Stumbling Blocks

Guardians of Grace: The Weight of Temptation

Bible Passage: Matthew 18:7-11

Summary: In this passage, Jesus underscores the gravity of causing others to stumble in their faith, the personal responsibility each of us have when it comes to sin, while also speaking about God’s exceeding concern for those who are lost, despised or vulnerable.

Application: As John Owen famously wrote in “The Mortification of Sin”, “Be Killing Sin or Sin will be killing you.” Recognize the responsibility you have to not cause others to sin as well as the personal liability you have for your own sin. More importantly, see how serious Jesus takes sin as a grievous force in this world and the agents of the evil one who try to bring others into sin. He is supremely concerned about the well-being of His little ones and assures us of His mission to save them.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that the act of causing others to sin is a serious offense in God's eyes, and warns of the dire consequences that come from such actions. It encourages personal accountability and protective kindness within the Christian community.

Within the overarching narrative of Scripture, Christ is the ultimate protector who seeks to redeem those who have sinned and who rescues the lost sheep. He exemplifies the grace that we must extend to others and the seriousness of our role as caretakers of one another's faith. He is also the sovereign judge who sends unending fire from heaven to consume and torment the lovers and servants of sin.

Big Idea: As followers of Christ, we are called to guard one another against temptation, understanding that our influence can either lead others towards or away from faith. We have to deal with our own proclivities to sin with the same militant denial and protection. We can be the ones who cause ourselves to sin.

1. Guard Against Leading Astray

Matthew 18:6-7

Maybe you can emphasize how Jesus warns against the grave consequences of leading others into sin. This passage highlights the responsibility Christians have to safeguard each other's faith, and it suggests an earnest self-examination of our influence on those around us. The imagery of a millstone could serve as a vivid reminder that our actions echo far beyond their immediate impact. By framing this point, you can connect Christ's message of redemption for all while illustrating our shared duty to protect the integrity of faith within our community.

2. Guide with Spiritual Discernment

Matthew 18:8-9

Perhaps this section can stress the necessity of spiritual discernment, rooted in the strong imagery of removing what causes one to sin. These verses can be explored with an inward turn, urging individuals to consider their susceptibilities and take drastic spiritual measures to eliminate them. This could be paralleled with Christ’s proactive approach to safeguarding His flock, urging believers to emulate His serious approach towards sin while extending the grace inherent in His message.

3. Grace for the Vulnerable

Matthew 18:10-11

You could highlight God's profound care and protective love for the 'little ones' with these verses. This point beautifully ties into Christ's redemptive mission and the value he places on each soul, casting believers as 'guardians,' who must reflect Christ's vigilance and compassion. It's a call for personal responsibility, focusing on the dignity and worth accorded by Christ to each individual, particularly the vulnerable, elevating our role in nurturing their spiritual journey.