Bible Verse Synopsis 3-7-25
Matthew 18
The disciples ask a question of Jesus, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” - Verse 1. Jesus answers this question with a young child. Become as a little child and rely on me as a child relies on their parents. Submit your selfish needs and wants to Christ and rely totally on Him. This is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. We must humble ourselves to be like a child. Our own motives and self reliance we have been taught by this world are WRONG! Rely on Christ and Christ alone. Be cautious about creating offenses for that is not the way of Christ. Especially against believers. For an attack on a believer is an attack on Christ. Remove the body part that is committing this crime for it is better enter (eternal) life with one hand or one eye than to burn in the pits of hell. This is symbolism. We must repent directly to Christ for the sins we make. Cut off that sin and ask the Holy Spirit to remove that urge from our minds. Removing sin is the job of Christ and we must utilize Him to get us there. Every believer in Christ has an angel that watches over them. Know your angel is here with you always and seek comfort with the watchful eye of that angel over you.
We can often lose our way with God and get off the path to Heaven. The lost sheep parable (Verse 11-14) shows us that all though we may get off the path, there is a way back. The joy of a returning believer is the same as a new believer and brings more joy than the already established believer. Our joy should come from many places, but finding new sheep or lost sheep is the greatest joy we have. Every sheep that comes to the fold is a victory of Satan. These are the victories that He rejoices in most.
Settle disputes man to man first, then with witnesses, then with the church. If all of these have been exhausted then there is no hope for this man to reconcile. Otherwise a brother in Christ you have found. We often fight for no reason at all. Reconcile our differences bluntly and honestly. Do not harbor these feelings but get them in the open. Then all can be at peace.
Whenever we join in prayer together, God will be with us. Enabling our requests of Him as long as it be His will. God will never grant a request that opposes himself.
We are to have unlimited forgiveness for all people, as the Lord has limitless forgiveness for us. We carry much debt of sin in our lives that is always forgiven through Christ, but only if we trust in Him. The parable here gives a great example of the compassion of God. We are to have the same compassion as He has. Giving way to those with debts upon us. Not striking back and demanding payment. We are not be like the wicked servant, but we like his compassionate lord. True forgiveness comes from a heart that is influenced by God through the Holy Spirit. Allow the Spirit into your head and soul and allow God to have control.