Matthew 18 - What Jesus Wants Us To Know

SF Stagecoach, NV

Dear Brothers, Sisters, Prodigals and Unsaved,

            Our Lessons in Matthew will always contain topics such as; Life, Healings, Miracles, Deliverance and more.  Today we'll learn; through His Word, seeing what we need to know.  Rank In The Kingdom, Stumbling Blocks, Ninety-nine Plus One [taxes], Discipline and Prayer, and Forgiveness.

    There is always more to learn..., - Abba [God], does not want His children to have lack of knowledge, He wants to reveal Himself to you.  Knowing that the truth will set you FREE.  That's why Jesus through His Word, reveals to us what His Father [Abba] told Him daily, what to say and do.  The World, is the twerp's [satan's] playground. But if you know your authority, he can't play with you.

Verse  NOTE: ALL meanings are from Strong's Concordance, unless marked otherwise.

18:1-6  Rank In The Kingdom:

à       [Matthew 18:1-3 NKJV] 1 "At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted [born-again] and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven."
    Isn't it just like Jesus, to gently tell you the truth.  It isn't a person, but the nature of what a person is willing to do.  A child is innocent, and willing to change to please their daddy, then adults today, living in the world.  God's Children know/believe their "daddy" WILL; protect them, feed them, give them the gift they'd like to have, but most importantly - He'll love them no matter what!  Just as we should believe that our Abba [God], will keep every promise He's given us in the Bible.  Our problem is everyone wants to start at the top, using His Gifts and when that doesn't happen they give-up. 
    Yet a child does not start out walking, running or speaking complete sentences when they pop out.  No, their TOTAL dependence is on YOU!  So do what most of us had to do - one step/day at a time, starting with the FRUIT of the Spirit.  Learn about who you're following and developing a relationship with.
    All of those "What IF's," are from the twerp [satan] he is a liar, who tries to take the word from you, so others will not hear or see the truth about Abba's will for them.  Abba even tells us how the enemy works.  What we plant, he tries to move in unprofitable areas.  The enemy is consistent, but he wants you to sink and "walk away" from the Godhead [Father, Son and Holy Spirit].

·         [Luke 8:5-8 NKJV] 5 "A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6 "Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. 7 "And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. 8 "But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold." When He had said these things He cried, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"
     You have the seed - THE WORD, it's up to you where you plant it.  By a wayside, where you are put down, and attacked for your speaking your opinion/belief.  Maybe on a rock, and with dirt to hold the moisture for the seed, it will not grow.    
    In NV we know about thorns, seeds come in from the winds. they get so big, they intertwine with whatever is planted, choking your mature seeds growth.  PTL many of the seeds we plant, will fall on good ground.  Why?  Because I believe Abba sends you to people that are ready to hear His Word.  As you speak, you water their spirit and Jesus gets a larger crop saved.  Consider, how many you could bring into His Kingdom?  Do you have ears to hear?
   

à         [Matthew 18:3 NKJV] 3 and [Jesus] said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven."
    How are we to convert?  By asking Jesus to forgive our sins and come into your heart.  Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you, renewing your mind.  Get a hunger and thirst for His Word, make Jesus your best friend - talk to Him, tell Him your problem - ask for His solution, Praise Him for what He's doing in your life, be open to learning and being a doer of His Word. 
    You've received the VICTORY through Jesus.  "Greater is He that is in YOU, than he that's in the world" [1 John 4:4].
    Those unsaved, are filled with darkness, there is no light in them and only light will enter the Kingdom.  When Jesus comes into your life, you are born-again, all things are made new, now you are filled with His light - all darkness [sin] has been forgiven and removed.  We still need to change some of our "old" ways, that does not please our Lord.  But you will gain so much more, as you develop more of God's Character within you [Galatians 5:22-23].

