WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Forgiveness, don't be fooled

2 Corinthians 2:9-11

I. Paul felt a great personal attachment to all the churches he started and/or visited

we know this by all the letters he wrote, and which we are reading now:)

II.  Out of this desire/need he writes these letters for a reason

1.  Test
     a.  show what you know
     b. show where you need more training/discipline

2.  To know whether you (they) are obedient in EVERYTHING
     a.  He then must, by logic, presented them the RIGHT WAY, THE WAY
     b. He expected them to be obedient in EVERYTHING

III.  Forgiveness is the Focus
1. You forgive, I forgive
2. What I have forgiven is for your sake
    a. Instruction
    b.  Faith in Action
3.  In the presence of Christ

IV. Don't be fooled
-"My people perish for a lack of knowledge"
1.  We are in this together (family)
2.  We are taught/trained to watch for Satan's designs
3.  Not to be outwitted by Satan

Closing:
1. We are family
2. unforgiven hurts not only you, but all whom you are apart of, i.e. you family and friends
3. Knowing and being Obedient will keep you from being fooled!
4. ALL of this points to the cross of Christ

The relationship, the knowing him (relational) is vital to our present state and eternal salvation, there is noway around it, be encouraged, not discouraged

Unforgiveness, harshness on those that have hurt you, even yourself...you are getting outwitted by Satan!  Don't be fooled, if he can pull you away from Christs forgiveness of your sins, by tricking you to hold on to unforgiveness, of yourself and others, DON"T LET HIM!!!  unforgiveness can do that, Christ crucified redeemed us...forgive others even as you have been forgiven.

You now KNOW, now be OBEDIENT, He will give you the strength, let us pray.