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Matthew 18:20
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Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For where two or three are gathered together in my name--or "unto my name." there am I in the midst of them--On this passage--so full of sublime encouragement to Christian union in action and prayer--observe, first, the connection in which it stands. Our Lord had been speaking of church meetings before which the obstinate perversity of a brother was in the last resort to be brought, and whose decision was to be final--such honor does the Lord of the Church put upon its lawful assemblies. But not these assemblies only does He deign to countenance and honor. For even two uniting to bring any matter before Him shall find that they are not alone, for My Father is with them, says Jesus. Next, observe the premium here put upon union in prayer. As this cannot exist with fewer than two, so by letting it down so low as that number, He gives the utmost conceivable encouragement to union in this exercise. But what kind of union? Not an agreement merely to pray in concert, but to pray for some definite thing. "As touching anything which they shall ask," says our Lord--anything they shall agree to ask in concert. At the same time, it is plain He had certain things at that moment in His eye, as most fitting and needful subjects for such concerted prayer. The Twelve had been "falling out by the way" about the miserable question of precedence in their Master's kingdom, and this, as it stirred their corruptions, had given rise--or at least was in danger of giving rise--to "offenses" perilous to their souls. The Lord Himself had been directing them how to deal with one another about such matters. "But now shows He unto them a more excellent way." Let them bring all such matters--yea, and everything whatsoever by which either their own loving relationship to each other, or the good of His kingdom at large, might be affected--to their Father in heaven; and if they be but agreed in petitioning Him about that thing, it shall be done for them of His Father which is in heaven. But further, it is not merely union in prayer for the same thing--for that might be with very jarring ideas of the thing to be desired--but it is to symphonious prayer, the prayer by kindred spirits, members of one family, servants of one Lord, constrained by the same love, fighting under one banner, cheered by assurances of the same victory; a living and loving union, whose voice in the divine ear is as the sound of many waters. Accordingly, what they ask "on earth" is done for them, says Jesus, "of My Father which is in heaven." Not for nothing does He say, "of MY FATHER"--not "YOUR FATHER"; as is evident from what follows: "For where two or three are gathered together unto My name"--the "My" is emphatic, "there am I in the midst of them." As His name would prove a spell to draw together many clusters of His dear disciples, so if there should be but two or three, that will attract Himself down into the midst of them; and related as He is to both the parties, the petitioners and the Petitioned--to the one on earth by the tie of His assumed flesh, and to the other in heaven by the tie of His eternal Spirit--their symphonious prayers on earth would thrill upward through Him to heaven, be carried by Him into the holiest of all, and so reach the Throne. Thus will He be the living Conductor of the prayer upward, and the answer downward. Parable of the Unmerciful Debtor (Mat 18:21-35).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Therefore is the kingdom of heaven,.... The Gospel church state, or the church of Christ under the Gospel dispensation, and the methods of God's dealings in it; likened unto a certain king: or "a man", "a king", pointing either to Christ, the king Messiah, who is King of kings, and Lord of lords, the King of saints and churches; who, as God, has a natural kingdom of providence, and as man and Mediator, a kingdom of grace; and will have a more visibly glorious one, both in this world and in the other; or rather, the Father of Christ, as appears from the application of the parable, in Mat 18:35, who is the living God, and everlasting King: whose is the kingdom of nature, grace, and glory: which would take account of his servants; not all mankind, though these are all in a sense his servants, and accountable to him; nor only ministers of the Gospel, who are so in an eminent and peculiar sense, and must give an account to God of their time and talents, and souls committed to them; but all that bear the Christian name, that are professors of religion, that are either really or nominally the subjects and servants of God. These, it is sometimes the will and pleasure of God, to "take account of": not of their persons, or number, but of their conduct and behaviour; which, as it will be more fully done at death, or at judgment, so sometimes is taken in this life: God sometimes calls, and brings, professors of religion to an account, and reckons with them by afflictive dispensations of providence; when he puts them upon reflecting how they have spent their time, made use of their talents and gifts, and have behaved in their families, and in the world, and church; or by dealing roundly with men's consciences, awakening and convincing them of their sins, of omission and commission, which seems to be intended here.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
18:20 Christ is present in the process of discipline, so the process is a ratification of God’s decision.
