1-27-15 Seeking Forgiveness

                                                    

When looking at the profitability of Scripture, according to 2 Timothy 3:16, we see the progressive and cumulative steps to bringing our lives into the pattern that pleases God.  Those steps are doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness.  It is important to apply those steps in a practical way to the matter of seeking forgiveness from God and man.

1.   RECOGNIZE any lack of perfect peace
        

         A.  Perfect peace is promised by God as the by-product of salvation and a God-centered focus. ( Isaiah 26:3)
         B.  God's singular goal for us is that we glorify Him by progressive conformity to Christ ( Romans 8:28-29)
         C.  Lack of perfect peace, for a believer, alerts us of a violation of the heart of God in staying our mind on    
               Him.
         D.  That violation may be identified in Attitudes, Behaviors, or Communication that reflect Christ inaccurately.


2.     REPENT - seek forgiveness from God


          A.  "I was wrong when I...." ( be specific, and abolish the words "I'm sorry" and "I apologize" - they are
                 shallow and essentially meaningless)
          B.   "Would you please forgive me?"
          C.   "It is my Intent to never let it happen again."
          D.   "I need your help and strength to keep this commitment."


3.      RESTITUTION - seek forgiveness from man
             ( should be accomplished verbally, by visit or phone - NOT a written format)
             ( the scope of the confession should only be as broad as the scope of the sin)


           A.  " God has convicted me that I was wrong when I..."  ( be specific, and abolish the words "I'm sorry" and "I
                   apologize" - they are shallow and essentially meaningless)
           B.  "I've asked His forgiveness, and He's given it."
           C.  "Would you please forgive me, as well?"
           D.  "It is my intent to never let it happen again."
           E.  "I've asked God to help me."
           F.   "Would you please help me by letting me know if you ever see any signs of its return?"


4.      RESTRUCTURE -  making a plan so that this doesn't happen again.


           A.  Set up accountability with a mature, godly person of the same sex.
           B.  Regular daily Bible study with meditation throughout the day,
           C.  Pray scripturally, according to the Word of God.
           D.  Make life changes that will minimize opportunities for recurrence.


                                               (c) 1998, 2003, 2015 N. A. Collins
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