help you in this process?

We forgive not because others deserve it, but because we deserve to be free from the bondage of unforgiveness.

Summary

Pastor Jacob Aranza's message this week 'In But Not Of' was all about unforgiveness. He shared that unforgiveness is a disease that can only be acquired if we choose it, but thankfully, we can also choose to get rid of it. Pastor Jacob discussed the top causes of death in America and revealed that the most dangerous and contagious disease is unforgiveness. He then referenced Luke 17:1 and 17:2-6 to explain that forgiveness is rooted in our faith in God, and only the forgiven can truly forgive. He also shared five biblical truths that will help us forgive, including the fact that forgiveness is not an option, but obedience to Jesus. He ended the message by connecting the stories of Jesus teaching about forgiveness and healing ten lepers, and shared four stages that begin when we are offended - hurt, unforgiveness, resentment, and bitterness. He gave four biblical steps to forgiving others, including remembering who we need to forgive, repenting, releasing them, and renewing our minds through prayer and speaking forgiveness and blessing over them.

Call to Action

Some next steps to take this week:

Take a moment to reflect on any unforgiveness in your life and ask God to help you choose to let go of it.

Remember that forgiveness is not an option for Christians, but a command from Jesus. Choose to forgive and release others, just as God has forgiven and released you.

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