Matthew 18:20
Ask in My Name
19Again, I tell you truly that if two of you on the earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven.20For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Desperation
By Vance Havner14K02:59DesperationGEN 32:24MAT 18:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being desperate for God's presence and blessings. He mentions various biblical figures who were desperate and received God's favor, such as Jacob, Moses, Gideon, and David. The preacher contrasts these examples with the rich young ruler who was not desperate and missed out on God's blessing. He reminds the audience that Jesus is present with them now and challenges them to truly believe in his presence. The preacher also criticizes the common phrase "Lord, be with us" and encourages a deeper understanding of God's constant presence.
What Is the True Church of Jesus Christ
By David Wilkerson5.7K48:33MAT 18:20JHN 20:22EPH 4:322TI 2:162TI 2:21HEB 10:25This sermon emphasizes the true Church of Jesus Christ, highlighting the importance of individual believers having a special love relationship with Jesus, being wholly devoted to Him, and gathering with others who share that devotion. It stresses the need for the presence of Jesus in the church, the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in changing hearts, and the power of forgiveness and remitting sins against one another as a key aspect of the church. The sermon encourages believers to seek a church where the presence of the Lord is real and to be part of a body of devoted individuals.
Feeding Christ (Time for Renewal Conference)
By David Wilkerson4.7K55:59Jesus ChristPSA 27:14PSA 37:7ISA 40:31MAT 6:33MAT 18:20LUK 17:7JHN 4:4In this sermon, the preacher begins by reading from Luke 17:7-10, where Jesus tells a parable about a servant and his master. The preacher emphasizes the importance of serving God wholeheartedly and not expecting recognition or praise for our actions. He shares a personal experience of realizing the need for a change in his own preaching style, focusing on waiting on the Lord and delivering messages from the heart of God. The sermon also references the story of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, highlighting the importance of seeking the Lord and being open to His leading.
(Reformation Within Protestantism): Return to a Biblical Church
By A.W. Tozer4.5K45:05ReformationMAT 7:21MAT 18:20JHN 10:9ACT 2:471CO 12:27EPH 5:25HEB 10:25In this sermon, the speaker addresses the common attitude of taking the church for granted. He emphasizes that many people view the church as a social institution without questioning its significance. The speaker urges listeners to reconsider their perspective on the church and to recognize its sacred importance. He uses the analogy of two young couples, one focused on a serious and purposeful life while the other seeks only pleasure, to illustrate the different attitudes towards the church. The speaker concludes by inviting those who are unsure of their faith to come forward and seek a personal connection with Christ.
Walking in the Light
By Jack Hayford4.5K50:46PSA 86:11MAT 18:20ACT 2:42ROM 7:171JN 1:7In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a funny incident involving a little boy named Kyle. The speaker emphasizes that children often do funny things without realizing it, which adds to the humor. The speaker then transitions to discussing the importance of having a circle of believers who can support and build each other up in their faith. They highlight the need for individuals to make a decision to actively seek out this kind of fellowship and unity. The speaker also references biblical examples, such as David and Jesus' teachings, to emphasize the significance of being connected to others in the faith.
Great Awakenings in American History Part 3
By J. Edwin Orr4.4K43:44Revival HistoryMAT 18:20LUK 11:9ACT 1:14JAS 5:16In this sermon, the speaker discusses a powerful revival that took place in Chicago in 1858. Four laymen began preaching in a church and when the building became too crowded, they continued preaching outside. The revival spread throughout the north of Ireland and eventually reached Belfast. The speaker also mentions D.L. Moody, a prominent evangelist, who expressed a desire to see the Church of Christ revived as it was in 1858. The sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer and seeking God's face for spiritual awakening.