à       [Matthew 18:4-6 NKJV] 4 "Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 "Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. 6 "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea."
    It's Humbling to realize you, in your flesh cannot accomplish anything Godly.  Your best/goodness was as filthy rags to Abba, because you lived in the world, where the twerp [satan] ruled you, now you will learn to live in the Spirit with Jesus and learn to renew your mind and what your purpose in life is. 
●    [Isaiah 64:6 NKJV] "But we are all like an unclean [thing], And all our righteousness [are] like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, And our iniquities [sin], like the wind, Have taken us away."
    It's not that you are NOW unclean, because after being born-again - you need time, to learn and follow how Abba works, versus the way the world [satan] does it.
●    [Romans 12:2 NKJV] "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what [is] that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

18:7-11  Stumbling Blocks:

à       [Matthew 18:7 NKJV] "Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!
    According to the www.biblehub.com, WOE means: Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!
    I know most of you know LUKE 6:38, I've used it enough - GIVE AND IT WILL BE GIVEN BACK TO YOU.  Notice it doesn't specify anything, but covers good or evil, so whatever you give, you'll get back!
    Causing someone or nation to stumble; is speaking a lie about another to make them look better, like most of our politicians do.  They put down the opposing candidate, to lift themselves up.
    Also, did you know, what the 9th Commandment says?  "You must not give false evidence against your neighbour."  These are the twerp's tactics, NOT God's!  They too will get what they've been giving.
    From the biblehub, offence means: a side-slip (lapse or deviation), i.e, (unintentional) error or

(willful) transgression -- fall, fault, offence, sin, trespass.  So, no matter how you look at - A WOE, WORLD or OFFENSES you're in the enemies camp if doing it.

à       [Matthew 18:8-9 NKJV] 8 "If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast [it] from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire. 9 "And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast [it] from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire [hell]."
    In the OT, this scripture was probably done.  Thief's had their hand removed.  Think about this, why does it say speak of your hand, foot or eye causing you to sin?  Your Hand, reaches out to grab what you want - good/evil. Your Foot, takes you to what you want - good/evil.  Finally the Eye is the entrance to soul, so what you see, enters your mind, then you dwell on, then your body desires it - good/evil.
    I don't think that's necessary today.  We need to " cast [it] from you" today.  It can only be done, through DELIVERANCE and the BLOOD OF JESUS.  Repent of your sin, asking Jesus to deliver you from it, helping you to sin no more.  Or, the opposite side of  the coin, PRAISE HIM for what He's BLESSED you with, or done for you.

·       [John 8:10-11 NKJV] 10 "When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, "Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?" 11  She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more."

    None of the Godhead wants to remember your sins, that's why Jesus took them, on Himself for you, so you wouldn't have to and because the Bride of Jesus will be holy, without spot or wrinkle. That's why forgiveness is so necessary.  Think about it, we live in a Body [that desires the world only], we have a Soul [your will and emotions] and a Spirit [you were born with, that wants to serve God].  Before you are saved, your body is the boss, that rules your mind and soul.  After you accept Jesus, your Spirit becomes the boss, your soul becomes renewed, and your body just tags along - fighting it's desires all the way!

·       [1 Peter 2:24 NKJV] "who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed."

·       [Ephesians 5:27 NKJV] "that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish."

à       [Matthew 18:10-11 NKJV] 10 "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. 11 "For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost."
    Despise means: exoutheneó: to treat with contempt.
    Little ones, are referring to literally children, telling a child how "stupid, dumb, worthless or they will never learn - any negative [cursing] words you use on a child, there angel reports the hurt you've done to them.  Everyone knows Isaiah 54:17a, but the second part 17b is where you could get in trouble, if you hurt a child, or a anointed one of Abba's.

·       [Isaiah 54:17 NKJV] 17[a] "No weapon formed against you shall prosper, [17b] And every tongue [which] rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This [is] the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness [is] from Me," Says the LORD..
    This could be a whole teaching in itself.  But you see, this will go for Adults as well children.  "Judge not, least you be judged." Also, Luke 6:38 again!

·        [Psalm 105:14-15 NKJV] 14 "He permitted no one to do them wrong; Yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes, 15 [Saying], "Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm."
    David refused to kill Saul, living in fear for his life, even though David was anointed king already.  God deals with the kings and His anointed - not us.  David knew that - do you?

