god promised to forgive his people (2 peter 1:1-4)
Introduction:
1. God's promises are described in vs.4 as being "exceeding great and precious." 2. Because God's promises are so special, they deserve our careful attention. 3. In our lesson we are concentrating on the fact that "God promised to forgive His people." 4. Let us begin our study by showing how . . . Discussion: I. GOD'S PROMISE TO FORGIVE HIS PEOPLE IS MENTIONED MANY TIMES IN THE SCRIPTURES
A. God promised cleansing from sin to the people of Judah (Isaiah 1:18; 55:7). B. God's promise of forgiveness involved the death of Christ (Isaiah 53:4-6, 11). C. We learn from Jeremiah 31:31-34 that God's new covenant would provide the complete removal of sins. D. To fully appreciate this promise, we must understand that . . . II. MAN NEEDS FORGIVENESS
A. We need forgiveness because: 1. of sin (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8, 10) 2. of the consequences of sin. a. Sin causes separation from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). b. The penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23). B. David emphasized our need for forgiveness by describing himself before and after he was forgiven (Psalm 32:1-5). 1. He first showed in vs.1-2 how a forgiven person is "blessed." 2. He showed in vs.3-4 that he had not always enjoyed this blessing. 3. He showed in vs.5 how he received God's forgiveness. III. THE BLOOD OF CHRIST MAKES FORGIVENESS POSSIBLE
A. The Bible emphasizes how Jesus shed His blood "for the remission [removal, forgiveness] of sins" (Matthew 26:27-28; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14). B. We receive "the remission of sins" when we repent and are baptized in the Lord's name (Acts 2:38; Colossians 2:12-13). C. The Lord's blood continues to provide forgiveness for His followers when we walk in the light and confess our sins (1 John 1:7, 9). IV. GOD'S FORGIVENESS IS SO SPECIAL THAT IT SHOULD MOTIVATE A PERSON TO SERVE HIM
A. David illustrated this principle (Psalm 51:9-13). B. The sinful woman in Luke 7:36-50 loved Jesus because He forgave her of many sins. Conclusion:
1. We have seen that God's promise to forgive His people is "exceeding great and precious." 2. Have you received this special blessing that God promised in His Word?
