Colossians 3:13; Selected Scriptures
By
D.Z. Cofield, Th.M., D. Min.
February 12, 2023
Responsive Reading – Ephesians 4:25-32 (NLT2) –
Leader: 25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are
all parts of the same body.
Congregation: 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the
sun go down while you are still angry,
Leader: 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
Congregation: 28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands
for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.
Leader: 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be
good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those
who hear them.
Congregation: 30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way
you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that
you will be saved on the day of redemption.
Leader: 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander,
as well as all types of evil behavior.
Everyone: 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one
another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
WORD CLOUD QUESTION:
Q – WHEN YOU THINK BACK OVER HISTORY, WHO DO YOU THINK
WOULD BE THE HARDEST PERSON EVER TO FORGIVE?
Colossians 3:12 (NLT2) – Since God chose you to be the holy people he
loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness,
humility, gentleness, and patience.
1. You must LEARN how to BEAR with the FAULTS of OTHERS.
Colossians 3:13 (ESV) – bearing with one another and, if one has a
complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven
you, so you also must forgive.
Colossians 3:13 (NLT2) – Make allowance for each other’s faults, and
forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you
must forgive others.
Bearing with –
Romans 15:1 (NRSV) – We who are strong ought to put up with the
failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Galatians 6:2 (ESV) – Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of
Christ.
Ephesians 4:1-2 (NLT2) – Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg
you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.
2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making
allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.
2. You must LEARN what it means to forgive OTHERS.
Colossians 3:13 (ESV) – bearing with one another and, if one has a
complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven
you, so you also must forgive.
Colossians 3:13 (NLT2) – Make allowance for each other’s faults, and
forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you
must forgive others.
Forgiving –
FORGIVENESS MEANS:
A. YOU GIVE UP THE RIGHT TO RETALIATE
Romans 12:19 (ESV) – Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to
the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the
Lord.”
PLAY STAR TREK VIDEO FROM THE WRATH OF KHAN
HERE AT MY SIGNAL
B. YOU GIVE UP THE BURDEN OF CARRYING YOUR PAST
PAIN SO YOU CAN WALK UNBURDENED IN YOUR PRESENT AND
FUTURE.
TWO QUESTIONS ABOUT FORGIVENESS.
– DOES FORGIVENESS REQUIRE ME TO RESTORE THAT
PERSON TO A PLACE OF VIOLATED TRUST?
– DOES FORGIVENESS REQUIRE YOU TO FORGET?
Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT2) – No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not
achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking
forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and
receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling
us.
L.I.F.E. Group Questions
1. When you think back over history, who do you think is the hardest
person ever to forgive? Explain
2. Who is the hardest person for you to forgive? Explain
3. Is there anything that someone can do to you that you think is
unforgiveable?
4. How important is it for you to learn how to bear with the faults of
others?
5. What does it mean to forgive others?
6. Is it easy or difficult to give up the right to retaliate when someone
has done you wrong? Explain
7. How do you think carrying the burden of pain from your past can keep
you from fulfilling your God-given potential.
8. Does forgiveness require you to restore a person to previous position
of trust once that trust has been violated?
9. How can you “forget” what has happened to you in the past to the
point that it no longer holds you hostage?
10. This week what can you do to move towards forgive someone,
regardless of whether or not they ask for?
