Tag: repentance

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

adbLeave a comment

To Live Daily in Confession

Gracious Father,
Although I strive to live along your path of righteousness, I cannot hide that even my best efforts leave me stumbling off that path more times than I could ever number. My own waywardness prompts not only my commitment to do better, but also my confession when I have strayed. Let it be for me a daily practice to come before you with an honest and open heart, laying before you my sins and failures. Do not allow me to deceive myself in pretending that I could hide my faults from you. Move me to come clean in your presence. Equip me with the discernment to uncover the idols hidden in my heart so that you may purify me by your grace and cleanse me with your unconditional forgiveness. Wash away my sins, renew my soul and spirit, and lead me back along your path of righteousness. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

Light More Candles

adbLeave a comment

(Matthew 4:12-23)

It’s one of those quotes that has been attributed to so many different individuals that it’s quite uncertain who the original author is. I am also quite certain I’ve referenced the quote at some point in a previous sermon or post. Perhaps you’ve heard it: “It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” If you’re really concerned about determining who ought to be credited with the saying, feel free to research it and let me know. For my part, and for the purpose of this post, I’m more interested in seeing the quote put into practice than I am in knowing who said it. 

Isn’t light what the world needs more of? I don’t think there would be too much pushback if I shared the opinion that the world is a dark place. Regardless of what your views on anything are, you won’t have any trouble on any given day coming across a story or headline that has you convinced things are going in the wrong direction. The world is going down the toilet. The world is dark.

What’s especially sneaky about the darkness is that we tend to get used to it. It’s called dark adaptation. You’ve experienced this when you’ve left a lighted room and entered a dark or poorly lit room. At first, it’s difficult to see where anything is. In a relatively short time, though, one’s eyes adjust and become accustomed to the dark. We can see things clearly enough to get around, and we get used to it.

You’ve experienced the same thing with sin. At first it shocked you. Now… not so much. Initially, it was absolutely wrong. Then, after a while, it became more of a gray area. It was clearly sinful way back when, but if it has become so common and normalized today, can it still be so bad? We get used to the dark. We get used to sin. 

But getting rid of the darkness isn’t a matter of somehow decreasing the dark. You can’t “put out” the darkness. You can’t take the dark away or remove it. Darkness only disappears in the presence of light. When light is removed, that’s when darkness results.

A piece of paneled artwork in a room at our church depicts this. As your eyes scan from left to right, you notice the piece of art starts out completely covered in a golden light. There is no darkness. That was the world as God created it. But when is the darkness introduced? When sin enters the world.

That may give the impression that the darkness, which dominates the nine middle art panels until the final one, is the introduction of sin in a fallen world. In one sense, yes, but as you consider what sin does, what really happened? The light of holiness and perfection was removed. When that was all the world knew, it was covered in light. But once sin entered, the light of holiness and perfection exited the world. 

But, throughout the artwork, a thread of light is woven in the darkness. This is the good news of the gospel, or the promise of purity and perfection restored. The initial step in that promise has been carried out by Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, which is reflected in the center of the artwork. The final step, when that promise of purity and perfection will be fully delivered – and the golden light with it – will take place in the Revelation imagery when Jesus returns on the Last Day. When he does, complete light is restored, as it is in the final panel of the art piece. The new world ushered in by our Savior will not know darkness because the light of purity and perfection will be all there is.

So as we anticipate that radiant renewal, how do we handle the darkness in the meantime? What is the solution to the darkness we see in the world? When light is reintroduced, darkness disappears. We don’t “fix” the darkness; we shine the light.

Isaiah’s prophecy revealed when that light was going to be introduced into the world. “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned” (v.15-16). The light had come into the world at Jesus’ birth, and it was now beginning to get brighter with Jesus’ ministry. The light would shine its brightest in the darkest moment of Jesus’ death on Good Friday and in the full splendor of the empty tomb. The Resurrection would ensure that the darkness would be defeated. 

But the Messiah didn’t just come to save; he came to proclaim. The Messiah had a message: the gospel. If no one had ever heard the message of the Messiah’s salvation, who would have benefited? No one! The message had to be heard. A fully operational light switch with a working light bulb still needs to be turned on to be effective. So it is with the message of the Messiah’s salvation – it needs to be heard and believed to be effective.