The Mighty Presence of God - Part 1 (Cd Quality)
By T. Austin-Sparks3.8K17:30Presence of GodGEN 1:27NEH 8:8PSA 46:10MAT 18:20JHN 1:14ACT 17:28REV 21:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need to look beyond the physical representation of the Bible and seek the deeper spiritual reality it represents. The central figure in the Bible is identified as God's Son, Jesus Christ. The speaker highlights the importance of God's purpose being fulfilled through His people, who are called to be in a close relationship with Him. The sermon also emphasizes the consequences of straying from God's will and the need for discipline and instruction to bring believers back into alignment with Him.
The Church That Goes Through the Great Tribulation
By J. Vernon McGee3.6K44:17MAT 6:33MAT 18:20ACT 7:38ROM 16:16HEB 10:25In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of love in holding the church together. He urges believers to walk worthy of their calling with humility, meekness, and love for one another. The preacher also highlights the need to keep the unity of the spirit and not let minor differences divide believers. He mentions the example of James affirming that God is taking out a people for his name from among the Gentiles, but will also continue his plan with the nation of Israel. The sermon concludes with the reminder that the church is a local assembly and believers should not forsake gathering together.
Be Prepared to Worship
By Paul Washer3.3K05:28WorshipPSA 139:13MAT 6:6MAT 18:20MAT 22:37JHN 1:9EPH 6:4HEB 10:25In this sermon, the speaker begins by praising and worshiping God for His love and faithfulness. He emphasizes that God has always been our protector, even before we knew Him. The speaker encourages the congregation to see Christ as more precious and beautiful every day and to love Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. He also emphasizes the importance of cherishing every moment of being with God's people and preparing the hearts of children to come to worship. The speaker urges the congregation to worship the Lord privately as well as collectively and asks for forgiveness and restoration in this area.
The Local Church 1 - Part 3
By William MacDonald2.8K08:31MAT 18:20ACT 2:421CO 12:12EPH 4:11PHP 1:1COL 3:161TI 3:1HEB 10:241PE 2:9This sermon discusses the wisdom of God in not having denominational headquarters, highlighting how it hinders government control and the spread of error. It emphasizes the importance of local churches being independent and representative of the universal church, composed of saints, elders, and deacons, engaging in activities like the Apostles' Doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. The sermon also stresses that the church is not meant to be an amusement center but a fellowship of forgiven sinners, injecting light and life into a dark world.
The Local Church 2 - Part 1
By William MacDonald2.7K08:49MAT 18:20ACT 20:281CO 12:12EPH 5:23COL 1:18This sermon delves into the concept of the body of Christ, emphasizing how believers are united as one body with different functions, all under the headship of Christ. It explores the importance of understanding the universal and local church, highlighting the significance of Christ as the head of the church and the need for close fellowship with Him for guidance and direction in church life.
Christ Among His People
By John Murray2.5K53:06ChristMAT 18:20HEB 10:24In this sermon, the minister emphasizes the importance of gathering together in the name of Christ. He highlights that Christ's institution is where two or three are gathered, and that even in small numbers, Christ is present among them. The minister criticizes those who think they are doing a favor to the Church by attending, as it shows a lack of understanding of God's grace and their own importance. He also criticizes those who prioritize large crowds over the presence of God, emphasizing that the permanent enjoyment of Christ's presence should be the driving force behind gathering together. The sermon concludes by highlighting the significance of the family as a basic institution and how it relates to the concept of gathering in Christ's name.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Ezra) ch.5 & 6
By Zac Poonen2.4K1:00:34From Babylon To JerusalemEZR 4:4EZR 4:23MAT 11:12MAT 16:18MAT 18:18MAT 18:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being spiritually violent in pursuing God's purposes. He references Matthew 11:12, where Jesus says that the kingdom of heaven suffers violence and violent men take it by force. The preacher highlights that believers often fight for their own rights and privileges, but fail to be spiritually violent in advancing God's kingdom and building His church. He uses the example of the Jews in the book of Ezra, who faced opposition in building the temple and allowed the enemy to triumph for 16 years. The preacher encourages believers to not be passive, but to actively pursue God's purposes and not settle for just the foundational aspects of the faith.
