Jesus addresses how we deal with sin and conflict in the church, pairing it with a parable on forgiveness and showing mercy to others.
(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.” (Matthew 18:15)
Sin, Confrontation, and Community Life (Matthew 18:15-17)
- Sin and pointing it out
- A pathway for pointing sin out
- The goal of pointing sin out
- Some considerations
Binding, Loosing, Prayer, and the Presence (Matthew 18:18-20)
- Binding and loosing
- The power of prayer
- The presence of Christ in our midst
Sin, Forgiveness, and Relational Life (Matthew 18:21-35)
- The limitless call of forgiveness
- A parable about boundless forgiveness
- The connection between forgiving others and our experience of forgiveness
Walking Toward the Table
- Seeing our need for forgiveness
- Forgiving others who we’ve not forgiven
- Experiencing the grace and forgiveness of God through Jesus
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What is one of the most powerful stories of forgiveness you have ever witnessed or heard about?
- This week we continue our journey through the Gospel of Matthew with a new series entitled “Jesus Said What?!” Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you and grow you with Him. Then, whether you’re on your own or with others, read Matthew 18:15-35 aloud.
- Background: It is important to note that “you” and “your” in verses 15-17 is singular and in verses 18-20 is plural.
- What captures your attention from verses 15-17 about the calling of the individual Christian in relation to sin in others’ lives?
- Why do you think the pathway described (one to one, two or three to one, and then the entire community) is important?
- What do you think the difference is between “winning” someone away from sin and meddling in their lives? Have you experienced a positive example of this?
- Verses 18-20 address the corporate community life of establishing guidelines (18) and joining in prayer for those caught in sin (19-20). What stands out to you in these verses?
- Are there people you would like to pray for to be set from their sin? What does it look like to pray for them with others?
- The final section of this passage (23-35) is an extended parable to shed light on Jesus’ words about forgiveness (21-22). Why might Jesus’ response to Peter in verse 22 have been shocking?
- The parable describes an outlandish situation to make a point. What would you say the point of the parable is?
- What is one thing God is speaking to you through this study? If you’re on your own, write that down, pray over it, and share it with someone this week. If you are with a small group, share your answers with one another before closing in prayer.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize Matthew 18:20 or 18:21-22
- Consider reading other passages that address topics of sin and forgiveness: Matthew 6:12-15; 7:1-5; 9:1-8; Luke 6:36; 17:3-4; Colossians 3:13; James 2:13; Psalm 103:7-12
- Take time this week in solitude to let the Lord search your heart about whether there is any sin you need to confess or any unforgiveness you need to release to Him. Respond to God by journaling or praying about that.
- Consider reading about Matthew 18:
- Charles Haddon Spurgeon, “The Lord with Two or Three”
- Dallas Willard, “From Forgiveness to Blessing”