Study 6: The King’s Servant

Matthew 18:15-35

Monday 7^th to Sunday 13^th March, 2011

Introduction

Which do you think is harder to do: to forgive someone or to point out their sin? Which of these do you struggle with the most? Discuss.

Studying the passage - Read Matthew 18:15-20

1) What principle lies behind rebuking someone in private first? What principle lies behind making the congregation aware of an unrepentant sin/sinner? (Hint: Matt. 18:14) Why do you think the second step (taking one or two others with you) should be done after the first step and before the third step?

2) How closely do you follow the three steps in these verses? Which of these are we most likely to omit? Why? What do we do instead? Why?

3) Verses 18-20 are often quoted in a variety of contexts. But if the “two or three” of verse 20 refers to the “two or three” of verse 16, what significance does it give to what happens in verse 16? How is this reflected in the treatment of the unrepentant sinner in verse 17?

Read Matthew 18:21-35

4) Did the servant have the legal right to be paid in verses 28-30? Then explain why the other servants respond the way they do in verse 31?

5) Does this parable teach that sins should be overlooked/forgotten? Explain.

6) Why do you think our forgiveness of others is so important to God?

7) Having looked at the parable, why would forgiving someone seven times not be enough for Peter or for us (verse 21)?

Response

Spend some time thanking God for His forgiveness and praying for those who have sinned against you.