Embracing Forgiveness: Unlocking Your Divine Purpose
Summary
In a sermon titled "It's Above Me Now," the pastor delves into the transformative power of forgiveness and the providential timing of our lives. He begins by reassuring the congregation that God redeems lost time and uses the remainder of our lives for incredible purposes, often propelling us ahead of where we would have been without the detours ([57:31]). The pastor then introduces the central theme of the sermon, drawing from Philippians 3:10, which speaks to knowing Christ, experiencing His power, and sharing in His sufferings. He emphasizes that great individuals are born for the times they are most needed, underscoring God's purpose in each person's birth ([00:26]).
The pastor shares a personal story about a conversation with someone who questioned if he had learned from his past. He reflects on how our past can either imprison or educate us, and he chose to let it be a school. This decision allowed him to focus on becoming who he was meant to be, rather than wishing to be someone else ([53:20]). He also draws a parallel between superheroes and believers, suggesting that spiritual gifts are like superpowers, with forgiveness being one of the most potent ([13:18]).
Throughout the sermon, the pastor addresses the emotional toll of unforgiveness, describing it as a form of self-inflicted emotional torture. He argues that forgiveness is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of strength and self-love ([17:10]). He also discusses the Apostle Paul's journey from persecutor to preacher, highlighting the necessity of self-forgiveness to fully embrace one's spiritual path ([43:55]).
The pastor touches on the concept of a "silence season," where God may call us to reevaluate our relationships and establish boundaries, even if it means making tough decisions ([40:41]). He also speaks to the importance of leaving the past behind, not allowing past mistakes to punish us, and trusting that God will handle what we cannot change ([50:40]).
Finally, the pastor emphasizes the intentional nature of our existence, asserting that we are born at the precise time God intended, equipped to handle the challenges of our era ([03:08]). He concludes by encouraging the congregation to be ready to forgive quickly, using the superpower of forgiveness to release others and heal themselves ([23:21]).
Key Takeaways:
- Forgiveness is a divine superpower that believers possess, enabling them to facilitate their own healing and overcome the enemy's deception that portrays forgiveness as weakness. This spiritual gift is as significant as any other, such as prophecy or discernment, and must be wielded wisely to fulfill our God-given assignments. ([14:57])
- Our past experiences, whether filled with regret or pride, are not meant to be prisons that confine us but schools that educate us. By choosing to learn from our past rather than be defined by it, we can embrace the person God is calling us to become, and trust in His ability to redeem the time we feel has been lost. ([55:49])
- The act of forgiveness is not contingent upon the actions of others, such as receiving an apology or explanation. True closure comes from within, through the decision to let go and move forward. This internal process is essential for personal growth and emotional freedom. ([34:50])
- The Apostle Paul's transformation from a persecutor of Christians to a pivotal figure in spreading the Gospel teaches us the power of self-forgiveness. By forgiving ourselves, we can step into the fullness of our spiritual journey, unencumbered by the weight of our previous missteps. ([45:22])
- Recognizing the intentional timing of our birth and the specific era we are born into is crucial for understanding our purpose. God has placed us in this time for a reason, and with that knowledge, we can confidently face the challenges of our generation, knowing we are equipped to handle them. ([04:29])
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: "It's Above Me Now"
#### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 3:10-14 (NIV)
> "I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Philippians 3:10-14, what are the three main desires Paul expresses in his spiritual journey?
2. How does the pastor describe the emotional toll of unforgiveness in the sermon? [17:10]
3. What analogy does the pastor use to compare spiritual gifts to superpowers, and which superpower does he emphasize the most? [13:18]
4. What does the pastor mean by a "silence season," and how does it relate to reevaluating relationships? [40:41]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. In Philippians 3:10-14, Paul talks about "forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead." How does this concept relate to the pastor's message about not letting past mistakes punish us? [50:40]
2. The pastor mentions that forgiveness is a superpower that believers possess. How does this idea challenge the common perception of forgiveness as a sign of weakness? [16:28]
3. The sermon discusses the Apostle Paul's transformation and the necessity of self-forgiveness. How does Paul's journey from persecutor to preacher illustrate the power of self-forgiveness? [45:22]
4. The pastor emphasizes the intentional timing of our birth. How does recognizing this intentionality help us understand our purpose and face the challenges of our generation? [03:08]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled with unforgiveness. How did it affect your emotional well-being, and what steps can you take to use the "superpower" of forgiveness in that situation? [17:10]
2. The pastor shared a personal story about learning from past mistakes rather than being imprisoned by them. Can you identify a past experience that you can reframe as a learning opportunity rather than a regret? [53:20]
3. Think about a relationship in your life that may need reevaluation. What boundaries might you need to establish to ensure your emotional and spiritual health? [40:41]
4. The pastor talks about the importance of self-forgiveness. Is there something in your past that you need to forgive yourself for? How can you begin that process today? [45:22]
5. How can recognizing the intentional timing of your birth and the era you were born into help you face current challenges with confidence? What specific challenges are you facing now that this perspective could help with? [03:08]
6. The pastor emphasizes the need to forgive quickly to avoid letting past hurts control our future. Is there someone you need to forgive today? What steps will you take to release that person and heal yourself? [23:21]
7. The sermon mentions that true closure comes from within, not from external apologies or explanations. How can you find closure in a situation where you may never receive an apology? [34:50]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the themes of forgiveness, purpose, and self-reflection as presented in the sermon "It's Above Me Now." Use these questions to foster meaningful discussion and personal growth.
