J 2 Y 1 B 3 L 9

FORGIVE AND FORGET

2

HYMN- 395

• Higher Ground 向高處行• http://m2.tjccanada.org/bible/hymn_book.jsp?hym

n_lan=en&hymn_id=406

3

MV

• “Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another, even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” (Col 3:13)•倘若這人與那人有嫌隙、總要彼此包容、彼此饒恕．主怎樣饒恕了你們、你們也要怎樣饒恕人。  (西  3:13)

4

WARM UP

• Have you been hurt• Why would someone hurt others?• Is revenge a good idea to solve problem?• How can one forgive others• How is forget better than forgive

5

BIBLE STUDY (A) ISSAC GAVE IN TO HIS NEIGHBORS (GEN 26:2-6, 15-33)

• 1. What did Isaac’s neighbors do to his property? Why was what they did terrible and serious?

• 2. Who were these neighbors?• 3. How many times did such similar incidents occur?• 4. Why do you think Isaac was able to forgive them?

How does readiness to forgive someone relate to one’s level of faith in God?

• 5. If you were Isaac, could you forgive your neighbors? Why or why not? Explain what your feelings would be.

• 6. What are the difficulties in forgiving someone? Share your experiences of forgiveness.

6

BIBLE STUDY (B) JOSEPH FORGAVE HIS BROTHERS (GEN 37:23-28, 47:1-6, 12, 50:15-21)

• 1. Genesis 37:23–28 records how Joseph’s brothers sold him to Midianite traders who took Joseph to Egypt. That was not the real damage to Joseph. From age 17 to 30, he was a slave and prisoner. Put yourself in the shoes of Joseph.

• What were some of the hardships (physical and emotional) and missed opportunities he suffered in Egypt?

• 2. If you had been one of Joseph’s brothers who had sold him to Egypt, what do you think you deserve as punishment for treating your own brother so badly?

• 3. What did Joseph say to his brother in Genesis 50 that shows his deep reverence for God?

7

BIBLE STUDY (C) MOSES PRAYED FOR HIS SISTER (NUM 12:1-16)

Group discussion

• 1. What was the reason Miriam and Aaron accused Moses of wrongdoing?

• 2. Were they justified in their accusation? Why or why not?

• 3. What do you think were Moses’ feelings at that time, to be openly accused by his own brother and sister?

• 4. What was the result of their accusing Moses?• 5. What did Moses do that showed his forgiveness?

8

BIBLE STUDY (D) THE LORD JESUS FORGAVE THOSE WHO HURT HIM

(LK 23:1-35)

• 1. Why did the people want the Lord Jesus crucified?• 2. Outline some of the painful inflictions the Lord

Jesus had to go through.• 3. When the Lord Jesus was on the cross, He uttered

seven sayings. These were all very important sayings because it was extremely difficult for Him to speak while suffering on the cross. Of these seven sayings, one of them was, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do" (Lk 23:34). Do you think you would be able to do the same and forgive someone who caused you this much pain? Discuss your answers as a class.

9

CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING 1

• 1. What did Isaac’s neighbors do to him? How did he react?• 2. What did Joseph say and do when he met his

brothers again after more than 20 years?• 3. What did Moses do that proved his great

magnanimity towards Miriam?

10

CHECK FOR UNDERSTANDING 2Issac Joseph Moses Jesus

Relationship with the oppressor

Reason for oppression

How was it resolved

Motivation to forgive

11

LIFE APPLICATION

• You must liberate others in order to liberate yourself. You cannot forget the wrongs that others have done to you, but you must forgive and liberate them. If you don’t, they will also become a burden to yourself. When you forgive them, God will also forgive you. When you release others, you will also be released. This is why Joseph wept. (By Preacher H.H. Ko – Manna Oct - Dec 2002)

12

I WILL DO MORE

• I will do more than belong - I will participate. I will do more than care - I will help. I will do more than believe - I will practice. I will do more than be fair - I will be kind. I will do more than forgive - I will forget. I will do more than dream - I will work. I will do more than teach - I will inspire. I will do more than learn - I will enrich. I will do more than give - I will serve. I will do more than live - I will grow. I will do more than suffer - I will triumph.

- William Arthur Ward

13

PRAYER REQUEST

• Upcoming Church event?• Family/Friend/Personal health/spirituality?• Things that concerns you?

14