Radical Forgiveness: Following Christ's Example in Faith
Summary
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
- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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. [01:01:23]
- 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. [01:05:15]
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
[01:01:23] - Security in Christ and the Vision of Jesus
[01:05:15] - The Necessity of the Holy Spirit
[01:09:28] - Entrusting Judgment to God
[01:11:48] - Communion: Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice
[01:13:53] - Invitation to the Table and Closing Instructions
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Forgiveness and the Triune God
---
### 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?
[[01:06:24]]
2. According to the sermon, what is unusual about Stephen’s act of forgiveness compared to typical human forgiveness?
[[54:10]]
3. What similarities are there between Stephen’s final words and Jesus’ words on the cross?
[[56:15]]
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?
[[01:00:00]]
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?
[[54:10]]
3. How does being “secure in our identity as forgiven people” change the way we respond to those who hurt us?
[[01:01:23]]
4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in enabling us to forgive, according to the sermon?
[[01:05:15]]
---
### 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?
[[03:53]]
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?
[[54:10]]
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?
[[01:09:28]]
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?
[[01:05:15]]
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?
[[55:14]]
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?
[[01:08:26]]
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?
[[01:12:35]]
---
Closing Prayer:
Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas where forgiveness is needed, and ask for the strength to follow Jesus’ example, trusting in God’s justice and mercy.
Devotional
Day 1: Forgiveness Is Unnatural Yet Expected
Forgiveness, especially when we have been deeply wronged, does not come naturally to us. It is not a matter of simply letting go of a misunderstanding or forgiving when someone asks for it; rather, it is a radical act that goes against our instincts, especially when the other person is not seeking forgiveness or even acknowledging their wrongdoing. Yet, Jesus calls us to this very kind of forgiveness—not just in word, but in action, following His own example and the example of Stephen, who forgave even as he was being stoned. This forgiveness is not about pretending the hurt did not happen, but about releasing the offender into God's hands and trusting Him with justice and mercy. [54:10]
Matthew 6:9-15 (ESV)
Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Reflection: Who is someone you have struggled to forgive, especially when they have not asked for it? Can you take a step today to release them into God’s hands and pray for them?
Day 2: Jesus Models Forgiveness and Calls Us to Follow
Jesus not only taught about forgiveness but demonstrated it in the most profound way on the cross, praying for those who crucified Him. Stephen, in his final moments, mirrored Jesus’ words and actions, showing us that following Christ means embodying His forgiveness even toward those who have deeply hurt us. This is not a distant ideal but a real, lived example for us to follow, reminding us that forgiveness is at the heart of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. [56:15]
Luke 23:33-34 (ESV)
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. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.
Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally follow Jesus’ example of forgiveness today, even when it feels impossible or undeserved?
Day 3: Forgiveness Is Possible Through the Holy Spirit
While forgiveness may seem impossible in our own strength, God has not left us alone. The Holy Spirit empowers us to do what we cannot do ourselves. Stephen, described as “full of the Holy Spirit,” was able to forgive his killers because he was living in the Spirit’s power, not his own. When we feel unable to forgive, we are invited to ask the Holy Spirit to fill us, to give us the strength and willingness to forgive as Christ forgave us. [01:06:24]
Acts 7:54-60 (ESV)
Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. 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. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. 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. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 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.
Reflection: Where do you feel powerless to forgive? Will you ask the Holy Spirit today to fill you and empower you to take a step toward forgiveness?
Day 4: Our Forgiveness Flows from Christ’s Intercession
Knowing that Jesus is at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us, gives us the assurance that we are forgiven and secure in God’s love. This vision of Christ’s advocacy on our behalf, as Stephen saw, frees us from the need to hold onto bitterness or seek our own justice. When we are confident in our identity as forgiven children of God, we can extend forgiveness to others, trusting that Jesus is preparing a place for us and that our ultimate hope is secure in Him. [01:01:23]
Romans 8:33-34 (ESV)
Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus is interceding for you change the way you view those who have wronged you? What would it look like to forgive from a place of security in Christ?
Day 5: Forgiveness Is an Act of Surrender to God’s Justice and Mercy
Forgiveness does not mean ignoring the wrong or pretending it did not happen. It is an act of surrender, placing the offender and the offense into God’s hands, trusting Him to deal with them in His perfect justice and mercy. This act of surrender frees us from the burden of judgment and allows God’s goodness to shape both our lives and the lives of those who have hurt us. It is a step of faith, trusting that God’s way is better than our own desire for retribution. [01:09:28]
Romans 12:19-21 (ESV)
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Reflection: Is there a situation where you have been holding onto the need for justice or revenge? What would it look like to surrender this to God today and trust Him with the outcome?
Quotes
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jun 02, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?