Holiness, Unity, and the Power of Prayer

Matthew 18:15–20 CEB

15 “If your brother or sister sins against you, go and correct them when you are alone together. If they listen to you, then you’ve won over your brother or sister. 16 But if they won’t listen, take with you one or two others so that every word may be established by the mouth of two or three witnesses. 17 But if they still won’t pay attention, report it to the church. If they won’t pay attention even to the church, treat them as you would a Gentile and tax collector. 18 I assure you that whatever you fasten on earth will be fastened in heaven. And whatever you loosen on earth will be loosened in heaven. 19 Again I assure you that if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, then my Father who is in heaven will do it for you. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, I’m there with them.”

Holiness, Unity, and the Power of Prayer

Mistakes are an unavoidable aspect of human life, and criticism, whether fair or unfair, is prevalent. This is true in many sectors of life, including churches, which are not immune to criticism and gossip. The question is, how do we manage and respond to such situations?

Once upon a time, in a small, close-knit church community, there was an annual event that everyone looked forward to - the Church Potluck. It was a time when members came together to share food, laughs, and fellowship.

However, tensions began to rise beneath the surface one year. It all started innocently enough when Sister Mary planned to bring her famed macaroni and cheese. Her dish was legendary among the congregation, and it was a potluck staple.

However, as the date of the potluck approached, rumors began to swirl. Concerned about their health, some members began questioning their eating choices. They questioned Sister Mary's macaroni and cheese's nutritional content and if it was appropriate for a potluck at all.

Sister Mary was terribly hurt and misunderstood when word reached her. She had been making this dish for decades as a means of giving back to the church family. She was offended when several members criticized her favorite recipe.

The mood was tense as the potluck day approached. The fellowship hall was brimming with delectable delicacies, yet there was an underlying sense of anxiety. Sister Mary's macaroni and cheese sat alone on a table, untouched.

People gathered in small groups during the lunch, chatting about the situation. The unity and excitement that usually pervade the room during the potluck were noticeably lacking.

The pastor decided to address the problem after the lunch. He reminded the assembly, with compassion and wisdom, of the need of unity and forgiveness within the church. He emphasized that it was the relationships and fellowship they shared, not the food itself, that were important. He urged everyone to work together to overcome their issues and seek reconciliation.

Members approached Sister Mary and apologized for their criticisms after being moved by the pastor's speech. They realized their criticisms had badly affected her and asked for forgiveness. Sister Mary, for her part, forgave her brothers and sisters in Christ and joyfully shared her macaroni and cheese.

As the congregation gathered together in prayer and reconciliation, a sense of togetherness and harmony was restored. The annual Church Potluck became more than just a meal; it became a symbol of their church community's devotion to love, forgiveness, and unity.

This incident serves as a striking reminder of how even seemingly minor issues can undermine a religious community's togetherness. It exemplifies the significance of approaching conflicts with love, humility, and a desire for reconciliation, as highlighted in Matthew 18:15-20. It also exemplifies the responsibility of church leadership in leading the congregation to unity and holiness.

Holiness in Our Relationships (Matthew 18:15-17)

As we delve into Jesus teaching in this scripture passage, we find ourselves at the heart of a message that speaks to the very core of our Christian walk – the importance of holiness in our relationships within the church. In this passage, Jesus offers us a divine blueprint for handling conflicts and preserving the unity that is so essential to the body of Christ.

Sin is a deadly destructive force which will destroy a person or a church. I have witnessed times in churches where sin was destroying a local church. Rather than dealing with it in the Biblical manner, it was covered over and it was hoped that it would simply go away.

Paul wrote Romans 6:23

Romans 6:23 CEB

23 The wages that sin pays are death, but God’s gift is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I believe that applies to an individual and also to a church. Maybe the reason that we just hope it will simply go away is that we don’t like conflict. I know that I don’t like conflict.

Jesus is very practical and he gives us some very specific instructions about dealing with sin. His instructions are a roadmap to follow.

Matthew 18:15a (CEB)

15 “If your brother or sister sins against you, go and correct them when you are alone together.

The first step is approaching conflict with love and humility. Notice the emphasis on addressing the issue "when you are alone together." This is a call to handle conflicts privately and discreetly, which is essential for maintaining holiness in our relationships.

Too often, when conflicts arise, our first instinct might be to gossip or complain to others about the issue. However, Jesus teaches us to approach our brothers and sisters in Christ directly and with love. This approach shows respect for the individual and allows for open communication without escalating the conflict.

The goal is reconciliation. Jesus goes on to say, “If they listen to you, then you’ve won over your brother or sister.”

