Matthew 18 - Introduction

The Heart Of A Christian

Matthew Eighteen

In Matthew Eighteen a brief look is given into the heart of a Christian. The Christian's heart is characterized by qualities far different from the world. Within the heart of the Christian you will find (1) Humility, (2) responsibility, (3) care, (4) concern, (5) compassion, (5) dedication to fellowship, and (7) forgiveness. Do you have the heart of a Christian?

During His personal ministry Jesus was asked many questions. Matthew 18 contains a very strange question. The disciples asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" (Matthew 18:1) This question provided Jesus an opportunity to teach a great lesson on "Humility." Jesus set a little child before them and said, "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Children have humble and loving hearts like the disciples needed. Children accept all other children as their equals. The Lord wanted these men to understand that there could be no superiority among them if His work was to be accomplished.

In Matthew 18 we find a simple but powerful lesson on the subject of discipline among the people of God. The way of God is always best in dealing with every situation of life. Here God gives a simple way to solve personal issues among His people. This is God's principle for helping brethren that have sinned to be rescued! God's way is simple, (1) Go and tell him his fault, just you and him alone, (2) If he will not hear, take one or two with you to plead with him, (3) If he will not hear have the church plead with him, and (4) If he still refuses to hear treat him as "a heathen and a tax collector."

Matthew 18 also deals with the great subject of forgiveness. Peter wanted to know how many times he was to forgive a person that had sinned against him. He thought seven times would be generous in giving forgiveness. The Lord told Peter to forgive seventy times seven. This means that he was to forgive an unlimited number of times.