Matthew 18:12-14 Ninety-Nine Plus One:

à       [Matthew 18:12-14 NKJV] 12 "What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? 13 "And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that [sheep] than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. 14 "Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish."
        That one sheep was like a prodigal, who thought the grass was greener on the other side.  But found out, and so will they, IT'S NOT!

·       [Luke 15:17-18 NKJV] 17 "But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 'I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you,"
    We have many parables in the New Testament [NT] not just to hear a story, but to learn the principles within each of them.  In this case, what it took for a prodigal to have his eyes open, was remembering how good it was at home.  He was the son of a prosperous father.  Knowing that IF he repented [apologized], he could be accepted back to his home.  But our Father, does just like this father did - opened his arms and rejoiced for his return.

Matthew 18:15-20   Discipline and Prayer:

à       [Matthew 18:15-17 NKJV] 15 "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 "But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.' 17 "And if he refuses to hear them, tell [it] to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector."

à       I've read this scripture in so many different versions, my biggest beef was that some said "church" and some said "elders of the church."  Now they all say just "church".  I don't think we should stand up in front of the whole church to tell our brother sinned again us, but the Elders of the Church, would be better.  Everyone does not need to know.
    My only warning here, is that not all Christians are where you are in their spiritual growth.  Forgive and bless them, so the Holy Spirit can continue to work on them.  DO NOT CONDEM, but LOVE them. "

·        [1 John 5:16-17 NKJV] 16 "If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin [which does] not [lead] to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not [leading] to death. There is sin [leading] to death. I do not say that he should pray about that. 17 All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not [leading] to death."
    The only unforgivable sin, is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.  Those that cure Abba or Jesus can be forgiven.  But if you curse the Holy Spirit or deny Him, when you know [or knew] Him, you'll stay in darkness as long as there is breath in your body.
    Be careful that there is not a log in your own eye, before you try and take one ouf of someone else.  I'd also remind you, that Abba gave us a 5-fold ministry:  So what you lock into, may not be what they need in their ministry.  Different IS NOT WRONG!  Different interpretations of the Word may cause problems, but Abba has called each child of His to be one of them and sometimes they will cross over themselves.  Like Apostles usually covered all of these, Apostles would be in Pastors and Teachers and so on.

·       [Ephesians 4:10-12 NKJV] 10 "He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) 11 And He Himself gave some [to be] apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,"
     I personally believe that we don't have Apostles today, Missionary's do basically same works.  They leave home and family, to go "where no man has gone before" and teach them the Gospel of Christ, then train men/women to be Pastors, Evangelists, Teachers and hopefully some Apostles/Missionary's. 
    With today's media capabilities, you can stay home on a computer and reach the world.  So I AM a missionary and Teacher for the Lord.
   

à       [Matthew 18:18-20 NKJV] 18 "Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. 20 "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."
    This is 1 of my 2 favorite scriptures I LOVE!  By now you should realize LUKE 6:38-39 fits almost every situation, saying whatever you give good/evil, you're going to get back, with the measure you gave it, plus a little more in His package. [Because it's pressed down and shaken together, and running over.]
    Matthew 18:18 is a Powerful AUTHORITY given to us, to remove the twerp from our mists.  And I can COMMAND that mountain the twerp caused - to go into the pit - and take your trial with you - and do not return.  Light ALWAYS Overcomes darkness - IN JESUS' NAME!
    Now do you realize when James wrote, YOUR tongue starts fires.  This is how important YOUR WORDS ARE! 
    To top all that, whenever there are 2-3 people gathered in His Name - you may not see Him, but He's right there with you - PTL!  His promises are always TRUE!
    The Bible says, a wise man has many counselors [Proverbs 15:22].  So when I came to NV, I asked 4 people to keep tabs on what I write and do.   If I were to go of the deep end, because 3 of the 4 live in NV and 1 in IL and you can bet, they'd let me know where I missed it.
    The two or three witnesses will also help you in your prayer power - because you can put 1,000 to angels to flight.  And two in agreement 10,000 - think of all that prayer power going to the thrown room, for instructions!  We are stronger when we walk with HIM!