The ultimate aim of addressing conflicts privately is not to win an argument but to win back a brother or sister who may have strayed or offended. The ultimate aim of addressing conflicts privately is not to win an argument but to win back a brother or sister who may have strayed or offended.

Holiness in relationships means valuing reconciliation over being proven right. It means seeking the restoration of the relationship above all else. It requires humility to admit our own faults and to approach others with a desire for mutual understanding and healing.

The third step involves witnesses if the first step does not work. Jesus continues with guidance for when a private conversation doesn't resolve the issue: Matthew 18:16

Matthew 18:16 CEB

16 But if they won’t listen, take with you one or two others so that every word may be established by the mouth of two or three witnesses.

In circumstances where a private conversation does not result in a settlement, adding a few trusted individuals can assist in ensuring justice and responsibility. This phase promotes transparency and helps to avoid misunderstandings or accusations that are untrue.

If the first two steps do not resolve the situation, it’s time to seek Church involvement. Jesus says Matthew 18:17

Matthew 18:17 (CEB)

17 But if they still won’t pay attention, report it to the church.

This step highlights the importance of maintaining the holiness of the entire community.

It's a reminder that conflicts within the church affect the unity of the entire body, and the church has a role in helping to bring about reconciliation. This step should be seen as a last resort, but it underscores the significance of holiness and unity within the church community.

If that final step does not work. If reconciliation is not able to be achieved then Jesus says to “treat them as you would a Gentile and tax collector.” In other words, put them out of the church. They are to be excommunicated.

The goal is restoration of the person who sinned.

The teachings of Jesus found in few verses emphasize that in order to be holy in our relationships, it is not enough to simply abstain from engaging in sinful acts; rather, we must also resolve disagreements in a manner that is Christ-like. It exhorts us to approach disagreements in a spirit of love and humility, with a sincere effort to find common ground. By acting in this manner, we not only preserve holiness within our church community but also reinforce the links of love and togetherness that are at the foundation of our Christian faith.

Maintaining Unity Through Holiness (Matthew 18:18-19)

We have arrived at a turning point in Jesus' teaching as we make our way through the text this morning. Jesus places a strong emphasis on the connection that exists between holiness and unity within the church. Let's go a step further with this concept and investigate how holiness is not only a personal endeavor but also a communal obligation that contributes significantly to the maintenance of the cohesion of the body of Christ as a whole.

Let’s first look at the Authority of the Church. Jesus said there in verse 18

Matthew 18:18 “18 I assure you that whatever you fasten on earth will be fastened in heaven. And whatever you loosen on earth will be loosened in heaven.”

These statements serve as a potent reminder of the authority that has been delegated to the church in areas pertaining to discipline and reconciliation.

Within this framework, holiness refers to the practice of exerting one's authority with discernment and wisdom. It implies binding or restricting activities that are against the will of God and loosing or freeing individuals from the burden of sin when they repent and seek reconciliation. In other words, it means binding or restricting behaviors that are counter to the will of God.

The Church's Responsibility for Holiness. It is clear that the church is responsible not only for the spiritual well-being of its members but also for the physical well-being of the community as a whole when we take into account the significance of holiness in the process of preserving unity.

In the same way that every portion of a healthy body has to work at peak efficiency, the unity of a healthy church community is dependent on the holiness of its individual members. When an illness strikes one area of the body, the symptoms manifest throughout the whole body. Likewise, when one member of the congregation is struggling with sin or conflict, it has the potential to break the unity of the entire community.

Warren Wiersbee in his commentary on this passage wrote:

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Fifteen: The King’s Rebuke (Matthew 18)

When a church disciplines a member, it is actually examining itself and disciplining itself. This is why our Lord added these words about authority, prayer, and fellowship. We cannot discipline others if we ourselves are not disciplined.

In the pursuit of Holiness there has to be unity. Jesus said in verse 19:

Matthew 18:19 “19 Again I assure you that if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, then my Father who is in heaven will do it for you.” This verse highlights the power of united prayer and also exposes an essential component of holiness. Both of these are important.

The goal of believers should not only be unity for the sake of unity; rather, it should be holiness as a result of unity. When believers come to an accord with one another, they are better able to seek the direction, wisdom, and involvement of God to uphold purity within the church.

This verse not only serves as a reminder of the incredible power that is released when believers come together in unity, but it also illuminates the profound relationship that exists between holiness and unity.

The Unity of Believers is a Driving Force for Holiness. The unity of believers is not simply a gratifying result of our faith; rather, it is a catalyst for holiness. When two or more people choose to work together toward a common goal, they establish a sacred space in which the growth of holiness can take place.

This unity does not only refer to having harmonious relationships; rather, it refers to bringing our hearts, minds, and desires into alignment with the will of God. When we pray together as one, we are seeking His wisdom, His guidance, and the transformative power that only He can provide.

