Dr Tom Hover
December 7, 2025
Matthew 18:1-10 / Matthew 18:15-22
GOD / HEAVENLY HELP FOR A RUINED RELATIONSHIP
THE GREATEST IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD
DEALING WITH OUR PRIDE / POWER OVER PRIDE
Matthew 18:1-10
Introduction: The Instruction disciples take up this entire chapter. Christ had much instructing to do for the disciples to correct their many misconceptions about life, which they had picked up through their past life in the world (including religion). The disciples’ problem is not new; worldly thinking plagues all of us; and to correct it, we need to study earnestly what Christ says in His Word to learn a better way of thinking.
I. JESUS EXPOSED THEIR PRIDE
The Pride of The Disciples! Matthew 18:1-14
A. The Inquiry by Pride. Matthew 18:1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
B. The Time of The Prideful Inquiry. Matthew 18:1 “At the same time”
C. The Theme of The Prideful Inquiry. Matthew 18:1 “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Mark 9:33-34, Luke 9:46, Matthew 19:28
D. The Thinking for The Prideful Inquiry.
Matthew 18:1“Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
Examples of Being Humble in the Bible
1. Moses Numbers 12:3 2. David Psalm 131:1
3. Jesus Philippians 2:5-8 4. John the Baptist John30
5. Ruth Ruth 2:10-13 6. The Prodigal Son Luke 15:17–21
7. Mary, the Mother of Jesus Luke 1:38 8. The Centurion Matthew 8:5-13
9. Job Job 42:1-6 10. Paul I Corinthians 15:9-10
II. JESUS EXHORTED THEIR PRIDE
Exhorted = Strongly encourage or urge (someone) to do something
Jesus Gave Instructions for their Pride Matthew 18:2–14
A. Be Childlike in Faith. Matthew 18:2-4
B. Be Cautious in Your Actions and Reactions. Matthew 18:5-6,10
C. Be Committed to God. Matthew 18:7-8, Matthew 5:29-30
It is a strong exhortation to do the extreme if necessary in order to avoid doing evil. It is better to have some amputations to keep from doing evil than go to hell for eternity.
PM SERVICE 6 pm
HEAVENLY HELP FOR A RUINED RELATIONSHIP
Text: Matthew 18:15-22
Introduction: I want to talk to you about Heavenly Help for A Ruined Relationship. And I think all of us who’ve been in the service of our dear Savior for very long have had somebody who has wronged us, who has trespassed against us.
I. IT IS A PAINFUL PROBLEM
Matthew 18:15 “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee,”
A. Sin Disgraces the father.
B. Sin Discourages the Faithful. Psalm 133:1, John 17:20-21
C. Sin Delights the Foe.
II. THERE IS A PROPER PERSPECTIVE Matthew 18:15
A. Consider the Relationship. I John 3:16, Galatians 6:10
B. Consider the Responsibility. Matthew 18:15, Galatians 6:1C.
Consider Yourself Galatians 6:1, Romans 2:1-3, I Samuel 12:23,
Hebrews 12:13-14
III. THERE IS A PRESCRIBED PROCEDURE
A. Visitation. Matthew 18:15
1. Visit Privately Proverbs 16:28, Proverbs 25:9
2. Visit Lovingly Proverbs 27:5-6, Ephesians 4:32, Romans 5:8
3. Visit Humbly Galatians 6:1
B. Restoration. Matthew 18:15 “thou hast gained thy brother.”
1. Forgive Freely Matthew 18:21, Matthew 18:21
2. Forgive Fully
3. Forgive Finally Ephesians 4:32
C. Confirmation. Matthew 18:16
D. Confrontation. Matthew 18:17
E. Excommunication. Matthew 18:17, II Thessalonians 3:14-15
I Corinthians 5:5-6, I Timothy 1:20, Romans 14:1
IV THERE IS A PRECISE POSTING Matthew 18:18
IV. THERE IS A POWERFUL PRESENCE Matthew 18:19-20
Conclusion: PETER’S PONDERING PROBE Matthew 18:21-22,
II Chronicles 7:14-16
Please make plans to join us next Sunday 12/14 for our Christ-giving lunch after mornings services in fellowship hall.