The Law of the Spirit
By George Warnock2.4K59:49Spirit Of GodMAT 18:20JHN 20:22ROM 7:15ROM 8:1EPH 2:21REV 12:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of obedience and timing in the work of God. He compares the precision of science in modern times to the flexibility of God's timing. The speaker encourages believers to be filled with the Spirit and move in unity as the body of Christ. He also highlights the conflict between the old Adam and the desire to do what is right. Ultimately, the sermon emphasizes the need for obedience and discernment in following God's timing and will.
Living in a Moment
By Jim Cymbala2.4K29:59Trusting JesusPSA 27:8ISA 55:6MAT 6:33MAT 18:20MRK 5:25JAS 4:81PE 2:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that even in the presence of Jesus, not everyone receives what they need unless they are focused. He encourages the audience to prioritize spending time with God and consuming His Word in order to experience growth and transformation. However, the preacher also highlights that there are moments when God can bring about instant change and breakthrough in our lives. He uses the story of Jairus, a synagogue ruler who sought Jesus' help for his dying daughter, as an example of how Jesus can bring about instantaneous healing and deliverance.
How to Resurrect a Dead Church
By David Wilkerson2.3K30:12EXO 33:142CH 7:14PSA 51:10MAT 18:20JHN 15:4ACT 3:19EPH 5:14HEB 12:28JAS 4:8REV 3:2This sermon emphasizes the need for churches to be revived by the presence of Jesus Christ, highlighting the decline in spiritual fervor and the rise of dead churches. It calls for a return to prayer, communion with God, and a deep seeking of His presence to bring about true revival and transformation in churches and leaders. The speaker shares personal experiences and insights on the importance of maintaining a genuine connection with God to combat spiritual deadness and ensure the manifestation of Christ's presence in every service.
The Church That Overcomes Satan
By Zac Poonen2.3K52:58SatanMAT 6:33MAT 16:18MAT 18:20ROM 6:6HEB 2:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of unity between husband and wife in order to resist Satan and drive him out of their home and locality. The Bible teaches that if believers resist Satan, he will flee from them. The speaker also highlights the need for every believer, not just full-time Christian workers, to work towards building the body of Christ in their local community. Jesus set an example of doing the will of the Father for 33 years, and believers are called to do the same. The ultimate work of building the church and making two people one is the greater work that Jesus spoke of.
An Urgent Call to Prayer
By Al Whittinghill2.3K55:27Prayer LifeUrgency of PrayerCorporate Prayer2CH 7:14JOL 1:14MAT 18:20LUK 11:9JHN 14:13ACT 1:14EPH 6:18PHP 1:191TH 5:16JAS 5:16Al Whittinghill emphasizes the urgent need for prayer within the church, highlighting the significance of a Solemn Assembly as a time for believers to come together, set aside personal agendas, and seek God's heart for revival. He reflects on the early church's commitment to prayer and how it was the foundation for their growth and impact, urging the congregation to prioritize prayer as the essential work of the church. Whittinghill calls for a collective response to God's call, encouraging everyone to participate in prayer meetings and to recognize the power of corporate prayer in overcoming challenges and fulfilling God's purposes.
Modern House Church Movement
By Chuck Missler2.0K09:50MAT 18:20ACT 2:42HEB 10:24This sermon delves into the historical progression of church practices and traditions, highlighting the evolution of rituals, doctrines, and power dynamics within Christianity over the centuries. It discusses the Wesley Revival's structured approach to discipleship and growth, contrasting it with the traditional congregational church model. The sermon also explores the life cycle of congregational churches, warning against the dangers of accumulating excessive assets and power-oriented leadership. It concludes by examining a modern example of a church emphasizing small group dynamics for growth, accountability, and personal transformation.
