Matthew 18:15-17 “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. 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.' 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” (NKJV).

The Most Common Sin in the Church Failure to go to a brother or sister when we think they have done wrong.

The Most Common Sin in the Church I. The Responsibility of One Aware of Sin. Are we responsible to “go to” one guilty of sin? (Rom. 14:7; 1 Pet. 4:8; Phil. 2:4; Gal. 6:1; 2 Tim. 2:24-26). What if we aren’t certain it’s sin? (Rom. 14:1; 15:2; Prov. 11:13).

The Most Common Sin in the Church II. The Importance of Proper Action. What Does the Bible Condemn? Ignoring Sin (Eph. 5:11; Luke 17:3; 1 Tim. 5:20; Jude 20-23; Gal. 6:1; 1 Cor. 13:7, 5; Titus 3:10-11; 2 Tim. 2:24; Gal. 2:11-21; Matt. 3:7; 23:27; Acts 13:10; 8:14-25).

The Most Common Sin in the Church II. The Importance of Proper Action. What Does the Bible Condemn? Participating in that which is sinful (1 Timothy 5:22; 2 John 11). Talking to others about the matter (James 4:11-12; Psalm 50:16-22; 15:1-2).

The Most Common Sin in the Church III. What Often Happens? We go to others INSTEAD OF the person. Why Do We Do This? Lack of Courage (1 Cor. 16:13-14; Gal. 4:16; Matt. 7:3; Prov. 29:11; 17:27-28).

The Most Common Sin in the Church In Rebuke We Must Be… OPEN “TOUGH-SKINNED” CERTAIN

The Most Common Sin in the Church III. What Often Happens? We go to others INSTEAD OF the person. Why Do We Do This? Lack of Courage (1 Cor. 16:13-14; Gal. 4:16; Matt. 7:3; Prov. 29:11; 17:27-28). 2. Lack of Love (Rom. 12:10; 1 Pet. 3:8; John 13:35). 3. Improper Motives (James 5:19-20; Prov. 10:12; 1 Pet. 4:8; 1 John 4:20).

The Most Common Sin in the Church III. What Often Happens? We commit the sin of GOSSIP. How Does the Lord View Gossip? Those given over to a debased mind are “whisperers” (Rom. 1:29)—“Backbiters” (Rom. 1:30). 2. The godly should “turn away” from “slanderers” (2 Tim. 3:5; cf. Rev. 12:9-10). 3. Ones that will not “inherit the kingdom of God” are “Revilers” (1 Cor. 6:10).

The Most Common Sin in the Church III. What Often Happens? We commit the sin of GOSSIP. How Does the Lord View Gossip? “All things” should be done without “murmuring” (Phil. 2:14). We may be condemned if we “grumble” against another (James 5:9).

The Most Common Sin in the Church IV. What Should We Do Instead? GO è LOVE è WORK FOR GOOD. If unsure è TALK TO THE PERSON or REMAIN SILENT. NEVER è Spread it to another person. Ephesians 4:15