Matthew 18:6…….Ready

Matthew 18:6…….Ready

18:6 But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone (Video https://youtu.be/othUyF4f3Ww ) hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. (For Complete Expository Note See Book)

Extended Sermons

“Calls for getting rid of any inconstant ways of living that can cause others to stumble and be led away from Christ.” → Charles Spurgeon said “Inconsistent professors are the greatest stumbling blocks to the spread of the cause of Christ. May we not be among that groupby examining our hearts and actions, knowing that inconsistency can lead others astray. Every step we take has the potential to inspire or deter, to uplift or stumble. In this, we hold a profound responsibility—not only for our own integrity but for the spiritual paths of those around us.

 “Teaches as representatives of Christ we’re to be examples and role models for others.” ⇒ Will you self-reflect on your own Christian walk and ask.  How’s my example around my kids, or my friends, or my family, or my neighbors, or my church ? Do you see yourself living out Christ’s love and mercy? The reason why many people leave Christianity is due the failures and poor example of other Christians. They say if that’s Christianity then I don’t want anything to do with it. Or our lack of forgiveness, self-control, lust, greed can cause others to think maybe Jesus isn’t as loving, forgiving, and powerful as we claimed Him to be. If He can’t change them what hope is there for us! Our failures whether through anger, neglect, or hypocrisy—can create barriers that lead others away from the faith.

“Even today, we can cause others to stumble by our perceived freedoms and liberties. We can cause others to stumble by our crushing criticism and judgmental attitudes. We can cause others  to stumble by our legalism and hard rules. We can cause others to stumble by our hypocrisy and poor example, causing them to leave the church all together” → (To be Continued……..)

Additional Notes & Applications

Warns how its an enormous crime in God’s eyes to lead a believer into sin.

The Millstone Jesus is talking about were not the smaller household ones where you had a little rock and a bowl that people would use in their homes to grind grain. Whereas the Millstone used here was the type of Millstones used in communities in grinding up large queitites of flour. The Millstones was in the shape of a large round wheel, weighing several hundred pounds, that a donkey would turn on another heavy flat stone basin by going around in a circle. The grain would then be place in the basin and it would be ground into flour.

WAYS TO CAUSE OTHERS TO SIN

• We can cause others into sin by direct temptation; cheat, lie, (Tell them I’m not here” or ask your spouse to call out sick for you when you are not ill)

• We can cause others into sin by urging them to engage in sinful behavior. (A friend chanting “Fight! Fight! Fight!” or in the dormitory chanting “Chug! Chug! Chug! Chug!)

• We can cause others into sin by our hypocrisy and inconsistencies actions. (Lets go to that topless bar down the street for a drink after church today,)

• We can cause others to sin by our bad behavior; angry outburst, foul-language. (Did you see that a-hole cut me off,

• We can cause others to sin by our consenting and applauding approval. (Too bad the shooter missed” and “Too bad it wasn’t Biden.)

• We can cause others to sin by provoking them to anger.

• We can cause others to sin by abusing our authority;

• We can cause others to sin by enabling and consenting. (A pastor who will not fight wolves in the church because it’s difficult and costly, We nod our heads when listening to gossip rather than calling it out,. When we give money to a friend we suspect is using it for wrong things; drug/gambling/etc. We flatter our girlfriend on her new micro mini skirt.

  HOW TO AVOID CAUSING OTHERS TO SIN

• Walk in Love: Prioritize love and concern for others above personal liberties.

• Be Mindful of Actions and Words: Ensure your lifestyle reflects Christ and avoid causing confusion, gossip, or division.

• Consider Weaker Believers: Bear with the failings of the weak and avoid actions that might push them into a liberty they are not ready for.

• Avoid Hypocrisy: Maintain integrity in both public and private life to avoid tarnishing the gospel message.

• Pursue Peace and Mutual Edification: Seek to build others up in their faith.

• Be Skeptical and Avoid Entanglements: Be cautious of individuals who might lead you astray and avoid participating in sinful situations.

• Listen to the Holy Spirit: Seek guidance from God on how to live in a manner that is Holy and adheres to His word.

• Practice Self-Examination: Regularly evaluate your words and actions to ensure they are not causing others to stumble.

• Repent and Seek Forgiveness: If you have been a stumbling block, confess your wrongdoings and seek God’s forgiveness, as well as the forgiveness of those you have harmed.