God’s Truth for Trying Times - 3/27/20

We need God’s truth in trying times. Read the Scripture passage, think about what it is saying, then pray; by yourself or with your household. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly (Col. 3:16).

READ: Matthew 18:15-20

“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. 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. 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. 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. 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. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." (Matthew‬ ‭18:15-20‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

CONSIDER: The context of Matthew 18:15–20 is about what to do if a brother or sister in Christ sins against you. I want to focus on the last verse. When you get to the point where it says to take one or two others along with you, so that the charge is established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. And then there is the reference to two or three, in verse 20, gathered in Christ's name. Two or three people gathered in agreement as they do what God says to do in verses 15-19. God is giving assurance that while it is fearful to do that, it is the right thing to do, and you have God's blessing.

You may have heard someone say or pray... “Lord, you said that where two or three are gathered in your name there you are. Thank you for being with us.” That is a misuse and misunderstanding of this verse. Jesus is with you when you're alone. It doesn't take two or three gathered in his name for Jesus to be with them. Jesus is with you when you're alone.

Overall, these verses are teaching us to love our brothers and sisters in Christ enough to seek to have healthy relationships. We are called to forgive, forbear, and clearly and kindly communicate. It stems from our love for Jesus, and His family, and says we ought to do everything we can to be at peace with one another. Usually, among reasonable people, who are willing to be reconciled, things don’t progress beyond verse 15. God is very pleased when that happens.

THINK: What does this declare about God? What are God’s people being called to do? What assurance is given? How does Jesus and the Gospel transform our hearts and lives and relationships?

PRAY:‬‬ Pray for wisdom as you trust God and relate with others. Pour out your heart in praise to God. Pray for others. Present needs to Him.