Grainger County news. (Rutledge, Tenn.) 1917-current, 1921-01-05

YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOPIC
forgiveness: Its Meaning and Scope.
In this lesson we have divine in.
structiOns as to our behavior In case
Of ill-trea tment.
|. Peters Question ". 2D.
This question, How often shall my
brother sin against me and forgive
hlmE probably was Occasi0ned by ,he
III treatment which Peter was then re-
ceiying at the hands of his fellow dis
rtples. Christ's confession of Peter
brought 'him into the limelight. The
question of the disciples (1S:l) who
Is the greatest in the kingdom of heav-
"n| shows that there was some jeal-
DL&y OF Peter among the disciples and
consequent contention among them.
From The Lords teaching as to the
Efforts to bring about reconciliation in
case of Oifenses between brother and
brother He knew that II would require
the. exercise Of the spirit of forgive
ness. Peter disposed TO he gracious in
qnires "Tlll seTen times?" showing his
readiness to forgive his brother not
three times but twice three times and
little over.
II. Jesus Answer ". 22).
The Lords answer was an astonlsh-
ing revelation TO Peter. He said mot
until seven times. but until seventy
times seven" This shows that our
willingness 10 forgive should be limit
less.
III. The Two Creditors wv. 23-35).
This parable of the two creditors IL
lustrates His principles of forgiveness.
l. The gracious creditor (vv. 23-27).
The king in this parable represents
God, and the servant who is greatly In
debt represents the sinner-any sim
ner, every sinner, you and me. We
were hopelessly in debt to God. Ten
thousand talents are equal to some
twelve millions of dollars. To meet
this obligation would be an utter i'm
possibility. This mans plea for time,
promising to pay all, much resembles
our vain imaglnings that we can pay
our debt to God, that by our future
good works we can atone for our past
most griveous sins. BY the justice of
Gods law we were hopelessly con-
demned; by the grace of God we were
freely pardOned.
2. The cruel creditor wv. 2s-35).
This man who was forgiven so much
found man who owed him a small
Sum-ahOut fifteen or seventeen dol.
lars. He shut his ears to the mans
entreaty to be patient with him, flew
at his throat and cruelty put him into
Jail. The great mercy shown him die
not touch his heart, so he refused to
be merciful. Being set free from sc
great debt as our sins against God
we should make Gods act of unlimited
forgiveness toward us the standard OF
unlimited forgiveness toward others
In dealing with others we should al
ways keep these considerations before
us: ~ We ourselves need it and dc
every day continue to need the for
giveness Of God. With all our imper
fections and positive sins we need thu
continued mercy of God. When W.
pray, Forgive US our debts as we for
give our Debtors" let us be sure that
we have put away all thought Of sir
held against others. To pray tina
prayer otherwise is an abomination
(2) That there is day Of judgmen
coming and at that day we shall b.
treated as We treat others. No mere!
will be shown to those who have no
shown mercy.
The heart, then, of this lesson Is tina
Gods gracious act toward US SHOULD
be the standard Of our actions to
ward others, and that we must exer
else the same spirit of forgiveness
toward our fellowmen II we woul,
continue to enjoy Gods forgiveness
The proof that we are Gods children
is that we manifest the spirit of God
BE We therefore perfect, even as you
Father which is in heaven is perfect