April 3, 2005 - Matthew 18:15-20
Open It
What are some typical approaches people adopt in conflicts or disagreements?
What is the greatest "miracle answer to prayer" you've ever experienced?
What societal forces work to divide families, friendships, and churches?
What is it like to be in the middle of a church split?
Explore It
What situation was Jesus addressing in this context? (18:15)
What did Jesus set forth as the first step in resolving conflict? (18:15)
What positive consequences can result from resolving conflict? (18:15)
What should we do if a person will not listen to correction and does not want to work things out? (18:16)
What Old Testament principle is in view here? (18:16)
What did Jesus say to do if a person doing wrong won't listen to correction? (18:17)
What extreme measures should be used if a wrongdoer turns a deaf ear to all pleas to reconcile? (18:17)
How can Christians and/or churches be certain they have authority to exercise discipline? (18:18)
What assurance did Jesus give His disciples about answered prayer? (18:19)
What special promise did Jesus make to groups that gather in His name? (18:20)
Get It
Why is it best to resolve conflicts in private?
What attitudes can eliminate or help reduce friction in disagreements?
How can a third party help resolve a conflict?
When should we air our grievances in public?
How can gossip cause our conflicts to escalate?
How can your church play a role in difficult or very serious quarrels?
If Christ is with us always (Matthew 28:20), in what unique way is He with us when we gather in His name?
Why is praying in a group a good idea?
Apply It
What biblical principles can you practice today so as to avoid conflicts with others?
To what relationships or in what specific ways do you need to apply today's passage?
What seemingly hopeless situation will you begin praying for today?
Notes
Matthew 18:15-17: These are Jesus' guidelines for dealing with those who sin against us. They were meant for (1) Christians, not unbelievers, (2) sins committed against you and not others, and (3) conflict resolution in the context of the church, not the community at large. Jesus' words are not a license for a frontal attack on every person who hurts or slights us. They are not a license to start a destructive gossip campaign or to call for a church trial. They are designed to reconcile those who disagree so that all Christians can live in harmony.
When someone wrongs us, we often do the opposite of what Jesus recommends. We turn away in hatred or resentment, seek revenge, or engage in gossip. By contrast, we should go to that person first, as difficult as that may be. Then we should forgive that person as often as he or she needs it (Matthew 18:21-22). This will create a much better chance of restoring the relationship.
Matthew 18:18: This binding and loosing refers to the decisions of the church in conflicts. Among believers, there is no court of appeals beyond the church. Ideally, the church's decisions should be God-guided and based on discernment of his Word. Believers have the responsibility, therefore, to bring their problems to the church, and the church has the responsibility to use God's guidance in seeking to resolve conflicts. Handling problems God's way will have an impact now and for eternity.
Matthew 18:19-20: Jesus looked ahead to a new day when he would be present with his followers not in body, but through his Holy Spirit. In the body of believers (the church), the sincere agreement of two people is more powerful than the superficial agreement of thousands, because Christ's Holy Spirit is with them. Two or more believers, filled with the Holy Spirit, will pray according to God's will, not their own; thus their requests will be granted.