Youth Search Lesson 125: Forgiveness, Faith And Gratitude Enjoined
TEXT: Luke 17:1-19
MEMORY VERSE: “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him” (Luke 17:3,4).
Our text emphasises the certainty of offences occurring among brethren (Luke 17:1); the condemnation awaiting offenders of little ones (Luke 17:2); the counsel to ensure daily and unrestricted forgiveness (Luke 17:3,4) and the command to exercise uncommon faith (Luke 17:11-19). This study exposes the threefold quality that the Lord teaches and desires that every true Christian youth should possess.
Question 1: What are the threefold qualities a Christian youth should possess?
Christian youths should have the attitude of forgiving one another daily because offences will surely come. Instead of allowing hatred, animosity and fear, we should exercise faith in the name of our Lord Jesus and show gratitude in all situations.
- DIVINE CHARGE TO FORGIVE Offences. Luke 17:1-4; Genesis 50:17: Exodus 32:32; Matthew 6:12,14,15; 2 Chronicles 7:14.
The teaching on forgiveness as seen in the text was meant for Jesus’ disciples, who had already been forgiven their sins and had received the grace of God. Jesus, therefore, was not referring to sinning youths, but addressing the youths who are born again. “Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come; but woe unto him, through whom they come” (Luke 17:1). Due to the need for believers to be careful not to allow hatred to replace the virtue of forgiveness, He said, “Take heed to yourselves: if thy brother trespass against thee…” (Luke 17:3). The Greek word for brother translated here is “Adelphas“, which refers to a fellow disciple, whether a male or a female. Our Lord was giving this instruction to His disciples on how they were to relate with one another in the face of certainty of offences. We know from biblical records that even among the disciples of Jesus, there were times they offended one another.
Question 2: Why are there offences among believing youths?
The fact remains clear that we do not all have the same parental and family upbringing. We see things differently and react to issues from our various points of view. Also, a once faithful believer who is careless with spiritual things can fall from grace and display some ungodly attitudes against true believers. Those who take delight in causing offences, weakening or destroying the faith of young believers will not escape the judgment of God. The Lord said the judgment of drowning such in the sea with a millstone hung about their necks would be a better punishment for such (Luke 17:2). Do not allow yourself to become an instrument in the hand of Satan by taking delight in persecuting and killing the faith of faithful believers. Judas did, and it led to his peril. The Scripture says, “Thou shalt not… put a stumbling block before the blind” (Leviticus 19:14). Those who are in the habit of causing offences and division amongst brethren should be avoided (Romans1, 6:17). Always remember that Jesus died for our offences (Romans 4:25; 5:16).
2. THE NEED FOR INCREASING FAITH ENJOINED
Luke 17:5- 10; Acts 13:38,39; Colossians 1:14; Hebrews 4:2
When the disciples heard the Lord’s teaching on forgiveness, they realised that they needed an increase of faith. This was not only to comprehend the teaching of habitually forgiving others, but also to obey the Lord’s teaching. So they said, “Lord, Increase our faith” (Luke 17:5). In response, the Lord said that the faith we exercise, even when it seems small like a grain of mustard seed, can get a sycamore tree uprooted. “And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you” (Matthew 17:20). The Lord was teaching that we do not need great faith to forgive our offenders. How instructive is His teaching as opposed to the modern day practices where tendencies to be vindictive’ are still prevalent. Saved youths should rather pray for the salvation of their enemies. Before anyone can receive grace to forgive offenders, such must have been forgiven by the Lord, after genuinely repenting from sin and completely turning to the Saviour. This is only possible through redemption by Christ (Colossians 1:14). Redemption brings righteousness. “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him” (Luke 17:3).
Question 3: What is the connection between forgiveness and faith?
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:9,10,13).
3.ENCOURAGEMENT TO SHOW GRATITUDE ALWAYS
Luke 17:11-19; Leviticus 13:46; Colossians 3:15; Romans 1:21; Psalm 100:4
“And as He entered into a certain village, there met Him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us” (Luke 17:12,13). Ten men were at the outskirts of a village, due to their leprous condition, which left them separated from the core society. When Jesus entered the village, they lifted up their voices to call for Christ’s mercy. Jesus instructed them to go and show themselves to the priest. They obeyed; and as they went, they were cleansed. Nine of them were so overwhelmed and more interested in getting re-integrated into the society that they neglected the virtue of appreciation. Only one of the cleansed lepers turned back to locate Jesus, fall on His feet, and with a loud voice, gave thanks to God (Luke 17:15,16). Our Lord Jesus took note of the fact that only one man showed gratitude, and He confirmed the healing of this Samaritan (Luke 17:17-19). Many youths have lost touch with the essence of being grateful when deeds of kindness are shown to them. This is a trait of ungodliness in these last days.
Question 4: Who are the people that deserve our appreciation?
As Christian youths, we must be appreciative to our friends, family members and church leaders who go the extra mile to render physical, academic, financial or spiritual assistance to us. Even the Lord Almighty wants us to enter His gate with Thanksgiving in our hearts (Psalm 100:4). This healed leper’s gratitude led to his receiving a double blessing. (Luke 17:18,19).
Question 5: In what ways can youths show appreciation to Jesus for all He has done for them?
The best way to appreciate the Lord Jesus Christ for all He has done for us is to accept His sacrificial death on the cross, obey His words implicitly, and serve Him faithfully to the end. Gratitude produces a deeper and greater form of healing, and it encourages the giver to be willing to give more.