Matthew 18:19-20…Working

Matthew 18:19-20…Working

18:19 “Again, (additionally) I tell you (Expresses authority, reliability, assurance) that if two of you (In context the offended & offender.) on earth agree (4856-To sound together, in accord, harmonious, a symphony. cooperating, one-accord, likeminded.) about anything you ask for, (Expresses a euphemism for prayer. But here of a judicial matter. Not that we can pray for anything we want. In context the two agreeing to a course of discipline or reconciliation.) it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. (Only if it’s according to the word, will, and character of God.) 20 For where two or three come together (i.e. Church leaders who have come together to pass a discipline decision on the offending brother.) in my name, (authority, character,  honor, glory, cause, purpose, sake.) there am I with them”. (Not literally but In Spirit. That when we come together, committing ourselves to obeying and glorifying Jesus we will always move in the right direction and make the right choices.)

Continued From Book

“Teaches how our requests must always be in agreement with the nature, character, and will of God” ⇒ Whatever were seeking or asking for must be consistent with the will and nature of God. Likewise any requests which dishonor God, out of character with God, or defy His will, are not expected to be granted. It stands to reason that those who love God will seek to ask according to His will, not in defiance of it. God is not going to grant things that are inconsistent with His word & will.

““Teaches people who love Jesus and act like Jesus will take on His loving character, peace, forgiveness, and holiness” ⇒ People who love Jesus will put aside there differences and love each other for the sake of Christ. Where Jesus is present we can love the people who are loveless, and forgive the people who are guilty, and restore the people who are broken.

Additional Notes & Applications

Teaches when we are united in the Spirit in carrying out kingdom work, God will there to help us and support us.

Teaches when handled correctly, church discipline is blessed and affirmed by Jesus Himself.

Warns if not staying in step with Christ and His Spirit its going to be hard to love, forgive, and reconcile your difference with others.

Teaches how when believers come together they have an ability to act in concert for the good of themselves and others.

Teaches when we’re pursuing our brother in disciplinary love and prayer we will find divine encouragement and guidance.

Teaches when we go in the direction Jesus is asking us to go we can make the hurt, pain, and anger go away

Teaches when were committed to following and obeying the Word and will of God, were promised God’s assistance and blessings.

Teaches how there’s no better way to know the heart and mind of God, the character of God, and the will of God on any given matter than to search the scriptures.

Teaches people that comes together in their love of Jesus and His Kingdom work will settle their differences and resolve their conflicts in an atmosphere of love, joy, peace, compassion, and forgiveness.

 Encourage believers to be confident and faithful in prayer, always praying in Jesus’ authority.

Teaches kingdom work is rarely, if ever, intended to consist only of private affairs or solo missions. We are to be united in Christ with fellow believers and to use our gifts to serve one another and to encourage and stir one another to love and good deeds

Calls for always reminding ourselves that God is with us when comes to difficult decisions.

Teaches never is the church more in tune with heaven, more in tune with the Father and more in tune with Christ Himself then when it’s dealing with sin.

Teaches how Jesus is not among us to spy out their sins; or point out our imperfections, but to enlighten, strengthen, comfort, and save them.

Teaches how God never intended us to live the Christian life in isolation but with other believers in worship and prayer.

Gives assurance of Christ’ guidance & assistance in the answer to prayers.

Teaches if you accept the authority of Jesus in your life then you have to accept the authority of His words.

Promise how Jesus will be even in the midst of the smallest congregations & Bible studies.

Assures believers of Christ’s presence whether we feel it or not. The whole point of faith is believing even when you cant see it or feel it.

Unlike the Jewish culture in Jesus’ time, where people belonged to close knit communities. It’s hard to apply these applications here, because church members who are discipline often simply leave one congregation for another that accepts them with no questions asked.

Some suppose the number mentioned “Two or three” is used because that is about the smallest number that could make a congregation. Others see the number as an advantage, that it is the readiest congregation to be gathered. It is not difficult to make up two or three. A husband and wife: there are two. A husband and wife and a child: there are three.  Two or three can be a very handy congregation, it can meet in a bedroom; it can meet in a kitchen; it can meet in a barn, it can meet in a closet. Two or three may be in prison together, and they can pray in one narrow cell. Some see two or three as encouraging towards increase and growth, not the other way around as getting smaller