Matthew Chapter 18 Verses 15-20: A Guide to Addressing Serious Sin in the Community

Matthew Chapter 18 is a practical survival guide for the Christian community, providing clear and concise instructions on how to address and deal with sin and reconciliation within the church. This guide is particularly focused on serious sins, not minor offenses or personal grievances that can be easily forgiven and forgotten.

Addressing Minor Offenses vs. Serious Sin

While the overarching theme of the chapter is on teaching the disciples (and indeed all Christians) on how to handle themselves when they encounter a fellow believer in the midst of sin, Matthew 18:15-20 specifically deals with more severe transgressions. According to Jesus, committing a minor offense against another believer is to be met with forgiveness and mutual love. However, serious sin requires a more formal and disciplined approach.

Step 1: Private Discourse

Jesus advises that the first step in addressing a serious sin should be a private conversation between the wronged party and the sinner. It is crucial to approach this step with wisdom and prudence. The objective is not to castigate, humiliate, or ruin the sinner but rather to help them recognize their error and seek reconciliation. This approach has several advantages:

Privacy. The individual committing the sin may feel more at ease in a private conversation. Avoidance of Embarrassment. Others might deny being wrong or try to justify their actions if brought into the situation. Maintain Calm. Remaining calm and avoiding harsh words or an accusatory tone promotes a productive discussion.

By taking this step, the chance of reconciliation and redemption for the sinner increases significantly.

Step 2: Seek Widespread Validation

Should the first step prove ineffective and the sinner refuses to acknowledge their wrongdoing, Jesus suggests taking a more formal approach involving one or two more witnesses. The second step serves a dual purpose:

Validation of the Church’s Concern. It is imperative to ensure that the issue is not a matter of personal bias or misunderstanding. Having the matter established by the testimony of two or three further strengthens the church's stance. Witness for Redemption. These witnesses play a crucial role in supporting the wronged party and provide validation to the community, potentially leading to further reconciliation.

These individuals might be those present during the incident or who have information related to the matter, particularly in a business context. Their presence is not just to act as neutral parties but to help restore the relationship between the parties involved.

Step 3: Involvement of Church Leadership

Should the second step be ineffective, the matter should be escalated to the church leadership, symbolized by the Church's overseers. This third step holds significant importance as it reflects the church's commitment to both the offender and the community's common good. The goal remains the same: to win back the sinning brother if possible.

When dealing with the unrepentant sinner, the church leadership must adhere strictly to the instructions found in God's Word. Jesus himself states that if the sin is judged in heaven—when the church finds the individual guilty—the judgment will already be affirmed. Conversely, if found innocent, it will be cleared in heaven. In such judicial deliberations, Jesus emphasizes the importance of being present among the gathered faithful: “where there are two or three gathered in My name, there I am in their midst.”

Conclusion

The guidance provided in Matthew 18:15-20 is not just a set of procedural steps but a call to action aimed at promoting love, forgiveness, and reconciliation within the Christian community. By carefully following these principles, the church can effectively address serious sin while maintaining the integrity of its members and its close relationship with God.