What Church to Go? What Denomination to Stay?
By Zac Poonen1.9K06:39MAT 18:20JHN 4:23REV 2:4REV 3:16REV 3:20This sermon emphasizes the importance of being true disciples of Jesus rather than being loyal to denominations or organizations. It highlights the need to seek churches and leaders that challenge individuals to grow spiritually and be radical in their faith, even if they are not part of the same denomination. The speaker warns against the dangers of worldly churches and the importance of being connected to Jesus rather than a specific group or denomination.
The Greatest Revival
By J. Edwin Orr1.8K1:18:11RevivalPSA 34:18MAT 18:20JHN 4:24ACT 5:32ROM 10:9JAS 4:171JN 1:9In this sermon, Evan Roberts and his brother Dan return home and find their mother weeping because she feels spiritually inadequate compared to her sons. They pray and sing hymns together, and that night at a meeting, a breakthrough occurs. Evan Roberts is so passionate about preaching that he is willing to pay God for the privilege. He seeks guidance from Principal Phillips and is encouraged to follow the voice urging him to speak to young people. The sermon emphasizes the importance of commitment to living a holy life and the need for the power of the Holy Spirit in conjunction with this commitment.
A Last Day Return to the Power
By Carter Conlon1.8K1:00:51PSA 133:1MAL 3:15MAT 18:20JHN 17:21ACT 4:31JAS 5:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of returning to the power of unity, focusing on the need for believers to dwell together in unity based on God's Word. It highlights the blessings that come from unity, the need to put away sin, engage in serious Bible reading and prayer, reach out to others in love, and get involved in ministry. The message calls for living for the honor of God and the souls of men, making a commitment to walk in unity with God and others.
Pure Heart, Pure Church - Part 6
By Leonard Ravenhill1.7K08:39PSA 51:2MAT 18:20PHP 2:121TH 5:17HEB 12:14JAS 4:81PE 1:16This sermon emphasizes the vital importance of prayer meetings in the life of a church, likening a church without a prayer meeting to a car without a motor. It highlights the discipline and sacrifice required in spiritual growth, drawing parallels to the dedication of Olympic athletes. The message stresses the need for personal holiness, repentance, and a deep relationship with God, urging believers to seek cleansing and renewal of the heart. It concludes with a call to find true joy in the Lord, recognizing that entertainment is a poor substitute for genuine spiritual fulfillment.
Sermonindex Simulcast 2011 Commendation
By David Ford1.7K00:48JOL 2:28MAT 18:20ACT 1:141TH 5:16JAS 5:16David Ford encourages viewers to participate in the Sermon Index simulcast event in Lilburn, Georgia, emphasizing the widespread prayer support and blessings experienced in previous conferences. He urges preparation and active involvement in the upcoming event on October 21-22, 2011, highlighting the opportunity to join a global community in seeking revival.
