Roadblocks To Reconciliation Matthew 18:15-20

Introduction Reconciliation with God God made the first move (John 3:16) Message of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-21) Reconciliation with others Hard to mend a broken relationship What prevents it?

Lack of Communication Importance of communication with God Physical creation leads us to believe However, special revelation is needed He made it possible (Romans 10:17) No communication prevents reconciliation Go to our brother (Matthew 5:23; 18:15-17) Imagine marriage without communication Different areas of heaven for those who differ?

Lack of Communication When someone will talk, we must listen Israel refused the call of God (Jeremiah 7:13-15) Jesus said some refused to hear Him (Matthew 23:37-39)

Refusal To Deal With The Problem Will not admit wrongdoing Frustration of going to someone who will not repent (Matthew 18:15-17) Frustration of having someone tell you, “There’s nothing wrong” (Matthew 5:23, 24) Sometime an attempt is made to blame others We must admit to sin to be right with God (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8)

Refusal To Deal With The Problem Unwillingness to repent This comes after the admission of wrongdoing We cannot have the attitude, “I did it, so what?” God demands repentance (Acts 17:30)

Refusal To Deal With The Problem Unwillingness to forgive Forgiveness follows admission of wrongdoing and repentance (Luke 17:3, 4) Forgiving others is a prerequisite to our own forgiveness (Matthew 21:18-35) Failure to forgive another harms them (2 Corinthians 2:6-11) Be like the prodigal’s father (Luke 15:20-24)

Conclusion Are we to filled with pride to forgive? Need to be reconciled to God