So it wasn’t just the Messiah, but a Messiah with a message. “From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near’” (v.17). Jesus’ message was to turn around, to change your thinking, to realize that the way you were going on your own was only going to result in an eternal dead end. Why? Because a better way – the only way – had arrived. Jesus was there to shine the light of salvation for all. 

The word “repent” tends to get a bad reputation in our day and age. It evokes images of hard-line fundamentalist Christians, protesting and picketing, who seem to find more joy in condemning sinners than in pointing them to Christ.

But another way to think of that word repent in the context of light and dark is simply to acknowledge that we’re in the dark. When that happens, we realize how much we need – and appreciate – the light that has come.

So when we’ve become comfortable in the darkness of sin, we repent. When we see the darkness of sin around us, we repent for simply looking the other way or ignoring it. When we see the darkness of sin in our loved ones, we repent for permitting it. 

And then we’re ready for the light. We’re ready for the light of God’s grace in Jesus to dispel the darkness. We’re ready for the gospel to beam so brightly into our hearts that all darkness is gone. We’re ready for the good news that Jesus preached and carried out to reach our ears, too. Then we see the blessing of being in the light. We see how pleasing and pleasant it is to walk in the light. And we want it for others, too. 

See, it wasn’t just a Messiah with a message, but also a Messiah making messengers. Matthew makes that connection clear for us by first revealing the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy, then choosing to write about Jesus calling his disciples. “As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him” (v.18-22). The Messiah proclaimed his message, then he called his messengers. Why? So that more candles could be lit.

It’s easy for us to forget that we are called to light candles. We are messengers. We are the solution to the darkness. We are the ones to spread the light. We are the hope for a world blanketed in darkness. So let’s practice.

Someone brings up the latest crushing headline. We acknowledge it. We lament it. We share our frustration and disappointment over it. But then what? Do we just leave it at that? No, let’s get into the habit of asking each other, “How can we light a candle?” What can we do – because we are not powerless! – what can we do in response to the news just discussed? How can we light a candle to put out that darkness?

I can light a candle by praying right then and there. I can light a candle by ensuring that my children grow up in their faith and develop a relationship with Jesus that I wish I had started earlier. I can light a candle by bringing Jesus into the conversation with my friend who is going through a divorce. I can light a candle by making a difference in my neighborhood simply by getting to know my neighbors and building bridges to Jesus. I can light a candle by volunteering and supporting good causes in my community. There are countless ways for us to light a candle daily!

Call out the darkness. Identify it. Name it. But don’t waste your time or energy cursing it. Ask how you can light a candle instead. When that happens, darkness is replaced with light, and others can see its source – Jesus – more clearly. Brothers and sisters in Christ, “[we, too!] have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned” (Mt. 4:15). Let’s light more candles! 

The Imminent Arrival of the Judge

adbLeave a comment

(Matthew 3:1-12)

Remember the name George Santos? He was viewed by some as a rising star in his political party. And, despite concerns that were expressed about the reliability of his biography and past track record (including those claiming that already in childhood he had a reputation for being deceitful and untrustworthy), he did end up being elected into office. Eventually, though, it was discovered that Santos had in fact lied about a number of details about his past, including his education and employment history. Many of his business dealings and financial history were also found to be inconsistent and fraudulent as well. As it turned out, George Santos was not at all who he made himself out to be. It took official legal action and investigations to eventually discover the truth and convict him. 

John the Baptist, preacher of repentance, reminds us this morning that judgment is also imminent for each of us. But it won’t be an investigation or any legal action that will determine our judgment; it will be the Lord Jesus himself. Like Santos, we might be able to fool or deceive others – and even ourselves – for a time, but when it comes to the judgment of Jesus, the truth about each of us will come out. 

For some, that day will be terrifying. The Pharisees and Sadducees of Jesus’ day would be among them. Notice how suddenly the tone of Matthew’s account turns harsh as he records for us how John addressed them. “But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?  Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, “‘We have Abraham as our father’” I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire’” (Matthew 3:7-10). 

“Brood of vipers” was a loaded term! First of all, one can hardly miss the connection between viper and the Satanic serpent back in Eden. And John doesn’t just call them “vipers,” either, but a “brood” of vipers. By referring to them as a brood, or offspring, John was also making a clear connection with their wicked ancestors, those who persecuted and even put to death God’s prophets in Old Testament times.

