The Second Chance

Edward L Palmer

Sermon • Submitted 7 years ago

John 8:11

Forgiveness

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Man's dark sinfulness and God's great forgiveness.

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(8:1-11) Introduction: this event is a most striking picture of "Man's Dark Sinfulness and God's Great Forgiveness." 1. A picture of Jesus' life (v.1-2). 2. Man's dark guilt (v.3-6). 3. Man's dark nature: All men are sinful—guilty of serious sin (v.7-9). 4. Conclusion: The great revelation—Jesus alone has the right to condemn and forgive (v.10-11). Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – John.

Scriptural Text:

The Second Chance

The following story appeared in the newsletter Our America:

Dodie Gadient, a schoolteacher for thirteen years, decided to travel across America and see the sights she had taught about. Traveling alone in a truck with camper in tow, she launched out. One afternoon rounding a curve on I-5 near Sacramento in rush-hour traffic, a water pump blew on her truck. She was tired, exasperated, scared, and alone. In spite of the traffic jam she caused, no one seemed interested in helping.

Leaning up against the trailer, she prayed, “Please God, send me an angel … preferably one with mechanical experience.” Within four minutes, a huge Harley drove up, ridden by an enormous man sporting long, black hair, a beard, and tattooed arms. With an incredible air of confidence, he jumped off and, without even glancing at Dodie, went to work on the truck. Within another few minutes, he flagged down a larger truck, attached a tow chain to the frame of the disabled Chevy, and whisked the whole 56-foot rig off the freeway onto a side street, where he calmly continued to work on the water pump.

The intimidated schoolteacher was too dumbfounded to talk. Especially when she read the paralyzing words on the back of his leather jacket: “Hell’s Angels—California.” As he finished the task, she finally got up the courage to say, “Thanks so much,” and carry on a brief conversation.

Noticing her surprise at the whole ordeal, he looked her straight in the eye and mumbled, “Don’t judge a book by its cover. You may not know who you’re talking to.” With that, he smiled, closed the hood of the truck, and straddled his Harley. With a wave, he was gone as fast as he had appeared.

Given half a chance, people often crawl out of the boxes into which we’ve relegated them.

Angels, Prayer

Craig Brian Larson, 750 Engaging Illustrations for Preachers, Teachers & Writers (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2002), 275–276.

The love Jesus demonstrated at the Cross is unconditional. True love reaches out to the unlovely.

Pathways to His Presence April 4: A Second Chance

The love Jesus demonstrated at the Cross is unconditional. True love reaches out to the unlovely.

The woman caught in adultery sought affection, but reaped a scandal. As the scribes and Pharisees brought her before Jesus, they demanded that her punishment be stoning. Jesus reacted in love. Stooping down, He began writing something in the sand.

Then He related the basic truth that only the sinless have a right to cast stones. Knowing that sinlessness was not something they could claim, the crowd of religious men dispersed. Only Jesus was left, and He refused to condemn her.

Jesus’ ministry always allowed for second chances. His interest was not to hold on to records of wrong, but to give people the chance to accept Him and do right. We do well to reflect His love by giving others second chances. Our greatest acts of love may be offering forgiveness to someone who has wronged us or to reach out to someone others have judged as unlovely.

Always remember the love and forgiveness God has shown you as you deal with other people. You will be less likely to cast stones and more likely to give second chances.

Man’s Dark Guilt () (1) A woman [some man] were guilty of adultery (2) Some witnesses who were offended were guilty of being vindictive and seeking revenge (3) the religionists and the public were guilty a) A self-righteous, critical spirit b) A hypocritical attitude (4) Jesus ignored them as long as possible

Man is pictured as being critical, condemnatory, self-righteous, and adulterous—every single person sinful. In the woman man is seen as adulterous and guilty—living a life of darkness, without purpose and meaning and significance. In the religionists man is seen as deceitful, critical, condemnatory, selfish, self-righteous, and loaded with guilt. Not a single religionist is seen to be free from the darkness of serious sin. Jesus reveals Himself to be the Light of the World, the One who brings liberty, forgiveness, purpose, meaning, and significance to the life of man. Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – John.

b. There was hypocrisy. They felt and claimed that they were religious, better than the woman, free from any sin serious enough to be exposed. They even used Scripture to condemn her sin and to support their right to condemn her.

c. There was complete failure to "love thy neighbor as thyself" (; ; ; ; ; ; ; ):

⇒ a complete failure to do what we all need sometime, to be embraced and pulled out of the sin and hurt gripping us.

⇒ a complete failure to hush—be quiet, and say nothing, except to the one caught in sin—and to set about a ministry of restoration and reconciliation to God and man.

Man’s dark nature: all men are sinful-guilty of serious sin () (1) No man is without sin (2) No man has achieved moral goodness and perfection (3) Therefore only Jesus can judge

"And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil" ().

"As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one" (; cp. ; ). Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – John.

"And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye" (; cp. , ; ; ).

"What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one" (). Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – John.

Jesus alone has the right to condemn and forgive () (1) Jesus did not condemn but gave a second chance , , (2) Jesus wished to forgive and did forgive , , (3) Jesus challenged, but warned: repentance is essential for forgiveness , , , ,

"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" (). "Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven" (). "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world" (). Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – John.

"Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us" (). "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace" (). "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (). Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – John.

"Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon thee" (). "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem" (). "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (). "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof" (). "Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame" (). Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – John.

