Matthew 18 in the New King James Version (NKJV) is a significant chapter that deals with church discipline and reconciliation. Here's a brief summary:
**Jesus' teaching on church discipline**
In Matthew 18:15-20, Jesus teaches his disciples about how to handle situations where one of their own has sinned against them or another believer. He emphasizes the importance of confrontation and restoration within the community.
The process outlined by Jesus is often referred to as "Matthew 18" and consists of three steps:
1. **Private confrontation** (v. 15): If someone has sinned against you, go talk to them privately and try to resolve the issue.
2. **Witness testimony** (v. 16): If the issue isn't resolved in step one, take one or two other witnesses with you to confront the person again.
3. **Church involvement** (vv. 17-20): If the issue still persists, bring it before the church (i.e., the community of believers). The goal is always restoration and reconciliation.
**The importance of humility**
Throughout this passage, Jesus emphasizes the importance of humility and a willingness to forgive and seek forgiveness. He teaches that if we are unwilling to listen to each other or seek reconciliation, God will not be pleased with us (v. 21-22).
**The parable of the lost sheep**
In Matthew 18:12-14, Jesus tells a parable about a shepherd who has 100 sheep and loses one. He then searches for the lost sheep until he finds it, rejoicing that it's been found. This parable illustrates God's love and care for each individual believer, emphasizing that every person is valuable to Him.
Overall, Matthew 18 emphasizes the importance of humility, forgiveness, and restoration within the community of believers.
Matthew 18 is a significant chapter in the Bible, and it's often referred to as the "Forgiveness Chapter" or the "Church Discipline Chapter". Here are some key points from Matthew 18 NIV (New International Version):
**Jesus' Teaching on Forgiveness**
* Verse 21-22: If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of us. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.
* Verse 23: But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses’ every fact may be established.
* Verse 35: This, then, is how faithfulness and forgiveness go together: If you’re holding a grudge against someone, forgive them. If you’re still angry with someone, forgive them.
**The Parable of the Lost Sheep**
* Verses 10-14: Jesus told his disciples this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’”
**Church Discipline**
* Verses 15-20: If your brother or sister sins against you, go and point out the offense. If they listen to you, forgive them. 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 refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, consider them as you would a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.
* Verse 21: “Truly I tell you, whatever is hidden will become obvious, and what is now hidden will be exposed.”
**The Importance of Humility**
* Verse 4: So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, do not let the sun go down on your wrath.
In summary, Matthew 18 teaches us about the importance of:
1. Forgiveness: We should forgive others quickly and thoroughly.
2. Humility: We should be humble and willing to listen to others.
3. Church Discipline: When someone sins against another member of the church, we should work together as a community to address the issue and restore harmony.
These principles are meant to apply to our personal relationships and communities, not just to formal church structures or institutions.
Matthew 19 in the King James Version (KJV) is a significant chapter that deals with Jesus' teachings on marriage, divorce, and eternal life. Here are some key verses and topics:
* Jesus teaches on divorce (Matt 19:3-9):
+ He quotes Genesis 2:24 to emphasize God's intention for marriage as a lifelong union between one man and one woman.
+ He says that Moses allowed divorce due to the hardness of people's hearts, but it was not God's original plan.
+ Jesus requires those who want to follow Him to be willing to give up all earthly attachments, including their right to divorce, in order to have eternal life.
* The rich young ruler seeks eternal life (Matt 19:16-22):
+ A wealthy and influential young man approaches Jesus, asking what he must do to inherit eternal life.
+ Jesus tells him to keep the commandments, but the young man says he has done so since childhood.
+ Jesus sees that the young man is lacking one thing - wealth. He tells the young man to sell his possessions and give the money to the poor, then come follow Him. The young man goes away sorrowful because he cannot part with his riches.
* Jesus predicts His death and resurrection (Matt 19:28-30):
+ Jesus foretells His own death and resurrection, saying that He will drink the cup of suffering that God has given to Him.
+ He also promises that those who follow Him will be persecuted, but they should rejoice because their reward is in heaven.
Some additional points to consider:
* This chapter marks a turning point in Jesus' ministry. Up until now, He had primarily been preaching and teaching about the kingdom of heaven. From this point on, His focus shifts more towards His own identity as the Messiah and His mission to die for humanity's sins.
* The discussion on divorce and remarriage is an important topic that has generated much debate throughout Christian history. While Jesus' words are clear that God's intention is for marriage to be a lifelong union, many have struggled with how to apply these principles in practice.
* The story of the rich young ruler is often seen as a cautionary tale about the dangers of wealth and materialism. It also highlights the difficulty of following Jesus when one has a strong attachment to worldly possessions.
