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The Gift - 1. Forgiven

Writer's picture: Navah Navah

The Gift Overview

‘The Gift’ is a shorthand description used in the apostles' letters to the churches describing the lavish grace of God given to all who repent and place their trust in Jesus as Lord, believing the gospel. The gospel is who Jesus is and what he has done. ‘The Gift’ is what we freely receive in Christ and continually experience through the Holy Spirit!


Forgiveness

Forgiveness cancels debt. When God forgives us, He doesn’t condone the wrongdoing or eliminate the consequences. He simply says, “I am no longer going to hold you accountable for the debt you’ve incurred against Me.” And it’s the same when we forgive one another.

When we withhold forgiveness, we are keeping people in debt. But unlike a financial obligation, no one knows what repayment looks like. Holding a grudge is a way of saying, “You owe me something, but I’m not quite sure what it is.” Forgiveness cancels that debt.





REMEMBER (30 min)

Remember God: Worship, Prayer or Communion

  • Thanksgiving:

    • Spend some time giving thanks for God’s gift of forgiveness.

  • Worship Songs

    • What He’s Done


  • Child friendly: Lifetree Kids, “God Forgave”


Remember each other: Care

  • Optional- break up into smaller groups for 10 min Hi/Lo check in

Remember the Liturgy:

Remember what we learned and put into practice last week: Accountability

  • Topic: The Gospel- 5. He is Coming again to Restore all things(3-5 min)

    • How did you incorporate the breath prayer “Maranatha” into your days this week?


REFLECT (30 min)

Prepare (See the Leaders Guide for a brief commentary and context for the scripture and core truth from the topic)

  • Introduce today’s Topic and any commentary or context for the scripture

    • The Gift: 1. Forgiven

    • Share the Key Scripture for the topic: Ephesians 1:5-7

    • Share “Core Truths from the topic” in the leaders guide where needed

    • Share context for Scripture/ Story - Luke 7:36-50 -A ‘Sinful’ Woman Forgiven

      • Kids: Washed with Tears (Jesus Storybook Bible)


Discover

  • Read the Scripture: Luke 7:36-50 -A ‘Sinful’ Woman Forgiven

    • Kids: Washed with Tears (Jesus Storybook Bible)

  • Discussion Questions

    • What is the biblical and historical context?

    • What does this reveal about God and People (optional)

    • How have you experienced Jesus’ radical mercy and forgiveness and how has that caused you to love Jesus greatly?

    • How have you like Simon not seen someone the way Jesus sees them therefore withholding God’s merciful forgiveness?


RESPOND (30 min)

Experience and Encounter

  • Share Communion together as you reflect on the gift of forgiveness

  • Prepare the elements (if possible have individual cups available for each person)

  • Read Matthew 26:26-28

“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'”

  • Take time to individually meditate on where we each need to receive the gift of forgiveness.

  • Consider what emotion rises in you as you contemplate the gift of forgiveness.

  • Partake in the communion elements together receiving the gift of forgiveness afresh as you drink the cup.

  • Share Communion together

Practice and Obey

  • Consider doing a journal writing exercise where you write yourself a letter from the Father as he gives you the gift of forgiveness in general or for a specific sin. Read the letter back to yourself.

Pray

  • The Lord’s Prayer


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