Trespass and Maturity by Brother Curtis Hansen

         The message this morning is going to be a continuation from the one given back on the first Sunday this October. In that message it was about the church body being the community of believers. This morning we are going to talk a little about operations within the church when it comes to dealing with trespass in the body. 

        People still mistakenly think that when they enter church or join a congregation that they won't be offended or slighted. A lot of reactions to life are rooted wither in fear or anxiety. Maturity is present when you see someone act out in fear or anxiety and recognize what it is. Maturity is having the strength to not let the small stuff get to you. We will be reading from Matthew chapter 18 verses 15 to 20.

        15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone; if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained a brother.

        16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

        17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

        18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

        19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

        20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

        You are a part and not the whole of the church. Paul addressed this at length in his first letter to the Corinthian church in chapter 12. The first thing I would like you to remember this coming week is that our relationship with God affects all our relationships on earth and our relationships on earth affect our relationship with God.

        Let's examine these scriptures a little this morning. In verse 15, many christians and churches will outright abuse this scripture. They will use this as the basis to call out others on what they are offended or slighted by. You aren't coming to a solution, you're verbally pummeling a brother or sister and then feel sanctimonious afterward. Maturity helps you handle freedoms provided by your faith in Jesus. What does that look like in the world? Consistent growth in life. A small young person doesn't know how to dress themselves but when they get a little older and school ready, they can do an adequate job of getting dressed. They matured in that life skill. We are going to look at maturity works in conflicts, interactions, and responsibility.

        Conflict is examined in verse 15. What is a trespass? When you are slandered, hurt, your character attacked, your witness destroyed and egregiously offended. If you don't handle the situation biblically, God will come for you with correction. Jesus had assured the church would have trials and tribulations. Those things are inescapable in not only life but your spiritual walk. Mature is quiet, solid in your knowledge of the word, and prayer for oneself. Immaturity is saying "I know it all" when you know nothing, lashing out in fear or anxiety. Maturity is listening from all sides, not just one that would confirm your biases.

        Jesus is not seeking a church of victims. There's a part of being a steward of your pain. What's not being spoken in verse 15 are the petty annoyances and grievances we always elevate in our flesh. Trespass is not. slight given from someone to make you emotional. Maturity is voicing your grievances to God in your prayer closet than promote them online for likes and comments.

        If you feel so hurt and offended, go do something about it. Jesus speaks of giving you permission to deal with the situation. The first thing he instructs is to go. Don't be passive in your pain. Go and talk it out with that person and not gossip with others. When you talk to that person, do it privately. The word go doesn't mean to tiptoe nor sidestep the confrontation. Without go your pain can develop into resentment, hatred, and not forgiving. You either forgive them or address the trespass in a nice way. With your pain you need to demonstrate humility.

        Grace for a healthy conflict. You could be a doormat or you can handle conflict biblically. When it says tell them in the scripture, it's not to argue or fight them. Articulate your feelings in a normal tone. This shows a maturity with your thoughts and feelings.

        Seek private reconciliation before public approach. Looking more into spiritual growth; If you follow verse 16 one of two things will happen. 1) The two or three witnesses may either agree with you or 2) They may point out something you had mistaken, misconstrued, or didn't understand.

        In verse 18 Jesus says what you allow on earth you allow in heaven.

        In conclusion; A lot of things we make a mountain out of a molehill can be corrected with maturity. If you want to mature, you need to see what God says in his word. Learn how to pray, to God and not air all your problems out to people around you. Fellowship. This is the importance of community. Learning and growing together. Life on earth is not your best life. Your best life is to come in heaven.