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Bridging The Faults A Fresh Look at Matthew 18:15-17

Bridging The Faults A Fresh Look at Matthew 18:15-17. Four Purposes For This Study. There is a prescribed, divine way of dealing with sin that must be respected Meaningful application can be made for how saints handle differences and difficulties in inter-personal relationships

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Bridging The Faults A Fresh Look at Matthew 18:15-17

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  1. Bridging The Faults A Fresh Look at Matthew 18:15-17

  2. Four Purposes For This Study • There is a prescribed, divine way of dealing with sin that must be respected • Meaningful application can be made for how saints handle differences and difficulties in inter-personal relationships • The way we interact MUST be DIFFERENT from the world • Having peaceful relationships makes for better, more productive congregations

  3. Two Initial Observations • There is a danger regarding the text… • - we only read the three verses without any consideration of the context • - we miss the broader message that Jesus was “getting at” • - we see the “List” as simple/mechanical • Why do we struggle with this text? • - this is the OPPOSITE of the world’s ways • - “confrontation” is uncomfortable • - it’s easy to see only the mechanics and not the importance of the heart

  4. What’s The Broader Message? • We must appreciate what happens immediately before and after 18:15-17 • A Child-Like Mentality is a Christ-Like Mentality (see 18:1-5) • - this is NOT limited to “innocence” • - but it also includes forgiveness • - and it means not holding grudges • - Christians need to “Grow Up” (see Eph 4:15)

  5. What’s The Broader Message? • 2. “My” Comfort is Less Important Than Overall Peace and Harmony (see 18:6-9) • - in short, Christianity is putting OTHERS before SELF • - nothing is more important than the salvation of others … NOTHING • We Must Desire & Act for Peace (see 18:10-14) • - if there’s a sinner, we must try to help • - if there’s a “problem,” we must try to resolve it (see Matthew 5:23-25)

  6. What’s The Broader Message? 4. The failure to forgive is the failure to be like God (see 18:21-35) - read this text while thinking about the person seeking forgiveness - read this text while thinking about the person granting forgiveness Remember – God is NOT a “Passive Forgiver” which means we can’t be passive forgivers! (see Psalm 86:5)

  7. So About The Three Verses… If we fail in this, not only do we risk violating scripture by gossiping, we risk doing serious damage to others (and ourselves) ALWAYS REMEMBER THE FEATHER PILLOW STORY • Note who the audience was – “if your brother” • - brethren relationships come with challenges! • Jesus teaches that differences must start as a private matter (vs. 15) • - for various reasons, this is the opposite of human logic • - providing strength to the brother (and to yourself) is THE GOAL that Jesus puts forth

  8. So About The Three Verses… • 2. Jesus teaches that if “Step One” fails, a witness is needed (vs. 16) • - note the origin of this – Deuteronomy 19:15 • - “careful” witness, vs. 18… • What is the goal of this “step”? • The Goal is NOT to trap, to embarrass, or to “Win” the debate • The Goal IS to win a brother and to strengthen relationships • Note also that a witness is a protection for EVERYONE involved!

  9. So About The Three Verses… • 3. Jesus teaches that if “Step Two” fails, the issue is to be taken to the church (vs. 17) • - REMEMBER – if steps one/two are successful, the church is NEVER INVOLVED • - after all, once the issue is resolved, it’s resolved. Period. • What is the goal of this “step”? • The Goal is to do all that you can to impress the brother while also to protect the church • But note this ALSO protects the brother from an impulsive brother

  10. A Note Before Application… • To fulfill Matthew 18:15-17 and to successfully bridge the faults, we should be very cautious to: • Remember that we are to forgive and act like children while not being “childish” • Acknowledge that my ease/comfort is less important than peace and harmony • Want peace & Work for peace (take action to resolve the issue and NEVER let it fester!) • Be willing to forgive and move forward as God has demonstrated

  11. Five Take Aways • For those who struggle to engage brethren with “difficulties,” remember that conversations need not be confrontations • Christians are not mind readers • - if you have a concern with a brother, don’t expect him to know unless you tell him • Infighting prevents outreach and it ALWAYS will!

  12. Five Take Aways • 4. We have to make sure we remember what our purpose is and the example that we’re setting for others • 5. It is NEVER acceptable for Christians to have such differences that we’re mean or rude to anyone

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