The Gospel of Matthew: Jesus & Community

Scripture References: Matthew 18:15-20; Matthew 18:10-14; Leviticus 19:17-18; Galatians 6:1-2

Intro: Welcome to this sermon exploring Jesus' teaching on handling sin within the church community, from Matthew 18:15-20. After covering humility and forgiveness, Jesus addresses the necessary but difficult task of confronting a brother or sister caught in sin.

Key Points:

1. Start with the Shepherd's Heart (cf. vv. 10-14): Before outlining the steps, remember the context: God the Father actively seeks the one lost sheep with compassion. Our motive in confrontation must be the same – loving restoration, not condemnation or judgment. Our approach is critical.
2. Confrontation is a Necessary Gift: While this process has been misused, avoiding loving correction is also harmful. Faithful wounds from a friend seeking restoration are a gift (Prov 27:6). Expect to both give and receive correction as part of healthy community life.
3. Step 1: Go Privately & Gently (v. 15): Jesus commands us to address sin one-on-one first, aiming to "win" the person back (restore). This requires courage, love, and discretion (talking to them, not about them). This process applies within the believing community.
4. Steps 2 & 3: Witnesses & Church Involvement (vv. 16-17): If the private appeal is rejected, involve one or two trusted others as witnesses. If there's still no repentance, escalate to church leadership. If even the church is refused, treat the person as an unbeliever – meaning, lovingly re-engage them with the basic Gospel message, as Jesus did with tax collectors.
5. God's Backing & Presence (vv. 18-20): Jesus grants authority ("binding and loosing") to the church acting in accordance with His Word during this process. Crucially, He promises His empowering presence ("Where two or three gather in my name, there am I") specifically within these challenging relational dynamics.

Conclusion: Jesus gives a clear, albeit difficult, pathway for maintaining health within His community, always prioritizing restoration. He doesn't expect us to navigate this alone but promises His presence and authority when we follow His process with the right heart.

Call to Action: Embrace the responsibility that comes with Christian community—both the courage to confront gently when needed and the humility to receive correction. Trust Jesus' promised presence in difficult conversations aimed at restoration. Come to communion remembering the One who pursues reconciliation.

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The Gospel of Matthew: Jesus & Community (Matthew 18:10-20)
with Travis Aicklen