Playlist: Stumbling, Causing (topic)
How to Offend Someone
Sermon by Ryan McClureCausing others to stumble is easy, whether by accident or intent, and Scripture treats it seriously. In Luke 17:1-2, Jesus warns that offenses will come, but woe to the one through whom they come, since "offenses" means stumbling blocks that lead someone off God's way of life. He pairs this with a path of rebuke, repentance, and …
Am I Childlike or Childish
Sermonette by Bill OnisickChildlike humility overlooks offenses, but childish pride causes one to strike out in retaliation when feelings are hurt or feathers are ruffled.
Matthew (Part Twenty-Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughCausing a believer to stumble means leading a weak or newly converted "little one" into sin, not merely hurting feelings. Because Christ lives in His people, receiving or offending one of them is the same as receiving or offending Him, so Jesus warns that it would be better to have a huge millstone hung around one's neck and be …
Offences Must Come
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamContrary to popular usage, the verb 'offend' indicates a transgression of a moral or divine standard. There is little room to be offended unless there is sin.
Offended By Truth
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamJesus Christ has become a stumbling block to the nations which reject Him, while at the same time becoming the Chief Cornerstone of a spiritual Temple.
The Yard Stick of Judgment
Sermonette by Jared M. EllisGod's saints must carefully distinguish between judging situations and judging people. Matthew 7:1-2 warns that using flawed human judgment will boomerang.
Conscience (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughCausing a brother to stumble is treated as an act of unrighteousness even when nothing lawful is violated. Romans 14 and I Corinthians 8 show a strong Christian who knows an act is permissible, such as eating food once offered to idols, yet exercises that right in a way that wounds a weaker brother's conscience. Paul agrees the …
Using God's Given Authority
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod-given authority, power, and gifts must be used with wisdom from above so that they do not cause stumbling among brethren who lack the same authority, knowledge, or gifts. In I Corinthians 8, those with knowledge that idols are nothing risk making their liberty a stumbling block to the weak, whose conscience is defiled when …
Our Words Matter: Are They Harmful or Helpful?
Sermon by Ted E. BowlingCausing others to stumble is treated here mainly as a matter of the tongue: words can wound, divide, and damage reputations and character in ways that linger far longer than a physical injury. Drawing on James 3, which says "we all stumble in many things" and that anyone who does not stumble in word is perfect, the source holds …
Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughImmodest dress can make a person a stumblingblock who leads others into sin. Jesus warns in Matthew 18:3-10 that whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Him to stumble and sin, by enticing or hindering right conduct or thought, would be better off with a millstone hung around his neck and sunk in the sea. Woe …
Faith versus Doubtful Things
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsFaith falters when our attention moves to ourselves. God periodically allows storms to test our faith. We are driven back to God when there is nowhere else to turn.
Resistance (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughCausing others to stumble is a grave sin. Jesus warns in Mark 9:42 that whoever causes one of the little ones who believe in Him to stumble would be better off with a millstone hung around his neck and being thrown into the sea. Such sins damage character, create division between people, and upset the peace of the congregation.
God's Rest (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLust begets a guilty conscience, agitation, anxiety, depression, grief, torment. Wrong desire leads to lying, adultery, and murder—eventually leading to death.