The Practice of Prayer is a Means of Improving Holiness. The act of unified prayer is a holiness-building practice in itself. It demonstrates our reliance on God, our confidence in His promises, and our determination to behave in accordance with His precepts.

By means of prayer, we acknowledge our shortcomings, ask for pardon, and beseech God for strength to lead holy lives. It is a process that involves giving up our will in favor of God's plan and enabling Him to shape us into vessels that are holy.

Prayer as a Means of Resolving Conflicts. When placed within the context of Matthew 18:15–20, unified prayer emerges as a potent means of resolving conflicts and bringing about reconciliation. When disagreements emerge within the body of Christ, it is an act of humility and a desire of holiness to gather as a congregation for the purpose of praying.

In the pursuit of this goal, we pray to God for the understanding to resolve disagreements with love, the bravery to forgive others and to seek for forgiveness, and the patience to take part in the process of bringing about reconciliation. The fact that we are able to unite in prayer is evidence of our dedication to maintaining sanctity in each of our friendships.

The pursuit of holiness should lead to unity. While it is true that unity in prayer has the potential to lead to holiness, it is also true that holiness in our relationships has the potential to encourage unity. When we put an emphasis on holiness inside the church by actively seeking reconciliation, forgiving one another, and resolving problems in a manner that is Christ-like, the links of unity within the church will naturally be strengthened.

The practice of holiness serves as the adhesive that binds us all together. It fosters an environment of trust, respect, and love, which makes it possible for us to work through our differences and keep our unity as the body of Christ.

The church can ask for God's assistance in resolving disagreements, forgiving wrongdoing, and bringing people together by praying for these things. It is a potent instrument for keeping our relationships holy and for protecting the integrity of the body as a whole.

The connection between holiness and unity within the church is one that is intricately connected. The pursuit of holiness is not a solitary activity but rather a communal one that enables us to preserve our solidarity. It entails exercising the authority that has been given to the church in a prudent manner, tending to the spiritual well-being of each individual member, and joining together in undivided prayer in order to seek the direction and transformation of God. The more we work toward holiness in our community, not only do we fortify the bonds of love and unity that bind us together, but we also fulfill our duty as the body of Christ, which is to be a light in the world.

We cannot just leave and think that the preacher made a few good points. This is one of those sermons where we need to figure out how to live it out.

Now that we've examined the significant teachings of Matthew 18:15–20 and their connection to holiness and unity within the church, it's essential to comprehend how we might put these ideas to use in our day-to-day lives as members of this faith community.

Take for example a situation in which two people who are a part of our congregation, John and Sarah (for the sake of this illustration), find themselves in a disagreement. Something that Sarah said during a gathering at the church has left John feeling slighted and insulted. Instead of holding bitterness or gossiping to others, John takes a step of obedience by quietly contacting Sarah, just as Jesus commanded John to do. He addresses her with these words, "Sarah, I wanted to talk to you about something that's been bothering me." When you brought up XYZ during the conversation, it made me feel incredibly uncomfortable. Is it possible for us to talk about it together?

Sarah is moved by John's humble approach, and as a result, she listens very carefully to what he has to say. Eventually, she comes to the realization that she has caused John some pain unknowingly. She offers an apology and elaborates on her intentions, and the two of them work together to find a solution to the problem. This is an illustration of how Matthew 18:15–17 might be practically applied to the process of preserving holiness through reconciliation.

Seek out and cultivate holiness in one's interactions with others

Maintaining holiness in our interactions with one another as members of the church involves active participation on our part.

As a church we need to maintain open and honest lines of communication. Instead of bottling up issues, grievances, and feelings or discussing them with others, members should be encouraged to express them in a loving and respectful manner.

Give Priority to United Intentions in Prayer

Praying together as a congregation is a potent way for Christians to seek God's direction, seek healing for themselves and one another, and come closer together.

We need to meet together on a regular basis for periods of corporate prayer, during which we seek God's presence and guidance as a group.

We must engage in corporate prayer as a means of resolving disagreements that develop within the local church. Encourage members to pray not only for a resolution but also for wisdom and humility as they go through the process.

We must engage in praying for unity within the body of believers that makes up the church community. When people of a community come together to pray for unity, they are inviting the Holy Spirit to work among them, which has the effect of strengthening the links that bind them.

The practical applications of Jesus in Matthew 18:15-20 serve as a road map for maintaining holiness in our relationships within the church. Through proactive steps in conflict resolution, seeking holiness in interactions, and prioritizing unified prayer, we can foster an environment where holiness and unity thrive, ultimately reflecting the love and grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.