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Lessons From Little Ones

Lessons From Little Ones. Matthew 18. I. Become Like Them, 1-5. Our goal: maturity (“I’m not a child”). “Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion” – Ro.12:16.

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Lessons From Little Ones

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  1. Lessons FromLittle Ones Matthew 18

  2. I. Become Like Them, 1-5

  3. Our goal: maturity(“I’m not a child”) “Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion” – Ro.12:16 Ancient world: child = non-person. Receive one = receive Christ. Jesus: revert (be a child) – conversion Humble Teachable Innocent

  4. I. Become Like Them, 1-5 II. Build Them Up, 6-7

  5. Little child (1-5) = Believer(6) God’s permission Satan’s hatred Our evil choice • Handle with care • Do not cause one to sin • Punishment • Sea, Rv.21:1 • Lake, Rv.20:15 • Offenses must come

  6. I. Become Like Them, 1-5 II. Build Them Up, 6-7 III. Bless Yourself, 8-9

  7. Extreme measures Avoid sin at all cost. Sacrifice most cherished things. • Sinful hand . . . foot . . . eye (8-9) • Warning –

  8. I. Become Like Them, 1-5 II. Build Them Up, 6-7 III. Bless Yourself, 8-9 IV. Bless Little Ones, 10

  9. Do not despise one . . . ONE non-person: 1smallest number 2lowliest person • Look down on someone with contempt (as object of little value) • Angels care • Father cares (14, 19, 35). Isa.37:22-23

  10. I. Become Like Them, 1-5 II. Build Them Up, 6-7 III. Bless Yourself, 8-9 IV. Bless Little Ones, 10 V. Bring Them Back, 12-35

  11. Jesus, the loving Shepherd 1. Shepherd’s journey, 12 2. Shepherd’s joy, 13 • Sheep should not wander – A. No offensive / defensive weapons; no speed; no armor. B. Directionally challenged. C. Surrounded by enemies; nature.

  12. Concern of Shepherd / Father 1. Shepherd’s journey, 12 2. Shepherd’s joy, 13 3. Father’s joy, 14-20 (Lk.15) Gain brother (1 Pt.3:1) and self “So”– Father’s will: do not lose one, 14 • Seek stubborn brother, 15-20 Goal –

  13. Math or Mercy? (21-22) • Peter grants necessity of forgiveness • Issue: is there a limit? • Three times seems enough • Seven times seems generous • Jesus: throw away calculator

  14. Math or Mercy? (21-22) • Verse 24 • 10,000: largest Greek number • Talent: largest unit of currency • 10,000 T: 60 million days’ wages • One Talent: 20 years’wages • Laborer: $15.00/hr., 2000 hrs./year: $30,000 . . . One Talent: $600,000 • 10,000 Talents: $6 billion • Correct answer: parable (23-35)

  15. Arithmetic or mercy? (21-22) • Verse 28 • 100 denarii: about 20 weeks’ wages • Laborer: $15.00/hr., 2000 hrs./year: $12,000 • Correct answer: parable (23-35)

  16. Lessons: The rest is commentary • Imitate (3-5) • Edify (6-10) • Respect (10) • Restore (11-14) • Gain (15-20) • Forgive (21-35)

  17. Commentary (1) • God: unparalleled mercy, unbelievable torture (34) • Jesus sees nothing strange in such extremes: mercy & wrath • We owe debt that we cannot pay • If forgiven, we owe another debt . . .

  18. Commentary (2) • God: unparalleled mercy, unbelievable torture (34) • Sinner: received incredible act of mercy, but gave no mercy • Beware mistreating one child, believer, sinner, debtor. Mt.25:40, 45 • God is perfect example, Ep.4:32-5:2 • His forgiveness is conditional • “I can forgive but I can’t forget” ? ?

  19. Commentary (3) • God: unparalleled mercy, unbelievable torture (34) • Sinner: received incredible act of mercy, but gave no mercy • Saint: receives incredible act of mercy, and gives mercy • Our job is forgiving, not misgiving about anyone’s sincerity, Lk.17:3-4

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