PRaP 8-23-2005

"The Bible Has Direction For That Too!!!!!"

Have you ever had someone that you love as a brother or sister sin against
you? Have you approached them? Did you follow the directions laid out for
us to follow in Matthew 18:15-20? God makes sure that we have very clear
detailed information. He makes sure that the instructions for life are
logical and understandable. We may not agree with them but they are His
basic instructions before leaving earth. It says in verse 15 to go and
show him his fault between the two of you. So many times we just explode
and go running at the mouth to others before we try and speak to the one
committing the sin against us first one on one. It also says that if he
listens to you then you have won your brother over. But if he doesn't
listen take one or two others along with you so that every matter may be
established by the testimony of two or more. It doesn't say grab up your
buddies and go beat on the other person. It doesn't say eye for eye and
tooth for tooth. We establish a biblical testimony of two or more about
the sin the person has done. It says also that if that doesn't work you
take it to the church. When it says take it to the church that means you
take it to the leadership of the church you are members of. You follow the
path that is laid forth for problem solving within the confines of God's
order. And if that doesn't work you then you treat them as you would a
pagan or a tax collector. And what this is saying is we are supposed to
treat pagans and tax collectors as Christ would. As the body of Christ is
supposed to treat them. With prayer and love for them to find the truth.
It doesn't say kill them or disown them. I would be careful with this too.
I am not saying let them go unpunished for their sin against you. But I am
saying that God will handle that part of it. God will right all wrongs.
It may not be when you think it is time but when God decides it is time. I
could go on and on about this subject but I think the point is made.

PRaP Matthew 18:15-27