Getting Back on the Right Path

N.T.#218 "Getting Back on the Right Path"

Jan. 9, 2024 

Matthew 18-Part 9

Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (verse 18)

LET IT GLOW

 I have always had problems understanding this verse. It seems, Jesus continues to speak of church discipline and resolving conflicts. The spiritual one is to go to the offender or person bound in sin and discuss the problem with them. If they will not repent, they are to take two other witnesses. If there is no resolution, then the matter is to be taken before the church. 

The church's decisions should be God-guided and based on discernment of His Word. Handling problems God's way will have an impact now and for eternity. (Life Application Study Bible)

When the church says the unrepentant person is bound in sin, the church is saying what God says about that person. When the church acknowledges that a repentant person has been loosed from that sin, God agrees. (MacArthur)

We are responsible to pray for the one bound in sin, that they come to repentance. The Lord may use us to confront them in gentleness. 

Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. and be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:1-2 NLT) 

LET IT GROW

In verse 19, we are assured that if two of us agree about a matter we pray for, then it will be done by our Heavenly Father. Our prayers are more powerful than the superficial agreement of thousands, because Christ's Holy Spirit is with them. The key is praying according to God's will, not our own, as well as faith that God can do it. 

Touching means matter; circumstance; how it will go with.

Is our faith strong enough to believe God can do what we have asked? Is it in accordance to His will?

Remember, Jesus is speaking about discipline with this promise. As soon as the proper process of accountability, confrontation, and discipline begins, Jesus is present, and God the Father is working through the interactions that take place. (Swindoll)

Conformity with His Word is the objective. 

LET IT GO

Lord, You love this brother or sister of our who has strayed away from Your Word more than we do. Give us wisdom, gentleness, humility, and understanding. 

We need Your strength to confront them. 

To You be the glory.

Your will, Your way.