Don't Bow (Compilation)
By Compilations1.7K21:05CompilationMAT 18:20MAT 22:14ROM 6:4ROM 6:18HEB 10:261PE 1:161JN 3:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of resistance and perseverance in the face of trials and challenges. He urges Christians to be girded with the word of God and led by the spirit of God. The preacher highlights the current state of many Christians as being faithless and worldly, and calls for a return to trusting in the living God. He emphasizes the need for repentance, holiness, and purity, and encourages believers to overcome sin through the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For where two or three are gathered together in my name--or "unto my name." there am I in the midst of them--On this passage--so full of sublime encouragement to Christian union in action and prayer--observe, first, the connection in which it stands. Our Lord had been speaking of church meetings before which the obstinate perversity of a brother was in the last resort to be brought, and whose decision was to be final--such honor does the Lord of the Church put upon its lawful assemblies. But not these assemblies only does He deign to countenance and honor. For even two uniting to bring any matter before Him shall find that they are not alone, for My Father is with them, says Jesus. Next, observe the premium here put upon union in prayer. As this cannot exist with fewer than two, so by letting it down so low as that number, He gives the utmost conceivable encouragement to union in this exercise. But what kind of union? Not an agreement merely to pray in concert, but to pray for some definite thing. "As touching anything which they shall ask," says our Lord--anything they shall agree to ask in concert. At the same time, it is plain He had certain things at that moment in His eye, as most fitting and needful subjects for such concerted prayer. The Twelve had been "falling out by the way" about the miserable question of precedence in their Master's kingdom, and this, as it stirred their corruptions, had given rise--or at least was in danger of giving rise--to "offenses" perilous to their souls. The Lord Himself had been directing them how to deal with one another about such matters. "But now shows He unto them a more excellent way." Let them bring all such matters--yea, and everything whatsoever by which either their own loving relationship to each other, or the good of His kingdom at large, might be affected--to their Father in heaven; and if they be but agreed in petitioning Him about that thing, it shall be done for them of His Father which is in heaven. But further, it is not merely union in prayer for the same thing--for that might be with very jarring ideas of the thing to be desired--but it is to symphonious prayer, the prayer by kindred spirits, members of one family, servants of one Lord, constrained by the same love, fighting under one banner, cheered by assurances of the same victory; a living and loving union, whose voice in the divine ear is as the sound of many waters. Accordingly, what they ask "on earth" is done for them, says Jesus, "of My Father which is in heaven." Not for nothing does He say, "of MY FATHER"--not "YOUR FATHER"; as is evident from what follows: "For where two or three are gathered together unto My name"--the "My" is emphatic, "there am I in the midst of them." As His name would prove a spell to draw together many clusters of His dear disciples, so if there should be but two or three, that will attract Himself down into the midst of them; and related as He is to both the parties, the petitioners and the Petitioned--to the one on earth by the tie of His assumed flesh, and to the other in heaven by the tie of His eternal Spirit--their symphonious prayers on earth would thrill upward through Him to heaven, be carried by Him into the holiest of all, and so reach the Throne. Thus will He be the living Conductor of the prayer upward, and the answer downward. Parable of the Unmerciful Debtor (Mat 18:21-35).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Therefore is the kingdom of heaven,.... The Gospel church state, or the church of Christ under the Gospel dispensation, and the methods of God's dealings in it; likened unto a certain king: or "a man", "a king", pointing either to Christ, the king Messiah, who is King of kings, and Lord of lords, the King of saints and churches; who, as God, has a natural kingdom of providence, and as man and Mediator, a kingdom of grace; and will have a more visibly glorious one, both in this world and in the other; or rather, the Father of Christ, as appears from the application of the parable, in Mat 18:35, who is the living God, and everlasting King: whose is the kingdom of nature, grace, and glory: which would take account of his servants; not all mankind, though these are all in a sense his servants, and accountable to him; nor only ministers of the Gospel, who are so in an eminent and peculiar sense, and must give an account to God of their time and talents, and souls committed to them; but all that bear the Christian name, that are professors of religion, that are either really or nominally the subjects and servants of God. These, it is sometimes the will and pleasure of God, to "take account of": not of their persons, or number, but of their conduct and behaviour; which, as it will be more fully done at death, or at judgment, so sometimes is taken in this life: God sometimes calls, and brings, professors of religion to an account, and reckons with them by afflictive dispensations of providence; when he puts them upon reflecting how they have spent their time, made use of their talents and gifts, and have behaved in their families, and in the world, and church; or by dealing roundly with men's consciences, awakening and convincing them of their sins, of omission and commission, which seems to be intended here.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
18:20 Christ is present in the process of discipline, so the process is a ratification of God’s decision.