Redemption and Reconciliation

Sermon Notes March 26, 2017 Matthew 18:12-14 Short Review Briefly summarize the message. Look for the following main points: 1. Why should we apply this parable to ourselves? 2. Examples of redeeming sinners from the consequences of sins. 3. Summary of what Christ calls us to do. Some Questions for Discussion: Focus the discussion on: How is putting aside anger for one who has done us wrong, putting away the desire for retribution or punishment for him/her, the beginning but not the end of Christ like forgiveness? 1. Summarize the lesson from the previous sermon – the parable of the wicked servant. What did it teach us about forgiveness? 2. Why is it hard to forgive others in this way – especially those who keep on sinning against us? What are the feelings you deal with in trying to apply this parable? 3. Does it make sense to devote time, energy and emotional capital on trying to “win back” someone who has done you wrong? Does this kind of pursuit make sense in the world? 4. Why should we pursue this kind of restoration? (Discuss 18:10, 15; Romans 12:18, Matt. 5:24) a. What is there to gain? b. How does this pursuit honor Christ? c. What is the cost to us? How does such a course challenge us? 5. In the course of reconciling with one who has sinned against us, what comfort can we offer? a. Review God’s comfort for Paul – I Timothy 1:16. b. Review the comfort Joseph offered his brothers – Genesis 50:20. i. Did Joseph have a ‘right’ to punish his brothers for what they had done? ii. What did Joseph have to ‘give up’ to offer this comfort? What did it cost him emotionally? 6. Someone who has wronged you may repent, and you may offer forgiveness. But is that the end? What would be the cost of embracing him/her as “brother/sister”, if he/she had: a. Gossiped and told lies about you to your family and friends? b. Stole from you repeatedly? c. Criticized you for all you try to do at church, belittled you and all your efforts? d. Mistreated you when you were young, leaving hurts with which you still have to deal? 7. In what ways does this call (to seek each one as precious, leave the 99 and go after one) glorify the Father?