God is not only the God of second chances; He is the God of another chance. This is good news because most of us mess up the second chance fairly quickly. One of the amazing facets of God’s character is His incredible patience with us. says it well: “But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” says, “Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love.”

The Bible is full of people who received second chances, and even third and fourth chances: Peter, Jonah, Mark, Samson, David, and others. All trophies of God’s grace.

Just as God is patient and forgiving, He wants His children to be patient with and forgiving of others. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (). He gives us second chances, and we must give the same to others. Jesus gives a stern warning to those who refuse to forgive, saying that if we will not forgive others, God will not forgive us (; see also ; ; and ). If someone is truly repentant, then we are obligated to forgive ().

Forgiveness, however, is not the same thing as reconciliation. Many people struggle to find the balance between showing mercy and enabling a harmful person to continue harming. We should forgive everyone who wrongs us, just as Jesus forgives us. Forgiveness is between our heart and God’s, removing any barriers that unforgiveness brings. When someone continues to unrepentantly violate another person’s boundaries, a wise person learns to set firmer boundaries. If a man has repeatedly punched you in the face, you can forgive him; but you don’t stand within arm’s distance until he has proved over time that he has changed.

Giving someone a second chance means we give him another chance to earn our trust. But that does not mean we instantly forget what experience has taught us. Trust must be earned over time, and we are foolish if we give trust prematurely. We can have a loving and forgiving heart that also practices wise guardianship over our lives.

When we have wronged someone, we have no right to demand another chance. But we should work to earn another chance by continued demonstration of repentance and change.

Got Questions Ministries, Got Questions? Bible Questions Answered (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2002–2013).

The Open Bible VII. Convincement

Convincement

“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4).

“But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins” (Luke 5:24).

It is too late in another world. Forgiveness of sins must be received on this side (1 John 3:2).

What is this assurance? How can I know for certain?

There are second chances in health, money, championships, and education; but when we pass from this life, we cannot return for a second chance. Your religion must furnish your proof. You have a right to demand it.

Calvary is ridiculous if your life can be changed and you do not know it. Something you may have and not know it, is something you can lose and never miss. The proof of your salvation is not by sensation. It is by Scripture.

Certain evidences must be manifested in our lives immediately. These evidences are recorded in the Bible.

1. THERE IS AN INFALLIBLE INSIDE WITNESS. “He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son” (1 John 5:10). The preacher and the church may tell you that you are all right. But you yourself are the final judge in that matter.

Christ asked Peter about this. He asked, “Do you love Me more than these?” (John 21:15). There was no doubt in Peter’s mind about his relationship to Jesus.

2. THERE IS A FAMILY RELATIONSHIP. “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren” (1 John 3:14). You sense a different and vital relationship with God’s children. You are at home with spiritual things. It is a tie stronger than any family background in this world (Gal. 6:10).

3. THERE IS A NEW IMAGE. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Cor. 5:17). A New Testament Christian is not a patched-up job, a reformed sinner. There is a new will; there are new affections; there is a new purpose because there is a new nature.

The emptiest and unhappiest occupation in the world is trying to act like a Christian when you are not a Christian. You do not gradually stop stealing. You stop stealing. It is miracle, not magic.

4. THERE IS A RESPONSE OF VICTORY. “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1 John 5:4). See also John 17:15, 16. The born-again man or woman is not motivated by this world-system.

Fancy yourself on the farm. It is hot midsummer. Nearby is a big mud wallow. Here comes a pig. He grunts with contentment as he wades into the slime. You say, “Mr. Hog, why do you want to submerge in that filth? Why do you not seek a cleaner environment?” That pig has not the slightest interest in your ideas for his betterment. He loves the mud.

Now watch a sheep with long white wool. The moment a sheep notices mud it heads toward safer ground. The sheep has a different nature. So has a New Testament Christian.

These are Bible proofs. “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God” (1 John 5:13).

Paul testified on two continents (2 Tim. 3:11).

Convincement (1.) THERE IS AN INFALLIBLE INSIDE WITNESS. (2.) THERE IS A FAMILY RELATIONSHIP. (3.) THERE IS A NEW IMAGE (4.) THERE IS A RESPONSE OF VICTORY

“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men” ().

“But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins” ().

It is too late in another world. Forgiveness of sins must be received on this side ().

What is this assurance? How can I know for certain?

“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men” ().

Certain evidences must be manifested in our lives immediately. These evidences are recorded in the Bible.

1. THERE IS AN INFALLIBLE INSIDE WITNESS. “He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son” (). The preacher and the church may tell you that you are all right. But you yourself are the final judge in that matter.

Christ asked Peter about this. He asked, “Do you love Me more than these?” (). There was no doubt in Peter’s mind about his relationship to Jesus.

2. THERE IS A FAMILY RELATIONSHIP. “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren” (). You sense a different and vital relationship with God’s children. You are at home with spiritual things. It is a tie stronger than any family background in this world ().

3. THERE IS A NEW IMAGE. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (). A New Testament Christian is not a patched-up job, a reformed sinner. There is a new will; there are new affections; there is a new purpose because there is a new nature.

The emptiest and unhappiest occupation in the world is trying to act like a Christian when you are not a Christian. You do not gradually stop stealing. You stop stealing. It is miracle, not magic.

4. THERE IS A RESPONSE OF VICTORY. “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (). See also , . The born-again man or woman is not motivated by this world-system.

Now watch a sheep with long white wool. The moment a sheep notices mud it heads toward safer ground. The sheep has a different nature. So has a New Testament Christian.