The Gospel Of Matthew
The Church Discourse | Chapter 18
Forgiveness
November 19, 2023 • Jayeson Wall • Matthew 18:21–35
Forgiveness is a hard idea to live out. It is hard to understand and put into practice in our broken world, with our broken hearts, throughout our broken relationships, and despite our broken selves. Yet Jesus does not shy away from understanding the importance of living as forgiving people in light of the forgiveness we have received.
The Road To Restoration
November 12, 2023 • Matt Boettcher • Matthew 18:15–20
We often think of discipline as a bad thing. It is something that we are scared of, and we tend to want nothing to do with it. Our text this morning shows us that when discipline is done in the way that Jesus teaches us, it is actually one of the most loving things that can take place. When the focus is shifted from seeking rejection first, and it is instead placed on God and the restoration He brings, relationships can be reconciled.
Dealing Directly & Redemptively With Sin
November 12, 2023 • Pastor Eldon Fehr • Matthew 18:15–20
A direct and redemptive approach to dealing with sin within the church is very important. “Church discipline”, when done well, is a loving act of restoring a brother or sister in Christ to full fellowship with God, with the people against whom they sinned, and with God’s family, the church.
Addressing Sin In One Another’s Lives
November 12, 2023 • Matt Shantz • Matthew 18:15–20
Jesus gives us a template for how to address sin in one another’s lives in the church. Contrary to popular opinion, this is a loving process that seeks to restore a fellow believer to right relationship with Christ and His church.
Inevitable Sin, Immeasurable Grace
November 5, 2023 • Pastor Kurtus Niessen • Matthew 18:7–9
Benjamin Franklin once said “Nothing can be certain except death and taxes.” Which, while true, is an incomplete list. Because, as Christians we know that sin and temptation are also inevitable certainties of the human experience. Jesus knew this! Which is why, in this week’s passage, He commands such intense instruction to destroy our personal sin: “Kill your sin, or it will kill you.” Jesus’ grace is immeasurable, but personal holiness is still of the highest priority.
The Saviour's Warning
November 5, 2023 • Pastor Jonathan Neufeld • Matthew 18:6–9
Jesus gives his disciples a clear warning when it comes to sin in the church. As he is discussing how believers are to get along in the church, he gives them a clear warning to stay far away from sin. Not to cause others to fall into sin, and to stay far away from it themselves, and instead seek eternal life.
Am I My Brother’s Keeper?
November 5, 2023 • Dr. Jorge Salazar • Matthew 18:7–9
Believers are not merely followers of Christ, we are united to Him and called to care, protect, and guard our brothers and sisters, especially those weak in the faith or otherwise marginalized. One of the ways we do that is by being radical against our sin and making sure we do not cause anyone to stumble and sin. The Lord challenges our individualistic culture and call us to a more excellent way!
The Exaltation Of The Humble
October 29, 2023 • Pastor Jonathan Neufeld • Matthew 18:1–6, Matthew 18:10–14
We usually equate greatness with high status. But as Jesus begins to teach his disciples about what it looks like in the church, it is not those of high status who are praised, but the lowly. Jesus calls his disciples to follow him like children, because God cares for the humble.
Jesus and the Children
October 29, 2023 • Pastor Chris Ross • Matthew 18:11–14, Matthew 18:1–6
Jesus disciples had a conversation about who would be the greatest in God’s kingdom. Jesus responded by calling a child to stand before his disciples. Jesus loves the little children and has called all would be followers to embrace childlikeness to become part of his kingdom.
Lessons On Lowliness
October 29, 2023 • Pastor Jeremy Isaak • Matthew 18:1–6, Matthew 18:10–14
Greatness is a pursuit that is universally applauded, but Jesus warns his disciples that an attitude like that could prevent them from entering the kingdom of heaven! Followers of Christ are called to become like children and look out for the interests of the lowly.
A Kingdom Of Children
October 29, 2023 • Pastor Eldon Fehr • Matthew 18:1–6, Matthew 18:10–14
As followers of Jesus, it is easy to get caught in the trap of thinking that we are better than others. But it’s exactly that – a trap … one that leads to our own downfall, and the downfall of others. How can we become more childlike in our faith, acting in gracious humility toward God and others?