His follow up question – “Who wanted you to flee from the coming wrath?” – was intended as a satirical shake-up, since their soaring confidence in their own self-righteousness had them convinced that, unlike everyone else flocking to John the Baptist, they actually had nothing to be afraid of. So although they weren’t really concerned about that wrath, John was plainly telling them they very much needed to be!

To emphasize his point, he used additional illustrations. First, they weren’t the ones who got to determine what kind of fruit they were going to produce. That was their entire modus operandi when it came to religion – delighting in defining what they considered to be appropriate fruit. “We’ll just insert a few extra requirements here and sprinkle some added laws in over there.” But John was specific: fruit “in keeping with repentance.” In other words, contrition that was accompanied by appropriate actions. Not just, “I’m sorry you were offended or hurt,” but “I’m sorry for what I did, and I want to make it right.” That’s fruit in keeping with repentance. It’s fruit that reinforces the remorse of repentance. 

Then John reminded them that their religious version of “Who’s who” would get them nowhere. When it comes to name-dropping before God, there’s only One name that matters, and it wasn’t Abraham – or any of the patriarchs or OT prophets, but the name of Jesus.

Next, John raised the level of urgency by warning them that the ax wasn’t in the shop somewhere being sharpened, nor was it off in the distance somewhere being given a few warm-up swings. Rather, it was already at the root of the tree, ready to take out all trees without good fruit. And he wasn’t talking about pruning, mind you, to provide another opportunity to bear fruit, but utter destruction right at the roots, where, the tree would be hacked away from any chance at life and burned up in a fire!

That same picture of fire was what would happen to all of the chaff – unbelievers – after having been separated from the wheat with the winnowing fork. There was no doubt remaining as to what warning John was giving: that time of judgment is imminent, and it is going to be an eternal disaster for all who ignore John’s message of repentance. 

Thankfully, we see others also flocking to John. We see others who have nothing to fear. They heeded John’s urging to repent.  “People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River” (v.5-6). It’s a small phrase, but with huge implications: “confessing their sins.” That phrase was absent in Matthew’s description of the Pharisees and Sadducees. But without it, baptism is nothing special, it is a splash of water or a quick wash. There’s nothing more to it if there is no sin to be washed away.

Those other people going to John did so with purpose. They brought their filth with them. They dragged their shame along. They confessed it, demonstrating their understanding of and need for baptism. They had real sins that really needed to be washed away. They took to heart the words of the Baptist and the prophet Isaiah, who foreshadowed him. In repentance they prepared the way for the Lord and his gracious forgiveness.

In biblical narratives like this one, when different groups or types of people are present, we naturally identify with a certain individual or group, or at the very least rule out any association with one. Isn’t it safe to say that wherever the Pharisees or Sadducees are present, we pretty much rule out any association with them? After all, we don’t pretend we’re saved by our own righteous good works, like the Pharisees, and we don’t deny the supernatural, like angels or resurrection and an afterlife, like the Sadducees do. Therefore, John’s warnings aren’t addressed to us, right?

Permit me to encourage a different approach to Scripture. Do we truly wish to avoid ending up on the same path as the Pharisees? If so, then whenever we see a warning in Scripture, let’s first assume that it’s a warning that is in place for our benefit and one which we need to hear.

In other words, rather than writing off every warning in Scripture as being directed at someone else, first consider how it might apply to me. Does John’s general warning about a coming wrath have anything to do with me? It absolutely does, if it exposes me as a fraud, a fake, or a false follower. But how would we know? 

That’s where it gets tricky, because when a person falls into that dangerous category, or even anywhere near it, he usually isn’t aware of it. The individual who has become disengaged from the local church, disconnected from the Bible, and is devoid of any displays of the Christian faith, yet still wholeheartedly identifies himself as a Christian, needs to hear John’s warning about the judgment of unquenchable fire that is waiting for fruitless trees and chaff. The believer who wants to selectively pick and choose certain teachings from Scripture and discard others, may align more with the Sadducees than she is aware, and needs to hear John’s warning. The believer whose idea of repentance involves merely the lip service of “I’m sorry” without any change in actions or attitude, needs to hear John’s warning. The believer clinging to the lie that grace and forgiveness are a license to sin as freely as he wants to because no matter what, he’s covered by Jesus, needs to hear John’s warning.

