The Daily Blade: Episode #97 – God’s Attributes According to Himself: Faithful & Forgiving

In Episode #97 of The Daily Blade, hosts Pastor Joby Martin and Kyle Thompson delve into the profound attributes of God as revealed in Exodus 34:6-7. Focused on equipping Christians to integrate God’s Word into their daily lives, this episode zeroes in on two pivotal divine characteristics: Faithfulness and Forgiveness. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn during the episode.

1. Introduction to Today’s Study

The episode begins with an invitation to listeners to sharpen their spiritual weapons, referencing the Bible metaphor of the sword of the Spirit as a primary tool in the Christian's armor (00:01). This sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of God’s nature as depicted in scripture.

2. Exploring Exodus 34:6-7

Kyle Thompson introduces the focal scripture for the episode, Exodus 34:6-7, from the New American Standard Bible 1995 edition (00:21). He reads the passage:

"Then the Lord passed by in front of him, proclaiming, 'The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.'"

Kyle emphasizes that within these two verses, God reveals seven distinct attributes of Himself. In prior discussions, the hosts have covered four attributes: compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and loving kindness. Today's focus shifts to the next two attributes: Faithfulness and Forgiveness.

3. God’s Faithfulness

Definition and Biblical Foundation

Kyle defines faithfulness as "overflowing in truth," underscoring that God is unwavering in His promises because of His divine nature (02:15). He asserts, "God is going to do what he says he's going to do because he has to, because he's God."

Scriptural Examples of Faithfulness

To illustrate God’s faithfulness, Kyle references several key biblical passages:

• Genesis 21:1-2: "The Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as he had promised. So Sarah conceives and bears Isaac in her old age, at the time of which God had spoken to him." This demonstrates God fulfilling His promise to Abraham and Sarah by providing Isaac.

• Exodus 12:40-42: "Now the length of time the Israelite people lived in Egypt was 430 years. At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, all the Lord’s divisions left Egypt." This passage highlights God's faithfulness in delivering Israel from bondage.

• 2 Samuel 7:16 and Luke 1:32-33: These verses trace God’s promise to King David, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Kyle notes, "God made a promise to David, and it is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is in his line, proving that God's covenant is righteous, and he is going to be faithful to his covenant."

Notable Quote:

"God's faithfulness is literally all over the Bible." – Kyle Thompson [03:30]

4. God’s Forgiveness

Definition and Scope of Forgiveness

Kyle transitions to discussing forgiveness, explaining that the original Greek word implies "to carry away." He introduces three terms for sin found in the scripture: iniquity, transgression, and sin (04:10).

• Iniquity: Turning away from the path, getting "off the tracks."
• Transgression: Direct rebellion against God.
• Sin: Missing the divine mark.

Kyle emphasizes, "God is willing to forgive any and all kinds of sin. He can carry it all away."

Application and Personal Reflection

Addressing the challenge of human forgiveness, Kyle references Pastor Mark Hitchcock’s insights and his own co-host Joby Martin’s book, Run Over by the Grace Train. He discusses the commonly held struggle with withholding forgiveness due to personal hurt and betrayal.

Notable Quote:

"Forgiveness is not a feeling. Forgiveness is the willful decision to cancel someone's debt against you because at the cross Jesus canceled our debt." – Kyle Thompson [05:45]

Kyle highlights Jesus’s teaching from Matthew 18:35, reinforcing that withholding forgiveness is tantamount to ignoring the forgiveness God has extended to us:

"My Heavenly Father will also do the same to you if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart." – Matthew 18:35 [04:50]

He further explains that forgiveness does not earn salvation but serves as evidence of having been forgiven by God. Kyle passionately urges listeners to embrace forgiveness as a reflection of their faith, stating:

"Any Christ follower who does not offer forgiveness has taken their eyes off the cross." – Kyle Thompson [06:00]

5. Conclusion and Call to Action

As the episode concludes, Kyle reinforces the significance of embracing God’s attributes of faithfulness and forgiveness. He encourages listeners to make a conscious decision to forgive, aligning their actions with the divine example set by Jesus Christ.

Notable Quote:

"Unforgiveness is keeping from you the abundant life that God has called you into." – Kyle Thompson [06:05]

He wraps up by urging the audience to trust in God's faithful and forgiving nature, ensuring they return for future discussions to complete the exploration of God's attributes.

Final Thoughts

Episode #97 of The Daily Blade offers a profound exploration of God's faithfulness and forgiveness, drawing from rich biblical narratives and practical applications. Kyle Thompson effectively bridges scripture with everyday Christian living, challenging listeners to embody these divine attributes. Whether grappling with unworthiness or the complexities of human relationships, the episode serves as a compelling reminder of God's unwavering commitment and boundless mercy.

For those seeking to deepen their understanding of God’s character and apply these truths to their lives, this episode is an invaluable resource.

Join the Conversation

Listeners are encouraged to share the podcast, leave five-star ratings and reviews, and join Pastor Joby Martin and Kyle Thompson in person at the 2025 Men's Conference in Jacksonville, Florida. Secure your seat at http://mensconference.com.