The Grace of Restoration(2Cor 2:6-11) Introduction It's been said, cleverly and wisely, that the shortest verses sometimes take the longest to learn. “If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him” (Luke 17:3, see Matt 18:15-17, 1 Cor 5). And many churches err on one side or the other.
1. The church's discipline is sufficient (v. 6). The promise of grace in the gospel is, “as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” (Ps 103:12). That's how we are treated. And that's how we need to treat people in the church.
2. Unforgiveness can harm your brother (v. 7). You have to ask yourself, what's the goal? The goal of all discipline is repentance and restoration.
3. Forgiveness is your opportunity to show the love of Christ (v. 7-9). This is not saying that you should go on like nothing ever happened. People always wonder what they should say when something like this happens. Well, here is your answer. Reaffirm your love to him.
4. Forgiveness is necessary for the good of our own souls (v. 11). “It very frequently happens, that, under color of zeal for discipline, a Pharisaical rigor creeps in” (Calvin). The Lord wants more than discipline of the offender. He wants the hearts of the people changed.
Conclusion Luke 15, the parable of…the two responses to the Prodigal son. Which one will be yours?
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