·       [Deuteronomy 32:30 NKJV] "How could one chase a thousand, And two put ten thousand to flight, Unless their Rock had sold them, And the LORD had surrendered them?"
    So when you pray, you loose the power of 1,000 warriors on your behalf and when 2 in agreement you loose the power of 10,000 warriors.  The OT says, one angel can kill 185,00 men in a fight.  So you have a great power available when your in trouble. We all have ministering Spirits/Angels available to us [Isaiah 37:36].

·       [Hebrews 1:13-14 NKJV] 13 "But to which of the angels has He ever said: "Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool"? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?"
    As I've said before, when I need help, moving something heavy or knowledge of how to do something, I ask a ministering spirit to help me.  The couch moves easily, and quickly I get the knowledge on how to do my task.
    Ministering Spirits are all around, waiting for you to ask for help.

Matthew 18:21-35 Forgiveness:

à       [Matthew 18:21-22 NKJV] 21 "Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" 22 Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven."
    It's hard to think of someone you'd have to forgive 70 x 7 = 490 times.  That would have to be a family member.  I can't think of anyone I'd stay around who kept hurting me that many times - can you?
    Yet, as we are in the FAMILY OF GOD, and He's constantly forgiving us - can we do any less.  Paul told us to make peace.  I understand sometimes, they refuse to forgive, but you always have the option to forgive them, praying blessings on them, so the Holy Spirit can work on them.

·       [Romans 12:18 NKJV] "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men."
    If it is possible, depends on you.  But to live peaceable with any family member, without forgiving them - it's not possible - because the hurt is still there, the memory will keep you living in the past - instead of looking forward.
    Have you ever wondered, in ALL the Armor of God, there is nothing on the back of a warrior?  Why, 1) the past is gone and 2) God has your back.  It's what we have to face today that matters.

·       [Ephesians 6:10-18 NKJV] 10 "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual [hosts] of wickedness in the heavenly [places]. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--"

à       [Matthew 18:23-27 NKJV] 23 "Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 "And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 "But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. 26 "The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, 'Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.' 27 "Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.
    In Heaven, we are forgiven unconditionally.  Just repent [ask for forgiveness] and there is no discipline.  That's OUR GOD!  He has compassion for each one of us.  Yet He does expect us to act as He does/did toward others.  So compassion, breeds forgiveness.  You can hardly stay mad at someone, when you feel sorry for them.  Then your compassion will release that person and you can forgive them their debt.

à       [Matthew 18:28-30 NKJV] 28 "But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took [him] by the throat, saying, 'Pay me what you owe!' 29 "So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.' 30 "And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt."
    Luke 6:38 is sure not happening here, but it will, count on it.  When we receive a blessing from Abba; spirit, soul or body - we should rejoice and share the blessing with others - even the forgiveness of our sin.  Abba gave His only begotten Son to cover our sins - He forgave you.  Yet what do you think Abba should do for this man now.  Do you think He'll still have compassion for the servant who couldn't repay Him 10,000 talents, clearing his debt - let's see:

à       [Matthew 18:31-34 NKJV] 31 "So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. 32 "Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 'Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?' 34 "And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him."
    WARNING: God is very loving and gives us more chances than we deserve.  But after awhile, if you continue to willfully sin, without changing your ways - there will be discipline. Read Deuteronomy 28:15-64 just to name a few.

à        [Matthew 18:35 NKJV] "So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses."
    It is your choice, but there will be consequences if you refuse, once you've committed to the Lord.

    My prayer 4 U:  Father, in Jesus' Name I'm asking You to reveal, to Your Children, how to think from Heaven's perspective, so they can release Heavenly solutions in their lives and help others, help them NOT TO LEAD with their head, but with the heart of JESUS!  -  In Jesus' Name - AMEN! and AMEN!

Blessing to ALL,

Sandy - The Lord's Servant