Matthew 18:15-20 “Reconciliation”

“Reconciliation” -

Jesus teaches us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Contemporary Christians think that loving another primarily involves affirmation and acceptance. If a Christian brother or sister behaves improperly, our inclination is to ignore such behavior thinking we are affirming them. But the Bible tells us that in our sin we allow others to go their own way (). Worse yet, we may tell others about our brother’s or sister’s failure. To do so is to “despise” our brothers and sisters. Rather, we like Jesus, are to seek and save the lost.

I. Danger

A. Sin threatens our souls –

1. Sinful desire causes conflicts between ourselves and God and others –

2. Sin can ensnare us and have dominion over us - ;

B. Sin

1. Deceives us –

2. Hardens our hearts toward God

3. Sin results in death –

C. Jesus Christ died . . .

1. To save us from our sins –

2. To pay the penalty we could not pay and reconcile us to God – ;

3. He has given to us the ministry of reconciliation –

II. Seeking –

A. When your brother sins . . .

1. You shall not despise your brother

2. But rebuke him –

3. Tell him his fault alone –

B. Restore your brother –

1. Consider yourself how you may be tempted in the same manner

2. You must restore through Christ alone in gentleness –

3. The second step is to go with one or two other spiritual people

C. Tell it to the church

1. To the elders

2. Who are wise in the reconciling ministry of Jesus Christ –

3. An elder is to be gentle not quarrelsome –

D. The elders are to be gifted in reconciliation

1. Seeking those who are lost

2. Woe to the shepherds who do not heal the sick and the broken . . . but rule with force and cruelty –

3. The Lord God Himself seeks the lost –

III. Christ is Present –

A. In the reconciling process

1. To declare the profession of the proud as not believable –

2. Those who resist discipline need to be evangelized

3. They are not permitted to come to the Lord’s Table (excommunicated).

B. Whatever is declared in Christ’s church –

1. Is bound in heaven

2. Whoever is loosed is loosed in heaven

3. Christ is present in these meetings for reconciliation

Who cares for your soul? We are our brother’s keeper – ; . Do not despise these little ones! Seek them, for Christ is seeking them through you –