A BROTHER SINS AGAINST YOU
Discuss It – Matthew 18:15-20
- What are some typical approaches people adopt in conflicts or disagreements?
- What societal forces work to divide families, friendships, and churches?
- What is it like to be in the middle of a church split?
- What situation was Jesus addressing in this context? (Matthew 18:15)
- What did Jesus set forth as the first step in resolving conflict? (Matthew 18:15)
- What positive consequences can result from resolving conflict? (Matthew 18:15)
- What should we do if a person will not listen to correction and does not want to work things out? (Matthew 18:16)
- What Old Testament principle is in view here? (Matthew 18:16)
- What did Jesus say to do if a person doing wrong won’t listen to correction? (Matthew 18:17)
- What extreme measures should be used if a wrongdoer turns a deaf ear to all pleas to reconcile? (Matthew 18:17)
- How can Christians and/or churches be certain they have authority to exercise discipline? (Matthew 18:18)
- What assurance did Jesus give His disciples about answered prayer? (Matthew 18:19)
- What special promise did Jesus make to groups that gather in His name? (Matthew 18:20)
Apply It
- Why is it best to resolve conflicts in private?
- What attitudes can eliminate or help reduce friction in disagreements?
- How can a third party help resolve a conflict?
- When should we air our grievances in public?
- How can gossip cause our conflicts to escalate?
- How can our church play a role in difficult or very serious quarrels?
- What biblical principles can you practice today so as to avoid conflicts with others?
- To what relationships or in what specific ways do you need to apply today’s passage?
- What seemingly hopeless situation will you begin praying for today?