Consider a church member who hasn’t been in church for a year or more. In his mind, he hasn’t necessarily done anything wrong. He hasn’t committed a crime. He’s not absent because of some division or doctrinal disagreement. When the topic of church membership comes up, he struggles to see why his church membership should be questioned. “Isn’t it only those who disagree or have done something wrong who get dropped from church membership?”

But here’s the thing: if it doesn’t concern you that you haven’t desired to be in church, to receive the sacrament, to hear the absolution, to receive the encouragement of fellowship with other believers, and to want to serve and be served by them, that should be a red flag! John has something to say to you: judgment is imminent!  

And because it is, how necessary it is for us to cling to the part of John’s message that came after the word repent. He promised, “the kingdom of heaven has come near” (v.3). What is the kingdom of heaven? When Scripture uses the term “kingdom,” it is not a reference to a physical location, with borders that can be drawn on a map. It is instead referring to the unique activity of the gospel as God’s Word rules in people’s hearts, bringing them to faith and sustaining and strengthening them in the faith. It’s the work of grace changing and transforming us from the inside out. It’s the peace of forgiveness that softens our hearts and equips us with patient compassion toward others. It’s the joy of salvation shaping our speech and aligning our attitudes more and more with Jesus. All of that, and so much more is included in Christ’s kingdom work. 

And take note, for even in his own lifetime, John pointed out that the kingdom “has come near.” To put the word “near” into proper perspective, look who John quotes immediately following – the prophet Isaiah, who was preaching the same message as John, but 700 years earlier than John. Yes, “near” had finally arrived. Not only had God’s people been waiting those 700 years since Isaiah, but also for the centuries that were stacked up long before Isaiah even came along!

Yes, “near” was imminent. Jesus had arrived on the scene, born some thirty years ago by the time John the Baptist started proclaiming. Now, through his own public ministry, Jesus was going to continue carrying out and completing the saving work he came to do. That would ensure that his kingdom would be established and continue to grow and be strengthened through the work of the gospel – even to this day. John was the one preparing the way for him. And, if he was near then to carry out that work, then his return to judge on the last day was also that much nearer! 

What was true of John’s day is even more true in ours: Jesus’ return is even nearer. Remember Paul’s encouragement from Philippians in recent weeks? “The Lord is near!” Rejoice! Always (cf. Philippians 4). It’s still true, isn’t it?

John’s warnings are not worrisome for repentant sinners who know that Jesus’ righteous blood solidifies our status as saints. We don’t have to fabricate our past or falsify our biography to somehow pretend we can fool the righteous Judge, Jesus. We come clean to him in confession, confident of his unconditional grace, and absolutely assured of the joy that accompanies Jesus’ judgment: not guilty. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

adbLeave a comment

To Bring Blessings Through the Fruit of My Repentance

Holy Spirit,
When you work in me a penitent spirit, work in me also the genuine desire to bear fruit in keeping with repentance. While repentance itself is a challenge for my stubborn heart, what follows can also be easily overlooked. When contrition and confession lead me to the cross, where I am flooded with your full forgiveness, allow that renewed spirit within me to be eager to bear fruit that seeks to make right whatever wrong I have committed. Let my cleansed soul find genuine joy in humbly serving anyone I have wronged. In that way, through the process of repentance, reshape the original evil that was done into something beautiful and good in the end. Take what was bad and turn it to what is beneficial, bestowing your blessing on many along the way. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

adbLeave a comment

For a Penitent Spirit

Patient Father,
John the Baptist prepared the way for the Lord by preaching a message of repentance. Through your Holy Spirit, work in me a penitent spirit – one that does not seek to diminish or hide my sin, but to confess it. When I come clean to you in confession, confident of your unconditional grace, your forgiveness washes over me and restores my soul. Practicing repentance regularly reminds me that I am not a slave to sin, but to righteousness, and this is not so because of anything on my end, but entirely because your atoning work completely covered all sin. Thank you for your gift of repentance. Keep me always willing and eager to take advantage of it.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

adbLeave a comment

To Guard Me From Hypocrisy

Loving Savior,
When it comes to hypocrites, or false believers, you didn’t mince words when warning them of condemnation while here on earth. And rightly so! Not only were they outside of the kingdom of God, but they also threatened others by potentially leading them astray and outside of your kingdom as well. 

