Consequences of holding offences

1.  Introduction

· God watches over His words – He means what He says.

· God repeats things which are important and which He knows we will resist.

Mark 11:23-26.  Instructions concerning Faith commands/ Prophetic Decrees

· Believers are given great authority to change spiritual atmospheres, remove spiritual opposition.

· Key to release: Faith and Decree – speak forth with authority of Gods word.

· Key requirements for Faith/ Prophetic decrees to operate – Forgiveness

· V25/26.  If you do not forgive – neither will Father in Heaven forgive.

· This instruction is repeated.  Matthew 6:12-14/ Luke 6:37/ Col 3:13

· God will not bless what He has not forgiven = No power/ life.

2.  Personal Impact of Harbouring Offences.

· Proverbs 18:19.  A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city, and their contentions are like bars of a castle.

· 8 Recognisable Symptoms

· Spirit closed off – lack openness, generosity, gratitude, appreciation.

· Cold love – distant, cool – holding a debt – “You owe me”

· Speaks negativity about “offender” – critical, magnifies their faults.

· Self promotion – justifies himself, compares unfavourably.

· Defiles others by sharing offence.  Hebrews 12:15.  Root bitterness – grows and defiles

· Retaliates – seeks way to get back – Revenge = the Trap (Romans 12:14-21)

· Easily angered or stirred by offences – triggers the burned anger.

· Sows discord and division (Proverbs 29:22 angry man stirs up strife)

Proverbs 6:16-19.    These things do the Lord hate/ abomination … he that sows discord among the brethren.

· Discord = striving, competing, disagreement, disharmony.

· Offended people: resist the Holy Spirit wanting to build relationships

· Grieve the Holy Spirit who is a Spirit of Grace (Eph 4:30)

· Erode the unity and spiritual power that comes with unity. (Ps133, Matt 18:19)

3.  Spiritual Consequences of Harboured Offences.

Matthew 18:  Parable of Unforgiving Servant.

· Parable – story with practical/Spiritual applications.

· Kingdom of Heaven = this is about the protocols/ expectation of Kingdom

                                       = Significant insight to unlocking spiritual power into the earth

                                       = Our actions can release blessings or cursing, life or death

· King = Jesus Christ|

· Servants = men and women who have experienced forgiveness, saved, serve the Lord

· Key question of Peter assumes must forgive – but how many times.

· Jesus response = Forgiveness is foundational to walk in blessing of God

Servant 1:    Debt = $4.5 billion dollars.  1 talent = 34kg gold

                     Master moved with compassion – loosed and forgave the debt

                     Unforgiveness is like a debt – demand for repayment

                     Forgiveness is releasing the debt

                     Loose = to fully free, release, cancel debt.

Servant 2:    Debt = $20 

                     Servant 1 refused to forgive and demanded repayment.

                     Forgiveness = Loose the person from the debt owed

NB:              Compassion/ loving kindness/ is a pattern of the kingdom of heaven

Compassion is (1) Expected by God.  (2) Has consequences if not given.

4.  Consequences of Unforgiveness.  Either have love or law (debts or debtors)

(1)  Rebuked by Christ

v32 you wicked servant

      - Wicked = 4190= hurtful, evil in influence, harmful to the King

      - Lack of forgiveness is wickedness – it has consequences.

      - Expectation that kindness should be passed on.

(2)  Holy Spirit is grieved

      (v34) his Lord was wrath – very angry

      - Eph 4:29 “do not grieve the Holy Spirit... Be kind, tender hearted,”

      - Hebrews 10:29... The Spirit of Grace!

(3)  Forgiveness of Sins Cancelled

v34 – delivered him to the tormentors till he should pay all.

      - The forgiveness of sins is cancelled in court of heaven.

      - The sins of the servant now stand unforgiven – open to judgement.

- Mark 11:26.   If you do not forgive, neither will your Father forgive you your           trespasses.

(4)  Evil Spirits have legal Right to Torment

      - v34 – delivered him to the tormentors.  (Evil spirits)

      - Tormentor = 930 – one who extracts the truth by use of rack, torture.

      - Tormentors =   (a) Sickness – no healing (Mt 13:15)

                                 (b) Adversity – no release (Mt 14:24)

                                 (c) Evil people trouble. (2Pet 2:8)

                                 (d) Mental/ Emotional torment (Rev 12:10)

                                 (e) Spiritual deterioration – resentment, retaliation, anger.

                                 (f) Possible premature death (1Cor 11:30-32)

      - Luke 7:47.  Forgiven much = love much

      - NB vs. 35.  Applies to all believers, if you do not forgive from the heart.

      - Romans 12:21.  Overcome evil with good.