Overall, Matthew 19 presents a challenging but ultimately uplifting message that encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with God above all else.
Matthew 18 in the King James Version (KJV) is a significant chapter that deals with the importance of humility, forgiveness, and church discipline. Here's a brief commentary on the chapter:
**Verses 1-6: The Little Children**
The chapter begins with Jesus' emphasis on humility and childlike faith. He says that we must become like children to enter the kingdom of heaven (v. 3). This is not a call to revert to a childish state, but rather a reminder that true spiritual maturity involves a humble and teachable heart.
**Verses 7-14: The Parable of the Lost Sheep**
Jesus tells a parable about a shepherd who leaves his 99 sheep to search for one that has gone astray. This is a powerful illustration of God's desire to seek and save those who are lost, even if they have wandered far from His flock.
**Verses 15-20: The Unforgiving Servant**
Jesus tells another parable about a servant who is forgiven a large debt by his king, but then refuses to forgive a fellow servant who owes him a much smaller amount. This illustrates the importance of forgiveness in our relationships with others.
**Verses 21-22: Binding and Loosing**
Jesus gives His disciples authority to bind (restrain) or loose (set free), which is a metaphor for their role in governing the church. They are not given absolute power, but rather are entrusted to guide and direct God's people in a way that honors Him.
**Verses 23-35: The Procedure for Church Discipline**
The chapter concludes with instructions on how to handle cases of sin within the church. Jesus lays out a step-by-step process for confronting and correcting erring brothers:
1. Go to the individual privately (v. 15).
2. If they refuse to listen, take one or two witnesses with you (v. 16).
3. If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church (v. 17).
4. If they refuse to listen even after the church has been involved, treat them as a Gentile and a tax collector until they repent (v. 17).
This passage emphasizes the importance of humility, forgiveness, and accountability within the body of Christ.
**Theological Themes**
* Humility: The chapter emphasizes the importance of humility in our relationship with God and others.
* Forgiveness: Jesus teaches that we must forgive those who have sinned against us, just as God has forgiven us.
* Church Discipline: The passage outlines a procedure for handling sin within the church, with the goal of restoration and repentance.
**Practical Applications**
* Cultivate a humble heart, recognizing our dependence on God and our need for His forgiveness.
* Practice forgiveness towards others, releasing them from any debt or obligation we may feel they owe us.
* Be mindful of the importance of accountability within the church, seeking to restore erring brothers and sisters through gentle correction and guidance.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any further questions.
A great topic!
Matthew 18 is a crucial chapter in the Bible that explains how to resolve conflicts and restore relationships within the Christian community. Here's a breakdown of what it says:
**The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:10-14)**
Jesus tells a parable about a shepherd who loses one of his 100 sheep. The shepherd leaves the 99 remaining sheep to search for the lost one, and when he finds it, he celebrates its return with his friends. This parable illustrates God's love and concern for each individual in His flock (the church).
**The Disciples' Question (Matthew 18:1-9)**
The disciples ask Jesus about the greatest person in heaven. Jesus responds by saying that whoever causes one of these little ones to stumble would be better off having a millstone hung around their neck and drowned at sea! He then emphasizes the importance of humility, calling oneself "least" among others.
**Three Steps for Conflict Resolution (Matthew 18:15-20)**
Jesus provides a step-by-step process for resolving conflicts within the church:
1. **Talk to your brother or sister alone**: If someone sins against you, try to resolve the issue privately and peacefully.
2. **Take one or two others with you**: If that doesn't work, bring in some impartial witnesses to help mediate the situation.
3. **Tell it to the church**: If the conflict still can't be resolved, take the matter to the entire Christian community (the church) for a final judgment.
**The Importance of Forgiveness and Repentance (Matthew 18:21-22)**
Jesus teaches that forgiveness is essential in the process of resolving conflicts. He tells Peter that he should forgive his brother not seven times, but seventy-seven times! This underscores the importance of seeking reconciliation and forgiving others just as God forgives us.
**The Power of Confession and Restoration (Matthew 18:23-35)**
Jesus illustrates the power of confession and restoration through the parable of the unforgiving servant. A king forgives his servant's massive debt, but the servant refuses to forgive a smaller debt owed to him by another servant. This parable highlights the importance of humility, forgiveness, and restoration in our relationships with others.
In summary, Matthew 18 emphasizes:
1. God's love and concern for each individual (the lost sheep).
2. The importance of humility and selflessness.
3. Three steps for resolving conflicts within the church: private conversation, mediation with impartial witnesses, and final judgment by the entire Christian community.