Although we are not hypocrites in the strict biblical sense of being false believers, we do find ourselves acting hypocritically. We know your Word and will well enough, and do not hesitate to point out to others when they fail to live by it, but we ourselves can’t keep from breaking it. Lead us always to repentance when we are aware of this (and even when we’re not!), and guide us to grasp the importance of striving to match our words and our actions so that our hypocrisy would never turn others away from you. Rather than displaying a pharisaical hypocrisy, let your grace always abound and be evident both in me and through me.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

adbLeave a comment

For the Courage to Seek Reconciliation (Part 2)

Spirit of Peace,
Regardless of the reason, whenever there is an issue between another believer and me, I pray that you provide me with courage to seek reconciliation. When my words or actions have been the cause for concern, and someone else desires to speak with me about it, let me be willing to, whether I feel it is necessary or not. In those situations, I may either be blind to the damage I may have done, or be unaware of how my behavior affected another person. Or, I could be aware, but feel justified on my end and stubbornly try avoid the other person. This is not loving to them, and will only cause more hurt. Make me always willing to listen, quick to accept responsibility, and eager to apologize, whether it is for my own sake or for the sake of the other person. Whenever this process happens, usher in your peace, and heal any hurts or hangups with your gift of reconciliation. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

adbLeave a comment

For the Courage to Seek Reconciliation (Part 1)

Spirit of Peace,
Regardless of the reason, whenever there is an issue between another believer and me, I pray that you provide me with courage to seek reconciliation. When I perceive another person’s words or actions to be the cause of discord, guard me from gossip, so that I don’t make things worse by fueling the discord even more. Instead, as soon as possible, enable me to address my concern with the individual with humble confidence. Let me be firm, but gentle, never seeking to get even or repay for some wrong, but to seek healing and restoration. When repentance is called for, let it be received well and allow it to bring about the confession and absolution that is necessary. Whenever this process happens, usher in your peace, and heal any hurts or hangups with your gift of reconciliation. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

Forgiveness Follow-up

adbLeave a comment

(2 Corinthians 2:5-11)

We love the “where are they now” type of follow-up stories. The child actor who starred in some of our favorite nostalgic films but then fell out of the limelight – what ever happened to them? The athlete responsible for the miraculous championship game or series-winning play – what are they up to now? The SharkTank contestant whose business product or idea dazzled the whole panel, leading them all to want a piece of the pie – where is that business or product now? We love the follow up stories that fill us in on the current status of key people or moments from our past.

Well, for the most part, anyway. There are always exceptions. And one of them might be found in Paul’s prior letter to the believers in Corinth, from 1 Corinthians 5. Paul described the incident here: “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father’s wife. And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this? For my part, even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. As one who is present with you in this way, I have already passed judgment in the name of our Lord Jesus on the one who has been doing this. So when you are assembled and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord” (verses 1-5). 

Paul stated that the incident within the church had such an “ick” factor that it surpassed the type of stuff done outside the church around the city of Corinth – which was a city well-known for its sexual promiscuity! That’s not usually the kind of “where are they now” story we want to follow up on, but rather the kind of story we wish we’d never heard in the first place! Nevertheless, it seems quite likely that this is the incident Paul is addressing in the verses from 2 Corinthians. He’s following up on the incident to address how it was handled – and should continue to be handled – by the believers in Corinth. 

As we look at this example of forgiveness today, let’s acknowledge that we have mixed feelings about it. We are in awe of examples of radical forgiveness, and realize we ought to strive for that kind of forgiveness. The powerful moment the sibling of the murder victim quiets the entire courtroom with the request and subsequent follow through to forgive and hug the murderer. The famous scene in Les Miserable when the bishop forgives Jean Valjean, which ends up radically altering his life.

But here’s also why we have a love/hate relationship with forgiveness: at times, we struggle mightily because we feel very strongly that the one on the receiving end of forgiveness didn’t deserve it. We also might wish to be able to emulate that depth of forgiveness in our own lives. We know we should, but we want to prove we’re justified when we want to withhold forgiveness from others. 

Before we go further, we need to let go of a common misunderstanding about forgiveness: that it is something some people deserve and others don’t. That is the world’s version of forgiveness. It’s conditional. It’s determine on a case-by-case basis. But it isn’t biblical forgiveness.

When the Bible teaches us forgiveness, there are no conditions, because we’re all stuck equally in the same spot: undeserving. No one deserves forgiveness. One person is not more worthy of it than another. Forgiveness as God defines it has no conditions. It is unconditional. So let God use this incident that took place in a congregation long ago to help us see – and put into practice – that radical power of forgiveness.

