Radical Forgiveness: Following Christ's Example in Faith

Today, we began by remembering our place in the long, unbroken line of Christians who have sought to know and follow Jesus faithfully. We reflected on the Nicene Creed, a confession of faith that has united believers for nearly 1700 years. This creed reminds us that our faith is rooted in the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—who is both the Creator of all things and the Redeemer who entered our world for our salvation. Jesus, eternally one with the Father, became truly human, suffered, died, and rose again, and now reigns in glory. The Holy Spirit, the giver of life, continues to speak and move among us, binding us together as one universal and apostolic Church.

We then turned our attention to the radical call of forgiveness, as seen in the life and death of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Stephen’s forgiveness of his murderers was not a result of mutual misunderstanding or a simple conflict; it was a response to pure injustice and violence. He forgave not because his persecutors repented or even asked for forgiveness, but because he was following the example and command of Jesus, who forgave from the cross. This kind of forgiveness is unnatural, even impossible, by human standards. Yet, it is what Jesus expects of us—not as a rote religious duty, but as a way of life shaped by his own example and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

The ability to forgive in such a profound way comes from two sources. First, it comes from knowing that Jesus is our advocate, interceding for us before the Father. When we are secure in our identity as forgiven people, the offenses of others lose their ultimate power over us. Second, it comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit enables us to do what we cannot do on our own: to release those who have wronged us into God’s hands, trusting his justice and mercy. Forgiveness does not mean pretending nothing happened or returning to harmful relationships; it means entrusting judgment to God and seeking his goodness for all involved.

As we come to the Lord’s Table, we remember that the forgiveness we receive is meant to flow through us to others. We are invited to bring our hurts, our bitterness, and our need for grace to Jesus, asking him to help us forgive as we have been forgiven.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Triune God is the foundation of our faith and unity. The Nicene Creed anchors us in the truth that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are of one essence, eternally coexisting, and working together in creation, salvation, and revelation. This deep understanding shapes not only what we believe but how we live, reminding us that our faith is both ancient and living, rooted in the very being of God. [03:53]
• 2. Forgiveness is not a natural human response, especially in the face of real injustice. Stephen’s act of forgiving his killers was not prompted by their repentance or a mutual misunderstanding, but by a supernatural grace. True forgiveness often requires us to release those who have deeply wounded us, even when they do not acknowledge their wrong, reflecting the radical love of Christ. [54:10]
• 3. Jesus not only taught forgiveness but modeled it in his own suffering and death. Stephen’s final words echo Jesus’ prayer from the cross, showing that the call to forgive is not just a command but an invitation to follow in the footsteps of our Lord. When we call Jesus “Lord,” we commit to obeying him, even when it is uncomfortable or costly, trusting that his way leads to true freedom. [57:18]
• 4. The power to forgive comes from knowing we are forgiven and secure in Christ. Stephen’s vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God gave him the confidence that his life was held in God’s hands, no matter what others did to him. When we are assured of our acceptance and future in Christ, we are freed from the need to seek vengeance or hold onto bitterness. [61:23]
• 5. Forgiveness is only possible through the filling of the Holy Spirit. Mere knowledge of what is right is not enough; we need the Spirit’s presence to empower us to do what is humanly impossible. As we yield to the Spirit, we find the strength to “cry out” forgiveness, even when it feels forced or unnatural, trusting God to bring justice and healing in his way and time. [65:15]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:45] - The Historic Moment: The Nicene Creed
• [03:53] - Understanding the Trinity and the Creed
• [07:10] - Reciting the Creed Together
• [12:00] - Worship and Thanksgiving
• [20:49] - Prayers of Gratitude
• [34:55] - Transition to Forgiveness
• [51:27] - The Radical Forgiveness of Stephen
• [54:10] - Forgiveness: Unnatural but Expected
• [57:18] - Following Jesus’ Example
• [58:44] - The Power of the Spirit in Forgiveness
• [61:23] - Security in Christ and the Vision of Jesus
• [65:15] - The Necessity of the Holy Spirit
• [69:28] - Entrusting Judgment to God
• [71:48] - Communion: Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice
• [73:53] - Invitation to the Table and Closing Instructions

Bible Reading

Acts 7:54–60 (ESV) — > 54 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. 55 But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. 58 Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Luke 23:33–34 (ESV) — > 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.

Matthew 6:9–15 (ESV) – The Lord’s Prayer — > 9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

Observation Questions

1. In Acts 7, what does Stephen see as he is being stoned, and how does he respond to his attackers?
2. According to the sermon, what is unusual about Stephen’s act of forgiveness compared to typical human forgiveness?
3. What similarities are there between Stephen’s final words and Jesus’ words on the cross?
4. In the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6), what connection does Jesus make between receiving forgiveness and offering forgiveness to others?

Interpretation Questions

1. Why might it be significant that Stephen sees Jesus “standing” at the right hand of God, rather than “sitting”? What does the pastor suggest this means for Stephen and for us?
2. The sermon says forgiveness is “unnatural” and even “impossible” by human standards. Why is this the case, and what does it reveal about the kind of forgiveness Jesus calls us to?
3. How does being “secure in our identity as forgiven people” change the way we respond to those who hurt us?
4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in enabling us to forgive, according to the sermon?

Application Questions

1. The Nicene Creed reminds us that our faith is rooted in the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. How does remembering this ancient, shared faith shape the way you approach forgiveness and unity in the church?
2. Think of a time when you were wronged and the other person did not apologize or even recognize their wrongdoing. What would it look like to forgive them in the way Stephen did? What obstacles do you feel?
3. The pastor said that forgiveness is not pretending nothing happened or returning to a harmful relationship, but entrusting judgment to God. Is there someone you need to “release into God’s hands” rather than holding onto bitterness? What would that process look like for you?
4. Stephen’s ability to forgive came from seeing Jesus as his advocate and being filled with the Holy Spirit. When you struggle to forgive, do you turn to Jesus and ask for the Spirit’s help? What might change if you did?
5. The Lord’s Prayer connects our forgiveness from God with our willingness to forgive others. Are there any relationships where you are withholding forgiveness? How does this affect your own experience of God’s grace?
6. The sermon described forgiveness as sometimes being “croaked out”—not easy or natural, but a choice to obey Jesus. Is there a situation where you need to “cry out” forgiveness, even if you don’t feel it yet? What would help you take that step?
7. As you come to the Lord’s Table (communion), what hurts, bitterness, or needs for grace do you need to bring to Jesus? How can the group pray for you as you seek to forgive as you have been forgiven?