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.