Unity doesn’t just “happen.” The church is made up of sinful people; people who will (at times) step on each other’s toes, offend each other, and hurt each other. Jesus was clear about what we are to do in those situations. Not only is there a personal responsibility to resolving conflict but a community responsibility to resolve our conflict. How can we be one as a church if we know there are two “brothers” (or sisters) in this body that have unresolved conflict?
(Matthew 18:15-35)
Sermon Outline
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” (Matthew 18:15-17)
The Call to Unity (Matthew 22:37-39; 1 John 4:20; John 17:23)
The Challenge to Unity
- Do we use _____________________________ responses?
- Do we use _____________________________ responses?
- Do we use _____________________________ responses?
The Course to Unity (Matthew 18:15-17)
- The Conversation
- The Mediation (Matthew 18:16; Philippians 4:2-3)
- The Intervention (Matthew 18:17)
- The Separation (Matthew 18:17; Galatians 6:1)
The Goal of Unity (John 17:23)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Open Up:
- What was the dumbest fight you’ve ever had?
- How did your family handle conflict when you were growing up?
Dig In:
- Read all of Matthew chapter 18.
- How do you think verses 15-17 fit into the grander theme of the chapter?
- What factors do you think we should consider before deciding to begin the “Matthew 18” process with someone?
- How does this passage connect with Matthew 7:3-5?
- Which step of this process do you think would be hardest for the offended? Why?
- Which step do you think would be hardest for the offender? Why?
- Why do you think it is important for us to keep in mind this process is for us to use with someone within the church (a brother in Christ)?
- How would or could this process be different for someone that is not a believer in Jesus?
Live it Out:
- To whom do you need to have a last 10 percent conversation with and who will you ask to hold you accountable for this?
- Is there any unresolved conflict in your life? If so, what is your plan moving