From the desk of Pastor Ben

Ways To Cause Sin – Part 3

“Woe to the world because of it’s stumbling blocks!
For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come; but woe
to that man through whom the stumbling block comes!”
(Matthew 18:7)

When a strong believer carelessly flaunts his liberty on a matter that is not itself sinful, he could be causing the weak to sin. If the immature believer follow’s the mature one’s example, while still convinced that the particular practice is sinful, the immature Christian is sinning. Thus, stronger Christians can lead weaker ones to sin because the weaker person ends up violating his or her conscience.

Paul instructed both sides of this issue in 1 Corinthians 8 and Romans 14, that the important thing was not the eating of or abstaining from certain foods nor the observing or disregarding of certain holy days. The important concern was the mutual respect of believers’ consciences. Strong believers who do not share a certain inhibition should respect those who still have that inhibition. The strong must not flaunt their liberty but even refrain from the practice themselves if that will help the weak not to sin. Paul summarizes in Romans 14:20-22…

“All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the man who eats and gives offense. It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles. The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.”

Jesus doesn’t want us to be insensitive about our liberties in Him, causing our brothers and sisters to stumble. To lead them into any conscience-violating action or inaction can mean we’ve caused them to sin. And “woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes!”

Ask Yourself:
What are some of the more common areas where young believers can become confused by other Christians’ behaviors? How have you experienced some of these yourself, either by observing the example of another, or by your own example being held accountable?