Devotional
Day 1: The Strength in Forgiveness
Forgiveness is not an indication of weakness but a profound expression of strength and self-care. It is a divine capability that allows individuals to break free from the chains of resentment and to heal from within. By forgiving, one not only releases the other person but also liberates oneself from the burden of past hurts. This act of letting go is a powerful step towards emotional and spiritual freedom. [14:57]
Colossians 3:13 - "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Reflection: Who do you need to forgive in your life, and how can taking this step towards forgiveness change your current emotional state?
Day 2: Education Through Past Experiences
Life's experiences should serve as a classroom, not a prison. The past, with its mix of regrets and triumphs, is meant to instruct, not confine. By learning from what has transpired, one can grow into the person they are destined to be, trusting in the redemptive power of time and the lessons learned along the way. [55:49]
Romans 5:3-4 - "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
Reflection: What is one lesson from your past that has shaped who you are today, and how can you use this lesson to positively influence your future?
Day 3: Closure Comes from Within
True closure is an internal process that does not depend on external factors such as apologies or explanations. It is a personal decision to move forward and release oneself from the grip of past events. This internal resolution is a critical step for personal growth and emotional liberation. [34:50]
Isaiah 43:18-19 - "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."
Reflection: Can you identify a situation where you are seeking closure? How can you initiate the process of letting go and trusting in the new beginnings that lie ahead?
Day 4: Embracing Self-Forgiveness
The journey of self-forgiveness is essential for spiritual growth and fulfillment. It allows one to step into their spiritual path unburdened by the weight of past mistakes. Like the Apostle Paul, who transformed from a persecutor to a preacher, embracing self-forgiveness opens the door to a life of purpose and impact. [45:22]
1 Timothy 1:15-16 - "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life."
Reflection: What is one aspect of your past that you need to forgive yourself for, and how can doing so free you to fully engage in your spiritual journey?
Day 5: Intentionality of Our Existence
We are born at a precise moment in time, intentionally placed by God to face the challenges of our era. Recognizing this purposeful timing empowers us to confidently tackle the issues of our generation, equipped with the knowledge that we are prepared for such a time as this. [04:29]
Esther 4:14 - "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"
Reflection: How do you see your unique skills and experiences fitting into the challenges of today's world, and what is one action you can take to fulfill your God-given purpose in this era?
Quotes
1) "The absence of forgiveness leads to the presence of emotional torture. You do not forgive as a sign of weakness, you forgive as a sign of strength." [17:10]
2) "Your past can be a prison that incarcerates you or a school that educates you." [53:20]
3) "Forgiveness doesn't mean reconnection. No, God didn't say that. When many people make decisions that lack relational intelligence, it's because they've confused a person being remorseful with a person being repentant." [34:50]
4) "You must not just use this superpower of forgiveness with others, you've got to learn how to use it with you." [45:22]
5) "I was born for this...God himself knew that I had something on the inside of me that would aid and assist us in navigating this season." [04:29]
6) "The only way to keep something that hurt you from continuing to hurt you is forgiveness." [30:41]
7) "I want you to learn how to exercise this muscle so that when they hurt you, you release them." [24:04]
8) "I wasted time God's like I'm not going to let you lose it I'mma redeem that and I'm going take the rest of your life and what I'm going to do in the rest of your life is going to be so crazy you're watch this you're not just going to be where you would have been you're going to be ahead of where you would have been in Jesus name." [57:31]
9) "Forgetting those things are about behind me it doesn't mean he doesn't remember it mean he no longer punish himself for it you know what it means it means that he realizes this is above me now that I can do nothing to change that God's got to deal with my past cuz I can't change it it's above me Pastor" [50:40]
10) "I'm not the result of some relational accident...God orchestrated and arranged that I would be placed on this planet for such a time as this." [03:08]
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