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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | causing to stumble | Matt 18:6 | SteviM95 | 78042 | ||
When Jesus says "whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble..." Is he only talking about false teachings to children? In verse 18:3 he tells us to become like children, in order to inherit the kingdom of God. And then Matthew 18:7-11 do not appear to me to be limited to children. So then, I have always concluded that verse 18:6 applies to anyone who causes any believer to stumble. Is this a common conclusion? Here is why I am asking - I became a christian at the age of 21. I was part of a super small assembly where all of the believers were much more spiritually mature than myself. My previous life included sins that left me open for spiritual attack. The christians I fellowshipped with at first were so much more mature than me that I didn't spend time worrying about causing them to stumble. But now I am meeting so many Christians who are at different levels of maturity that I am getting worried about my affect on their walk. I've always behaved differently around "my christian 'friends'", and other christians. Trying to figure out when its appropriate to relax, and "let down my hair" is becoming a trial. I watch a group of people laughing and having fun, and I want to join, but I'm so afraid of getting into a situation where my exuberance leads me to say or do something that is not appropriate - and instead of being with my friends who can gently admonish me, I will be in front of someone who will be horrified and offended, OR (worse) someone who doesn't realize that my example is not always the best to follow. I once had a man tell me that many christians did not want to adopt children in the state wellfare system because of the spiritual warfare the children's previous lives could bring upon the adopted parents. I was quite offended, but also worried. I remember thinking that if there were christians who would be afraid of those kids, then those christians would be afraid of me too, and would not want me to associate with them or their loved ones, therefore I needed to make sure that someone was incredibly mature and able to cope with me before I could really relax around them. Will someone please give me some practical advice in how to handle my deportment (regarding this matter), and show me other areas of Scripture that will help me? Thank you, Steph |
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2 | causing to stumble | Matt 18:6 | Makarios | 78195 | ||
Greetings Stephanie, This is "Makarios" once again.. I interpret Matthew 18:6 in much the same way as you have in your note.. Anyone who leads another into sin is bringing great judgment upon himself. As Christians, we are held to an even higher standard. So, if we, as believers, consciously lead others into sin, then I believe that we are therefore incurring the greater judgment upon ourselves, since we claim to be representatives of God. However, I do not believe that a zealous Christian could intentionally lead another person into sin. In conclusion, if your relationship with the Lord is pure, blameless and free from the bondage of sin, then you will be filled with joy when you realize that your light is shining in the dark! You should have no fear of causing or being a stumbling block for others, since you are presently sharing a great light for all believers and nonbelievers alike in your area of influence! So let your faith shine with a renewed zeal for the Lord! And please don't let satan hinder you by causing you to be concerned about things that can only serve to take away your zeal. Keep your focus on Him alone, and He will see to it that your reflection of Him remains faithful and true. Blessings to you! Makarios |
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3 | causing to stumble | Matt 18:6 | SteviM95 | 78474 | ||
Greetings! Thank you for taking the time to respond. I do feel silly about trying to get people attention. But I'm pleased with the advice I've gotten. Your post reminds me of something I heard about, how it was when Peter stopped looking at Christ, and started looking around at the water he was walking on, that was when he started to sink, and Jesus had to reach out to him. I'm also reminded of a verse of a hymn - the bride does not look at her own dress, but at the bridegroom (Christ). Thank You! Steph |
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