Minimum Requirements for Relationships

14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

15 ¶ Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. 18 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. 19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Mt. 18:15-20 (KJV)

? God is incredibly interested in our human relationships.

? This is especially true of the church – His children. (v. 14)

? It is never “good enough” in the eyes of God for us to allow things to come between us!

I want to spend a few minutes looking at what I call the Minimum Requirements for relationships

1- Everybody Will Let You Down Eventually. (v. 15a)

1- “If” could literally be interpreted as “when”, but gives the benefit of the doubt.

2- There is no church so perfect that people will not be offended or offensive.

3- The point of the word “if” must be that we shouldn’t be LOOKING for offense.

2- It is Your Responsibility to Go to Them. (vv. 15b-16)

1- It is never good enough to allow things to come between us.

2- Do it alone!

3- Do it trying to gain your brother, not win an argument!!!

3- You Must Pursue Even if He is Unreasonable. (v. 17)

1- If he won’t listen to your reasoning, take 1 or 2 more with you.

2- You should still have the same motive, to win a brother.

3- If he will not be reasoned with you must bring the church into the matter.

4- Does this apply to Marriage? YES!!!)

5- If he will not listen to the church – Excommunicate him. (“Heathen and Publican”)

4- The Power of the Church in these Matters is Absolute. (vv. 18-20)

1- I believe the church must reclaim it’s authority.

2- “Submit” and “Obey” is used through out the Bible – (Heb. 13:7, 17, 24)

5- If Your Brother Repents - You MUST Forgive Him. (vv. 21-22)

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