Again, it seems very likely that these verses are in reference to the incest incident Paul covered in his first letter, although we cannot say with complete certainty. But either way, what Paul writes about following up with forgiveness here holds true regardless. A sin was committed and it resulted in the congregation exercising discipline to some degree. While Paul doesn’t cover the specific steps of dealing with sin and repentance, Jesus did.

In Matthew 18, Jesus laid out the steps for how we deal with the believer who sins against us. And the goal, make no mistake, is always to lead the guilty party to repentance, to confess the sin and admit, “I have sinned. I am sorry. Please forgive me” Then, we eagerly forgive. That’s the goal. So how do we get to that point?

To quickly review those steps, the first attempt is a one-on-one conversation. The wronged party speaks to the offender and points out the sin. Ideally, the sinner is repentant right there, forgiveness (or absolution, if you want the fancier church term) is pronounced, and healing can take place to allow all involved parties to move on.

If, however, the offender refuses to see or acknowledge any wrongdoing with that first attempt, then the individual returns again with someone else who can serve as a witness that these steps are being carried out. If that second effort doesn’t result in repentance, the third step is to get leadership from the church involved, which might include elders, the pastor, etc. Then, if even the involvement of the spiritual leaders doesn’t lead the sinner to repentance, the final step is for the congregation as a whole to inform the wrongdoer that as long as he/she is impenitent, refusing to confess that what he/she did was sin, that person is outside the church – not just the local congregation, but more importantly, Christ’s church. In other words, it’s the last loving step the church takes to declare to an individual that if nothing changes, they will end up in hell. God’s intent is that when faced with that stark reality, the offender would finally be led to see that gravity/seriousness of impenitent sin, and finally repent.

Those steps apparently served their purpose in Corinth, and the sinner was led to repentance. So in these verses, Paul is now dealing with the members of the church to guide them into welcoming back the brother who sinned. Based on his words, according to verses six and nine, Paul appears to be indicating that they had followed through with his direction to carry out out church discipline on the man, and that it had been effective. Now, he was encouraging them to respond accordingly and forgive him. 

But notice something about the forgiveness Paul encourages. It isn’t merely the spoken words, “we forgive you,” but also the accompanying words, actions, and behaviors that back up that forgiveness. Paul writes, “Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him” (v.7-8). This might stand out to our Lutheran ears a bit, as we tend to be wary of emotions and feelings in reference to theology and teaching. And understandably so, because we would never want to leave anyone with the impression that his or her salvation is founded on a feeling, that they are only a genuine believer who is saved if they feel like it. Those feelings must always take a back seat to the trustworthy, unchanging, declarative power of God’s Word – effective because of what God says and not determined by what we feel.

But Paul also knows what each of us know from experience: guilt. Shame. Embarrassment. Sin leaves these things spread all over the place in its wake, and while we can believe and take to heart the words, “God forgives me,” we don’t live in a vacuum. Others know about our sin. Our sin affected other people. Our sin impacted what people think of us. And so guilt and shame are not so easily shaken off to magically disappear once the assurance of forgiveness is spoken. 

If you think Paul isn’t speaking from personal experience regarding concerns over how his past sins shape people’s opinion of him, then you don’t know the one who called himself chief of sinners. He knew first hand, and he often wears his heart on his sleeve as he pours out his emotions to the church in his various letters regarding his love for them, so often reciprocated in their loving kindness toward him. Don’t underestimate how deeply-rooted a person’s guilt and shame can be over their sin, so don’t hesitate to speak forgiveness and absolution, but also to show it by comforting and reaffirming the repentant sinner. 

And notice the united front with which the church approaches sin. It’s a team effort. Paul leaves no question about where the repentant sinner stands as far as he is concerned, once his fellow believers have forgiven him. “Anyone you forgive, I also forgive” (v.10). “If you have handled the matter according to Scripture and confession and absolution have taken place, then I stand with you in forgiveness.” In other words, Christians don’t set up their own personal prerequisites that must be met for each individual believer to personally forgive the repentant sinner. When forgiveness is pronounced, we stand together in that pronouncement and reception of that fellow believer back into the fold. 

