Teachings

A Godly Man is a God-Centered Forgiver

David Chenoweth – Men’s Breakfast March 2024

Who has hurt you? Have you inadvertently offended someone else? Is it a family member, a co-worker, maybe someone you do not even know? How deep is the hurt you just experienced or others have received? Can you get through today without thinking about it? What model do you have to follow in forgiveness? Jesus has given us a blueprint to follow that others may not be able to bear (His last moments on earth included forgiving a thief who was crucified next to Him. Luke 23:32-43).

Forgiveness is a two way street- 14) For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15) But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (Matthew 6:14-15)

What God’s Forgiveness is and How to Receive It.
You simply need to confess your sins to God, and He will forgive you.

If we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. (1 John 1:9)

You do not have to clean up your life before you seek God’s forgiveness. Seek God’s forgiveness, and He will help you change your life.

God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, He will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. (Romans 5:8-9)

You’re not too bad to be forgiven. Turn to God, and He will forgive you.

Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that He may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for He will forgive generously. (Isaiah 55:7)

Even if you feel overwhelmed by your sins, God is not. He will still forgive you.

Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, you forgive them all. (Psalm 65:3)

Jesus is not only on your side when you need forgiveness, but He Himself was the sacrifice that allows you to be forgiven.

My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He Himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins — and not only our sins but the sins of all the world. (1 John 2:1-2)

God’s forgiveness is free. You cannot earn or deserve it.

But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. (Romans 4:5)

Forgiveness is what makes the God of the Bible unique.

Where is another God like You, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of His special people? You will not stay angry with Your people forever, because You delight in showing unfailing love. Once again You will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under Your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean! (Micah 7:18-19)

The Benefits of Forgiveness.
Forgiveness is essential for healthy relationships.

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. (Proverbs 17:9)

When you are forgiven, you experience joy. When you refuse to confess your wrongdoing, you suffer.

Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night Your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Finally, I confessed all my sins to You and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.” And You forgave me! All my guilt is gone. (Psalm 32:1-5)

Forgiveness can change your life.

“I tell you, her sins — and they are many — have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” (Luke 7:47)

Forgiveness shows us God’s power and mercy and leads us to respect Him in a deeper way.

LORD, if You kept a record of our sins, who, O LORD, could ever survive? But You offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear You.” (Psalm 130:3-4)

It’s better to confess and receive forgiveness than to try to cover up your wrongdoings.

People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. (Proverbs 28:13)

It’s important to forgive for your own sake so that bitterness doesn’t take root in your life.

Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. (Hebrews 12:14-15)

III. How to Forgive.

Prioritize forgiving others for a healthy spiritual life.

But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too. (Mark 11:25)

Prioritize repenting and seeking forgiveness for a healthy spiritual life.

So, if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. (Matthew 5:23-24)

Forgiveness requires allowing other people to be imperfect and make mistakes.

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. (Colossians 3:13)

God not only forgives but also banishes the thought of our sins. He is not waiting to bring them back up next time we do something wrong. We should do the same when we forgive others.

For His unfailing love toward those who fear Him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. (Psalm 103:11-12)

God does not limit how many times He will forgive us, so we should not limit how many times we will forgive others.

Then Peter came to Him and asked, Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!” (Matthew 18:21-22)

Forgiveness doesn’t require ignoring that a wrong has been done. You can call out a wrong and still be ready to forgive.

If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive. (Luke 17:3-4)

Jesus is our ultimate example: When He was hanging on the cross, He forgave the people who nailed Him to it.

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)

Some personal reflections from David.

Next Steps.

Learn how you can experience God’s forgiveness and know God.
Pray right now and confess any sins you have not yet confessed. Ask God to reveal anything that you need to confess. Thank God for His forgiveness and grace.
Do you struggle with accepting forgiveness or feeling weighed down by guilt? Ask God to help you to let go of your guilt and shame and receive His forgiveness and peace.
Is there someone you need to forgive?

Confess to God that you have held onto unforgiveness or bitterness but that you want to let go and forgive. Ask for God’s strength to forgive when it’s hard.
If the person you need to forgive is a safe person and reconciliation is possible, consider calling or getting together with that person. Share that you felt hurt by them but that you forgive them and want to restore the relationship.
Forgiveness ideally leads to reconciliation, but that is not always possible. Some people may be unrepentant or unsafe. In those cases, you can forgive without reconciling. (For example, if you were in a relationship with someone violent and abusive, you can forgive that person without contacting that person and risking your safety.) In other cases, with time, you may find that reconciliation is possible.
If no one comes to mind, ask God to show you if there is someone you need to forgive that you don’t know of.

If you need to ask for forgiveness from someone else, call them and set up a time to get together. If it’s someone you haven’t talked to in a long time, you can still send a message to them to share that you know you wronged them and to ask them to forgive you. You could even share that your faith is motivating you to seek and grant forgiveness to others.

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Man of God/ Soaring to New Heights

David Chenoweth

Deuteronomy 33:29- Blessed are you, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will tread on their heights.”

Numbers 23:9- From the rocky peaks I see them, from the heights I view them. I see a people who live apart and do not consider themselves one of the nations.

Isaiah 40:29-31- 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.

