CenterPointe Christian Church
CenterPointe Christian Church is a community-focused church in Lexington, KY, that desires to help you FIND and FOLLOW Jesus. All ages and stages are welcome to join us in-person Sundays at 9:30 & 11:00 AM, or stream live online at 11 AM at centerpointechristian.online.church - Children's ministry is available for birth thru 5th Grade during both in-person services.
Message Series: Teach Us To Pray
Today's Message: The Prayer of Release
Matthew 6:12
Matthew 18:21-35
Why I Must Release Those Who’ve Hurt Me
1. Because God Forgives Me
2. Resentment is Self-torture
3. I Need Forgiveness Everyday
Growth Guide
1. Looking back at your notes from this week’s message, “The Prayer of Release,” was there a particular verse, statement, or question that caught your attention, encouraged, or challenged you?
2. Read Matthew 18:21-35 and make three observations about the indebted slave.
a.) What are the implications of not forgiving?
b.) Discuss why the slave, one forgiven, wouldn’t forgive his debtors.
3. In Romans 3:23-24 who is on the universal list of sinners?
a.) In what ways is redemption a gift?
b.) How would you explain the idea of being justified?
4. According to Ephesians 4:32, what should our attitudes be toward each other?
5. If the meaning of grace is that we’ve been instantly forgiven, what is our responsibility toward each other?
6. What resulted from the slave’s lack of forgiveness in Matthew 18:33-34?
a.) What behavior did the master expect of those he’d been kind to?
b.) How does a lack of forgiveness affect one’s sinful state before God?
7. We need to forgive every day because harboring resentment and anger can have physical effects. What can we do to keep hurt and pain from embittering our lives?
8. After reading Matthew 18:34-35, describe how God will treat those who don’t forgive.
a.) Does this seem cruel? Explain your answer.
b.) What do you think this verse means by “torture”?
The Forgiveness Test
Ask God to reveal anyone who needs grace and forgiveness from you. Use these questions to think and pray about who you might need to forgive.
1. The Blame Test: Who am I the most likely to blame for my problems or unhappiness?
2. The Rehearsal Test: Who is the first person to come to mind when I think of my greatest hurt?
3. The Scoreboard Test: Is there anyone I tend to keep score on?
4. The Reminder Test: Do I ever react negatively to someone because they remind me of someone else?