Paul further explained why he – why each of us – is able to stand together in that pronouncement of forgiveness. He shared that he has “forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake” (v.10). That is to say, he knows the vertical grace and forgiveness that flows from Christ to him, and when that happens, he extends that same grace and forgiveness horizontally to others. That’s very powerful. 

Imagine if I walk up to an unbeliever and tell him, “I have great news: God forgives you.” Now, the Bible makes it clear that the Word of God is always powerful and effective. However, without knowing any other context or background or details about that person or about that person’s familiarity with Scripture, it’s probably logical to conclude that those words would end up like the seed sown on the hard path in Jesus’ parable and never amount to anything.

But imagine a believer approaching a drunk driver who took away their loved one’s life, or a doctor who committed malpractice that resulted in long-term care being required for a loved one, or the individual involved in the affair that rocked your marriage, and saying to each of those individual’s, “I forgive you.” Do you imagine there would be a difference? Do you think the word of forgiveness expressed directly to the guilty party from the one who was wronged would hit the person differently than “God forgives you?”

What’s the difference? It’s certainly not that God’s forgiveness is less effective or not as meaningful as ours (for we couldn’t even forgive others in such radical ways if not first forgiven ourselves!). Rather, there is context and understanding when it comes to horizontal forgiveness. The guilty individual knows what they did wrong, who they did it against, and then witness that person forgiving them instead of the expectation of wanting to get even or see them suffer. 

And it’s that horizontal forgiveness that can then serve as the introduction to a more meaningful understanding of the vertical forgiveness we have from God through Jesus Christ. We are then able to explain the source of such radical forgiveness. It flows from the forgiveness – even more radical than our own forgiving of others – that we have through Jesus Christ. So the cross isn’t just the source of forgiveness, but also the shape of it – illustrating the vertical forgiveness coming down to us from God through Christ, and the horizontal forgiveness we then extend to others.

At some point grace has to be brought into the picture. We can’t just insist that others forgive “because it’s the right thing to do.” We can’t strong-arm others with “you need to forgive” If there is no concept of grace involved in this process, then there is no proper power or motivation to forgive. It is then relegated to one of many beneficial civic duties. Sure, it can still be a good thing, but God is always more interested in our hearts than just a good outward action. And hearts need grace to forgive those who wrong us. Lots of grace. And in Jesus, that is exactly what we have. 

His grace forgives us – even when we don’t want to extend it to others. His grace forgives us – even when we don’t want others to receive it because we don’t feel they deserve it. His grace forgives us – even when we fumble forgiveness so often in our own lives.

Paul concludes this section by highlighting why this subject matter is so important. The matter of sin within a congregation must always be handled with care, because it is potentially one of the most destructive mistakes that Satan can use against a group of believers to cause an implosion. He reminded the Corinthians of Satan’s attempts to “outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes” (v.11). It isn’t just other believers and the outside world who are watching to see how sin is handled; Satan has a front-row seat, and he’s already going to try to use any sin to fracture the body of Christ, so we don’t want to give him any more ammunition than he already has when sin has been committed.

He counts it as a win when sin has been committed, but the sinner remains impenitent. He counts it as a win when sin has been committed and confessed, but other believers fail to forgive. Satan delights in using sin and mishandled forgiveness to cause division in the body of Christ and destroy souls in the process. So recognize the seriousness of forgiveness and how we follow up with it.

Let us ultimately pray that the “where are they now” story of every believer ends up the same. Back in Christ’s church. Ultimately with their place in heaven locked in and reserved through the forgiving blood of Jesus. And let’s not just speak it to make sure it’s known, but also show it in every possible way.

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

adbLeave a comment

To Put Off My Old Self

Gracious Spirit,
You have made me to be a new creation, holy in your sight and set apart for your purposes. Nevertheless, until you call me home to heaven or you return – whichever happens first – I still battle with my old self. This is a daily battle that can only be won with your strength. Clothe me, therefore, with added layers of your power so that I can daily put off the old self with its desires and inclinations.

The more you fill me, the less room there is for my old self to dwell in me. Grant me also the ability to see with physical eyes and to practically understand what this spiritual battle looks like in my day-to-day living. Make me aware when my old self takes over my thinking and my desires, so that I can call him out and silence him. Lead me away from anything that might attract the attention of my old self in order to deter his influence in my life. Give to me the necessary resilience, determination, and perseverance to never tire of putting off my old self.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.