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Matthew 18:15-20 | Loving Pursuit
Earlier in this chapter, Jesus had warned the disciples to not cause any of his followers to sin. Because Jesus hates sin. Now the message turns to how to deal with sin that does occur by pursuing repentance. We are not to treat each other like an enemy, but care for our brothers and sisters by showing them their fault. In so doing, the aim is to restore them to relationship, as a brother in Christ. Otherwise, if it ends in refusal to repent, the result is to treat the brother as an outsider, an unbeliever.
15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
Matthew 18:15-20
As Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth, so he gives his church spiritual authority to recognize sin, call people to repentance, and grant forgiveness. Just like the one who pursues the lost sheep, we are to pursue fellow believers. Lovingly pursue repentance to graciously grant forgiveness.
Discussion Questions
D&A (Discipleship & Accountability)
Break up into smaller groups for prayer.
Earlier in this chapter, Jesus had warned the disciples to not cause any of his followers to sin. Because Jesus hates sin. Now the message turns to how to deal with sin that does occur by pursuing repentance. We are not to treat each other like an enemy, but care for our brothers and sisters by showing them their fault. In so doing, the aim is to restore them to relationship, as a brother in Christ. Otherwise, if it ends in refusal to repent, the result is to treat the brother as an outsider, an unbeliever.
15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
Matthew 18:15-20
As Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth, so he gives his church spiritual authority to recognize sin, call people to repentance, and grant forgiveness. Just like the one who pursues the lost sheep, we are to pursue fellow believers. Lovingly pursue repentance to graciously grant forgiveness.
Discussion Questions
- What steps does Jesus provide for pursuing repentance?
- How is to be done? (Galatians 6:1, James 5:19, Matthew 5:23-24, 2 Corinthians 13:8-11)
- Why is repentance so important?
- Is there anyone God is calling you to pursue for repentance?
- Is there someone pursuing you that you need to listen to?
- Is there anyone God is calling you to grant forgiveness to?
D&A (Discipleship & Accountability)
Break up into smaller groups for prayer.
- How is your time with God?
- What are you praying for?
- What are you struggling with?
- Who are you praying for to know Jesus?
- What gospel conversations have you had this week with someone who doesn’t follow Jesus?