First Be Reconciled

Saturday, August 23, 2014
Matthew 5:21-26 

21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: 
22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. 
23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 
24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. 
25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. 
26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What was one of God's commandments to His people and why? (v.21)
2) According to Jesus, what is wrong and why? (v.22)
3) What did Jesus tell His disciples to do to escape condemnation for their sin? (v.23-24)
4) What did our Lord say would happen if we do not agree with those we have offended? (v.25-26)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) What do you typically do when you have offended a brother, or sister, in Christ?
6) Have you ever refused to be reconciled with an offended brother, or sister, in the Lord? If so, describe what happened.
7) Have you ever asked forgiveness from an offended brother, or sister, in Christ? If so, describe how you felt.

PRINCIPLES
8) Unforgiveness is the bait of Satan because it leads to further condemnation.
9) Offense destroys relationship with God and man.
10) Seek peace with all people, at all costs, even if the offended person refuses to forgive you.