Matthew, Mark, Luke & John: Session 32

Founding Word

After Jesus spent time discussing forgiveness and reconciliation, he gave a controversial parable that's become known as the parable of the unforgiving servant. What makes it controversial is that it's been given 4 different interpretations. We examine all 4.

SESSION NOTES

I. The 1st Interpretation. A. The Ten Thousand Talents (Matthew 18:23-25) = The Sins Of A Man Not Yet Saved By Grace. B. The Master's Forgiveness (Matthew 18:26-27) = Salvation; Man's Sins Are Forgiven; He Is Now Saved By Grace. C. The Wicked Servant's Unforgiveness (Matthew 18:28-30) = Post-Salvation Sin; An Unforgiving Spirit. D. The Master's Response (Matthew 18:31-34) = ? E. Jesus' Warning (Matthew 18:35) = ? F. Problems With This Interpretation = Who Are The Torturers? What About Jesus' Warning? II. The 2nd Interpretation. A. The Ten Thousand Talents (Matthew 18:23-25) = The Sins Of A Man Not Yet Saved By Grace. B. The Master's Forgiveness (Matthew 18:26-27) = Salvation; Man's Sins Are Forgiven; He Is Now Saved By Grace. C. The Wicked Servant's Unforgiveness (Matthew 18:28-30) = Post-Salvation Sin; An Unforgiving Spirit. D. The Master's Response (Matthew 18:31-34) = Forgiveness Is Revoked; The Man Is Sentenced To Hell. E. Jesus' Warning (Matthew 18:35) = You'll Be Sentenced To Hell Too If You Aren't Forgiving. F. Problems With This Interpretation = The Promise Of Eternal Life Is Irrevocable; The Holy Spirit Is Permanently Sealed. 1. John 3:16 2. John 5:24 3. John 10:28-29 4. John 1:12-13 5. John 3:3 6. Ephesians 2:8-9 7. Ephesians 1:13 8. Ephesians 4:30 9. Titus 3:5 10. Romans 8:38-39 11. Philippians 1:6 III. The 3rd Interpretation. A. The Ten Thousand Talents (Matthew 18:23-25) = The Sins Of A Man Not Yet Saved By Grace. B. The Master's Forgiveness (Matthew 18:26-27) = Forgiveness That Is Provided But Not Accepted; The Man Is Still Not Saved By Grace. C. The Wicked Servant's Unforgiveness (Matthew 18:28-30) = Evidence Of No Salvation; An Unforgiving Spirit. D. The Master's Response (Matthew 18:31-34) = Since Forgiveness Was Never Accepted; The Man Is Sentenced To Hell. E. Jesus' Warning (Matthew 18:35) = ? F. Problems With This Interpretation = The Man Is Called A "Servant" Which Implies He's Saved & Jesus Holds Us (Who Are Saved) Accountable In His Warning. IV. The 4th Interpretation. A. The Ten Thousand Talents (Matthew 18:23-25) = The Sins Of A Servant Of God Already Saved By Grace But Living In Sin. B. The Master's Forgiveness (Matthew 18:26-27) = Forgiveness Given To The Servant Upon His Confession & Repentance: 1st John 1:6-10. C. The Wicked Servant's Unforgiveness (Matthew 18:28-30) = Blatant Hypocrisy: A Wicked, Cold & Heartless Unforgiving Spirit. D. The Master's Response (Matthew 18:31-34) = Godly & Fatherly Discipline After The Prayerful Intervention Of Fellow-Servants. 1. Matthew 18:17 2. 1st Corinthians 5:5 3. 1st Timothy 1:19-20 E. Jesus' Warning (Matthew 18:35) = You'll Be Disciplined Too If You Aren't Forgiving. F. Problems With This Interpretation = ? QUOTES & REFERENCES TO THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE ARE FROM THE PRE-2012 CLASSIC EDITION.