4. The power of forgiveness and repentance in restoring relationships.
These principles continue to guide Christian communities today as we strive to live out Jesus' teachings on love, mercy, and unity.
Matthew 18 is a important chapter in the Bible that deals with issues of church discipline and forgiveness. Here's an overview of the chapter:
**Matthew 18:1-5 - The Little Children**
The chapter begins by recording Jesus' words about little children, emphasizing their importance to God's kingdom.
**Matthew 18:6-7 - Offending Others**
Jesus warns His disciples that anyone who causes one of these "little ones" to stumble would be better off having a millstone hung around their neck and thrown into the sea. He emphasizes the gravity of causing someone to fall away from God.
**Matthew 18:8-9 - Sinful Acts**
Jesus then speaks about sinful acts, such as lust, anger, and divorce. He teaches that these things are not in line with God's will for us.
**Matthew 18:10-14 - Two Ways to Pray**
Next, Jesus emphasizes the importance of prayer and offers two examples of how we can pray. One way is like a wicked servant who doesn't do what he's told; another way is like a faithful servant who does exactly as instructed.
**Matthew 18:15-20 - Church Discipline**
The second half of the chapter deals with church discipline. Jesus teaches that if someone sins against you, you should go to them privately and try to settle the matter. If they won't listen, take one or two others along to help resolve the issue. If they still won't listen, tell it to the church. And if even then they refuse to listen, consider them an "heathen" or a "tax collector."
**Matthew 18:21-22 - Forgiven as We Forgive**
The chapter concludes with Jesus teaching about forgiveness. He says that if we don't forgive others, God won't forgive us either.
You can listen to the audio of Matthew 18 (King James Version) here:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+18&version=KJV
Just copy and paste the link into your browser, and you'll be able to hear the audio of this important chapter in the Bible.
Matthew 18 in the New Living Translation (NLT) is a chapter that deals with church discipline and restoration. Here's a brief summary of the main points:
**The Importance of Humility (Matt. 18:1-5)**
* Jesus emphasizes the importance of humility and not causing others to sin.
* He warns against causing one of "these little ones" (likely referring to believers) to stumble or fall away.
**The Process of Church Discipline (Matt. 18:15-20)**
* If a believer sins against another, they should go to them privately to discuss the issue and work towards reconciliation.
* If the offender refuses to listen, the accuser should take one or two others who witness the offense to help mediate the situation.
* If the offender still refuses to listen, the church leaders (elders) should be involved to settle the matter.
* If the offender continues to refuse to listen and repent, they are considered an unbeliever and not part of the community.
**The Power of Prayer and Forgiveness (Matt. 18:21-22)**
* Jesus teaches that believers should forgive others who have sinned against them, just as God has forgiven us.
* He warns that if we don't forgive others, our Father in heaven will not forgive us for our sins either.
**The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matt. 18:23-35)**
* Jesus tells a parable about a king who forgives his servant's debt, but then the servant refuses to forgive another servant's smaller debt.
* The king is furious and demands that the unforgiving servant be thrown into prison until he pays back what he owed.
* This parable emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in our relationships with others.
Overall, Matthew 18 highlights the importance of humility, forgiveness, and restoration in the church. It emphasizes the need for believers to work towards reconciliation and unity, rather than seeking revenge or causing division.
Matthew 17, King James Version (KJV) is a famous passage in the Bible that records Jesus' transfiguration on a mountain. Here's the passage:
17 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart:
18 And he was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment became white as the light.
19 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.
20 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
21 While he yet spake, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them: and lo, a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
22 And suddenly, when they had looked round about, Jesus was taken up from among them, and carried into heaven, and received up in glory.
This passage is significant for several reasons:
1. **The Transfiguration**: Jesus' transformation on the mountain is a foreshadowing of His glorification after His death and resurrection (Luke 9:30-31).
2. **Moses and Elijah**: The appearance of these two important figures from Israel's history (Exodus 3:1-4:17; 1 Kings 17:1-7) underscores Jesus' authority and connection to the Old Testament.
3. **The Voice from Heaven**: The divine declaration, "This is my beloved Son," confirms Jesus' identity as the Messiah and Son of God (Matthew 3:17).
4. **Jesus' Departure**: The cloud's descent and Jesus' ascension into heaven foreshadow His eventual departure from this world and His return to glory (Acts 1:9-11).
This passage has been interpreted in various ways throughout Christian history, including as a demonstration of Jesus' divinity, a preview of His glorification, and an encouragement to believers to look forward to their own glorious future.