Sunday Sermon Notes – Sept 17 2023

Celebrating Freedom

Matthew 18: 21-35

Jesus told this parable to His disciples when Peter asked him how many times should he forgive someone.  

1.  Receive 

Matthew 18:26

In this story, Jesus said that a man owed the king a great amount which he was unable to pay.  So the king ordered that he and all his belongings be sold.  The men fell on his knees and begged for mercy.  The king took pity on him and forgave all the debt.  

We must receive God’s forgiveness.  It is free.  God’s forgiveness will give us freedom from the punishment of sin.  God invites everyone to receive freedom from the oppression of sin.  He is gracious and full of compassion. 

2.   Rejoice  

Matthew 18: 28

We are called to celebrate our freedom by rejoicing in it.  Anyone who sins is a slave to sin; if the Son sets you free you are free indeed. (John 8:34-36.). We must rejoice every day for what God has done for us.  We have been redeemed by His blood.  It costed God to make an eternal sacrifice for the sins of the world.  

When we rejoice in our salvation. Then we celebrate freedom.  When we celebrate freedom, we will be strong in faith and in faithfulness.  

This servant did not celebrate the freedom he received from the king.  So, when he saw the person who owed him a very small amount, he caught him by his neck.  He did not yield to his cry for mercy.  He threw him in prison.  

3.  Reflect 

Matthew 18: 33, 34

The king was informed about this man who did not forgive his neighbour.  He called for him and asked him why he didn’t forgive someone who owed him so little. 

Our life should constantly reflect what we have received from God.  We have received great things from God.  The greatest expression of celebrating freedom is to reflect it in our daily lives.  We must refuse to hold grudges against those who offend us.  

Jesus taught us to show the other cheek and walk the extra mile.  

The king ordered that this man who refused to forgive be put to torturers.   When we don’t forgive someone, we will go through torture.  

It brings glory to God when we forgive others and reflect Christ likeness.  

May our Lord help us to live in freedom, celebrating who we are in Christ and to reflect His goodness to others.  

Amen