Welcome to the
CHURCH OF CHRIST
ASHAIMAN

FORGIVENESS

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

(Matthew 18:21-35)

Introduction:

1. One of the most difficult disciplines we will ever learn is the discipline of forgiveness.

2. As difficult as it may be to practice, development in this area is not optional, but a “must” if we desire to be forgiven ourselves.

3. Let’s look at the parable of the unforgiving servant and learn the lessons Jesus wanted us to get, and then make some practical applications.

I. The Parable

    A. A servant owes his master ten thousand talents and begs for patience (18:23-26).
    B. The master forgave this servant his debt (18:27).
   C. This forgiven servant is then approached by a fellow servant who owed him a small  
        amount of money and begged for patience (18:28-29).
   D. This forgiven servant refused to forgive this small debt and had the man imprisoned (18:30).
   E. When the master learned of this forgiven servant’s actions, he revoked the forgiveness he 
        had extended, and demanded that he pay all (18:31-34).
   F. This is what our heavenly father will do to us if we do not, from the heart, forgive our
       brethren (18:35).
 
II. Truths From This Parable
     A. We are indebted to God for our sins (Romans 6:23).
     B. The price for our sins is so great, we cannot pay for them (Eph 2:8-10).
     C. God is merciful if we seek mercy (Micah 7:18).
     D. In order to receive mercy, we must be willing to extend it (James 2:13).
     E. Forgiveness is more than words, and must come from the heart (18:35).
 
III. Practical Applications Regarding Forgiveness
      A. Life isn’t always fair - trust God to right the wrongs.
      B. What happens in you is more important than what happens to you.
      C. God is watching to see what you will do and how you will react.
      D. Don’t give in to bitterness.
      E. Don’t allow one wrong to cause another.
      F. What you do is more important than how you feel.
     G. Remember, you are still the bigger debtor.
 
Conclusion:
     1. The greatest good you can accomplish for yourself is to learn to develop and practice the
         grace and discipline of forgiveness.