Healing Wounds and Resolving Conflicts as Citizens of HeavenㅣMatthew скачать в хорошем качестве

Healing Wounds and Resolving Conflicts as Citizens of HeavenㅣMatthew

**Sunday Evening Service – Healing Wounds and Resolving Conflicts as Citizens of Heaven (Matthew 18:15–20)** 15 “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. 18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” *Introduction* Human beings may seem strong, but we are actually fragile. Even though we are called to be citizens of heaven, we still carry wounds and make mistakes. Many of our hurts come from relationships with others, and people try to fill the emptiness of their hearts through entertainment, counseling, hobbies, or pets. The church is not exempt—misunderstandings and conflicts also happen there. The real issue is not the existence of conflict, but how it is resolved. While the world teaches avoidance, gossip, or cutting off relationships, citizens of heaven resolve conflicts through the gospel—understanding original sin (Gen 3:1–6), its consequences (Gen 3:7–19), and God’s only solution (Gen 3:15, 21). *Main Message* 1. *Love That Goes First – Restoration of Relationship (v.15)* Jesus teaches believers to go directly to a brother or sister who sins. Sin means “missing the mark,” a spiritual failure that damages relationships, so the goal is restoration, not simply apology. Jesus commands us to go first, not wait for the other person. Correction must be done in love—revealing truth to help the person realize their wrong. The purpose is to “gain” the brother, not to win an argument. → Principle: Do not avoid wounds; go first in love to restore relationships. 2. *Shared Responsibility – Restoration Through Community (vv.16–17)* If personal correction fails, bring one or two others as fair witnesses (Deut 19:15), ensuring truth and protection rather than emotional pressure. The church stands on truth and love, not rumors. Jesus outlines a step-by-step process: private correction, small group involvement, then the church community if necessary. Treating someone like a Gentile or tax collector does not mean hatred, but a relationship that urges repentance with grace. → The church is not a gathering of perfect people but a community that lifts one another up after failure. 3. *The Lord’s Presence and Heavenly Authority (vv.18–20)* Jesus gives authority to “bind and loose,” meaning responsibility to discern God’s will—prohibiting or forgiving in alignment with heaven. When believers pray in unity (“symphony,” harmonious oneness), God works powerfully. The greatest promise is Christ’s presence where two or three gather in His name. Moments of honest conversation, forgiveness, and reconciliation become places of worship where the Lord is present. *Conclusion* Three principles for resolving conflict as citizens of heaven: 1. When hurt, do not gossip—go directly in love. 2. Do not try to fix everything alone—seek restoration within the community. 3. Do not rely only on human methods—pray and resolve conflicts in the Lord’s presence. The church is not a place without conflict but a place where the gospel is alive in the midst of it. It is a community that rises again despite wounds and returns to grace despite sin. When we choose the Lord’s way, our families and churches will experience true peace and restoration unknown to the world. May we all handle wounds and conflicts as true citizens of heaven. Amen.