Matt 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
This verse is quite often quoted out of context. Many think it is referring to prayer or general gathering. While these things are to be commended, that is not the context for this verse.
If one of your brothers is in sin (referring to lifestyle or consistency not a slip) You are to go to him and if he hears and accepts what you say you have gained your brother. If not, take another with you as a witness, if he hears you again you have gained your brother. All discipline is with view to restoration!!!!!!
If he again refuses, tell it to the church. Now why to the church if you are trying to restore? This is because the reputation of the church is at stake. If he is living a life inconsistent with the teachings of Christ he will ruin the reputation of the church.
If he refuses at the church level he is then to be treated as a tax gatherer ( we know how well we appreciate the irs in April!)
He then goes on to say whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. If he is restored he has been loosed of the sin in his life!!!!.
If two or more of you agree concerning anything they ask it will be done- this is referring back to the second step of the discipline process.
Now verse 20- Jewish custom called for at least 10 to be a prayer meeting but for the process of discipline two or three was sufficient.
We should always remember the parable of the lost sheep when considering discipline as His will is to see the one restored to its former position
This verse is quite often quoted out of context. Many think it is referring to prayer or general gathering. While these things are to be commended, that is not the context for this verse.
If one of your brothers is in sin (referring to lifestyle or consistency not a slip) You are to go to him and if he hears and accepts what you say you have gained your brother. If not, take another with you as a witness, if he hears you again you have gained your brother. All discipline is with view to restoration!!!!!!
If he again refuses, tell it to the church. Now why to the church if you are trying to restore? This is because the reputation of the church is at stake. If he is living a life inconsistent with the teachings of Christ he will ruin the reputation of the church.
If he refuses at the church level he is then to be treated as a tax gatherer ( we know how well we appreciate the irs in April!)
He then goes on to say whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. If he is restored he has been loosed of the sin in his life!!!!.
If two or more of you agree concerning anything they ask it will be done- this is referring back to the second step of the discipline process.
Now verse 20- Jewish custom called for at least 10 to be a prayer meeting but for the process of discipline two or three was sufficient.
We should always remember the parable of the lost sheep when considering discipline as His will is to see the one restored to its former position
