Preparing for Sunday - Matthew 18:15-20

December 11, 2014 by David Fortner Preparing for Sunday

Read Matthew 18:15-20 several times. (Perhaps using various translations).
How do these verses relate to the parable of the lost sheep just before, in 18:10-14?
What are the key “steps” outlined in this passage?
What do these verses teach about the role of discipline in the Church?
What authority does a local church have among members who are unrepentant?
What does the phrase “…whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” actually mean in the biblical context? See Matthew 16:18-19.
How does verse 20 further explain the previous verses?

How would you answer those who say church discipline has no place in modern Christianity?
How would you answer those who say verses 15-20 are too harsh or judgmental?
What conclusions are we to reach after reading verses 15-20 of Matthew 18?
What do we learn about the Church’s role in the individual’s life from this text?
How has this passage been historically interpreted?

Spend a few moments in prayer and contemplate your role in church discipline.
Pray for non-Christians who will be present this Sunday to respond appropriately to God's word.
How should this text impact our congregation as a whole?
Pray that God will prepare our hearts for his work of grace this Sunday as we gather.
Pray for those who will be leading our gathering to edify the body well: Dawson Bryant, music; Todd Arnold, Elders' Prayer and Scripture Reading; Bret Capranica, teaching.
Listen to the songs we will be singing together and meditate on the message of each song.
Prepare yourself to sing together with the church on the Lord's Day.

Morning Gathering

Evening Gathering