A Man of God soars to New Heights- Isaiah 40:28-31, 28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.
A Man of God has New Flights- 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
A Man of God has New Might- Philippians 4:13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
A Man of God has New Sight- Matthew 20:29-34 29 As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. 30 Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” He crowds rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” 32 Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. 33 “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.” 34 Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.
A Man of God has New Fight- Ephesians 6:10-18 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
A Man of God has Worship- Romans 12:1-2 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
A Man of God has Service- Ephesians 2:8-10 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
A Man of God has Encouragement- Romans 15:1-7 1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. 5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 6 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God
A Man of God has Involvement- Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
A Man of God has Mentoring Abilities- Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
A Man of God has Leadership- 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.
A Man of God has Relationships- John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
A Man of God has Financial Strength- Psalm 55:22 Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.
A Man of God is Fun- John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
A Man of God leaves a Legacy- 2 Corinthians 3:3 You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
A Man of God Overcomes Challenges- Read Psalms 46: 1-11
A Man of God can Change- Malachi 3:6 “I the Lord do not change. So, you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.
A Man of God can Overcome Temptation- Psalm 31:1-5 1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. 2 Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. 3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. 4 Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. 5 Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.
A Man of God can be a Success- Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
A Man of God can Witness- Hebrews 12:15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
A Man of God can Relax- John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
A Man of God has Friendships- John 15:15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
A Man of God has Laughter- Psalm 126:1-3 1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. 2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” 3 The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

Reflections from me: Prayer and Bible Study

2 Timothy 3:16-17 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

A. Torrey once bluntly noted, “Every Christian who does not study, really study, the Bible everyday is a fool.” Martin Luther once wrote, “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” And Dwight Moody counseled, “In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we better let God due much of the talking.” As we soar to new heights as Men of God, we will make Scripture study more and more a priority. Psalm 119:105 reminds us: Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Our Savior also calls us to pray continually, in both words and actions (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Ephesians 6:18). God’s response to our prayers doesn’t depend on our eloquence or efforts. Instead, he has promised that even when we don’t know what to ask, the Holy Spirit will take our petitions and shape them into perfect prayers, presenting them to the Father in Jesus name (Romans 8:26-28).

Here are some practical ideas to keep you steadfast in God’s Word and faithful in prayer. Ask the Lord to reveal other, specific approaches that He would want to use as He grows your faith in Jesus. Enjoy your time with the Lord.

Commit to set appointment each day for Bible reading.
If you are a husband or father, lead you family in regular devotions and prayer.
Memorize Scriptures, carrying them with you.
Use triggers as reminders to pray, perhaps traffic jams, work breaks, or TV commercials.
Use computer passwords that remind you of Christ’s presence and care, such as “forgiven” or “Romans8”.
Pray Scripture for yourself and others (for example, “Create in me/name a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me/him/her”. (Psalm 51:10).
Take your Bible to Church and take notes during the sermon.
Use the acronym P.R.A.Y. (Praise, Repent, Ask, and Yield to God’s will) as an outline for your prayers.

Prayer Starter: Jesus, draw me into your presence and teach me to pray and study your Word every day….

The Four Biblical Pillars of Accountability – The Word Teaching Pointers

David Chenoweth

What does being accountable mean?

Being accountable means taking responsibility for your actions, decisions, flaws, mistakes, and the consequences without blaming others. It also means to take the initiative when you see an area in which you could improve or change to make it better for God, yourself, family and church. (For me personally it is accepting responsibility no matter what the cost is to myself)

Hebrews 4:13 Everyone is ultimately accountable to God. He is the Creator of all things, “and there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do”

Romans 3:19 God revealed Himself to man “so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God”

Are you accountable to God?

What responsibility do you owe God?
Are the gifts God have given you important and in use?

Matthew 22:37-Jesus replied: “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’”

1 Peter 4:10-11

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

Romans 14:12 “So then, each of us will give account of ourselves to God.”

2 Corinthians 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”

Matthew 12:36 “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”

Are you accountable to One-Self?

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 teaches us that our accountability is a daily occurrence: “Throughout your day are you honoring the physical temple God has given you?”

Proverbs 2:6-“Are your decisions for yourself based on biblical principles?”

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body,”

Proverbs 2:6 “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding.”

James 5:16 “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.“

1 John 2:2 “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”

1 Chronicles 28:8 “So now I charge you in the sight of all Israel and of the assembly of the LORD, and in the hearing of our God: Be careful to follow all the commands of the LORD your God, that you may possess this good land and pass it on as an inheritance to your descendants forever.”

Are you accountable to your Family?

Are you able to talk directly to family members without fear?

Matthew 6:33-“Do you take ownership of your family in spiritual things?”

Philippians 1:14-“And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.”

Matthew 6:33- “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

1 Corinthians 1:10 “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”

Are you accountable to your Church?

When the doors to the church are open where are you?
Does your family and friends see you involved?

Matthew 18:20-“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

Hebrews 10:24-25- “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Hebrews 13:16-17, “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”

Hebrews 10:24 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,”

Ezekiel 33:6 “But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet and the people are not warned, and a sword comes and takes a person from them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require from the watchman’s hand.”

There are many men to speak and pray for you in anything God has reviled to you today. Please reach out to them for prayer.

This was written by David Chenoweth for a teaching of the Men’s Breakfast of his local church in TN. David has been involved in missionary work over the years from Central America, Honduras to India! He has written in the past for 3-in-1 The Voice and is married to Karin with grown-up children.

The above teaching pointers/aides can be freely used, attributing the work to the author. The author makes no representations or warranties about the non-infringement or absence of other defects concerning the work. Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.