"Now He said to His disciples, "It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he would cause one of these little ones to stumble. Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ forgive him."
Good Morning my beloved,
We welcome you to worship today in the name of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for joining us today, whether it's your first time or you are a faithful member of our family in Christ, your presence is acknowledged and truly appreciated. If you're not certain about whether or not you want to embrace Jesus Christ, I pray there will be something in our message today that will point you toward Christ.
There’s a lot of conversation in our world today about privilege—who has it, who doesn’t, who benefits from systems of power, and who is left navigating the margins. We often hear about people being privileged, having sociological and academic dominance based on race, sex, gender or other demographical factors. But as the people of God I am convinced that we are the most privileged people in the world, having what most everyone wishes they had, perfectly accurate information about the future, coming directly from the source of Truth, God Himself. From Genesis from to Revelation, it’s all been clearly laid out for us, in tremendous detail on the pages of Scripture, penned some two thousand years ago and yet, supremely and incomparably accurate. That my friends is a privilege no worldly system can grant and no power structure can replicate, a unique privilege distinguishing it from all others. However, with great privilege comes great responsibility—not just in what we know, but in how we live. Knowing the Truth is one thing, but fully embracing it and embodying it in all of our relationships with both believers and non-believers—I am convinced that’s where the weight of our privilege is truly felt. In Luke 12, Jesus boldly declares "From everyone who has been given much, much will be required, and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more," meaning we are ALL held accountable for our stewardship proportional to our God-given privileges, whether that be spiritual truth, material wealth and possessions, or leadership roles, rather than acting as complacent recipients, a principle applies to all believers. There’s nobody walking around that is going to be able to claim biblical ignorance as a valid excuse for their misuse.
Satan's motives for fueling the denial of Hell's eternal punishment are obvious: he wants unbelievers to reject Jesus without fear, to discourage Christians from sharing the Gospel, to deny the power of Christ’s redemptive work by encouraging professing Christians to live a life that contradicts Scripture, and to undermine the urgency of accepting Jesus Christ as both Lord and Savior, making it easier for people to live without accountability to God for their actions while professing to believe. Since the fall of man recorded back in the third chapter of Genesis, he has rebelled against God.
Satan's strategic efforts to promote the denial of Hell's eternal punishment are deeply rooted in his overarching goal to oppose God and lead humanity away from genuine salvation through Christ. As I've stated many times, Satan doesn't care what you believe so long as it isn't the Truth. By fostering a false belief of Hell, he can remove a critical motivator for repentance and faith. The reality of eternal punishment stands as a sobering counterpoint to God's grace. When Hell is dismissed or reduced to a temporary state, the full weight of sin and the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice are ultimately diminished, spiritually blinding believers to the Truth of the Gospel. Teaching Satan's lies as if they were God's truth is not only a misrepresentation of His Word, it is a heinous deception against those you teach, damning their souls to eternal hell. There is no more severe crime for religious teachers who name the name of Christ. They are totally denounced by God and condemned to eternal damnation. In Matthew 23, Jesus said "But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut the kingdom of heaven in front of people; for you do not enter it yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in"
Satan cannot damn the unregenerate soul, because they are condemned already, but he can damn those who come to the church in pursuit of the truth, by sowing many tares among the wheat to carry out his ruse of deception. It is characteristic of the fallen man that his built-in longing for God be perverted, so that even with a sincere heart, you may become disqualified. Scripture teaches "For unto us a Savior was born…" If Hell is non-existent or temporary, then the question we must ask ourselves is a Savior from what? Heaven or Hell is the climax of everything.
Let's pray
Heavenly Father,
Father, we are so thankful for Your Word, but maybe not to the degree that we ought, to the degree that we long to have it transform our lives completely, while often claiming we do not want to remain the same, we hesitate to let go of who we are. Help us to invite You to do whatever it takes to make us look more like Christ, so that our lives might become a testimony that Your Word is not just able to redeem, but able to transform and to make all things new. Lord, shape our thoughts, reorder our desires, to align our will with Yours, until it produce in us that which honors You. We ask and pray these things in Christ's most precious name for His sake and Your glory.
Amen.
Today's Message: The Weight of Influence
We have been working our way through the tremendous Gospel according to Luke, our beloved pastor, physician and historian, for nearly two and a half years now, and we've just arrived at the 17th chapter with seven additional chapters to go. I must confess I have found it to be an exceedingly astonishing journey, I hope you have been enjoying it immensely as well, as one of God's magnificent gifts of His love and grace from both a spiritual and historical standpoint.
In out text today, we're going to be talking about stumbling blocks, which are essentially the natural consequences of living in a fallen world, therefore, we must learn to expect them. However, occasionally, God Himself will place stumbling blocks before people as a direct response to prolonged defiance or spiritual neglect. Initially, stumbling blocks serve as tests or obstacles that reveal the heart's condition, but when individuals refuse to repent, these obstacles become instruments of divine discipline and final judgment.
Initially, stumbling blocks serve as tests that reveal the condition of the heart; however, when individuals refuse to repent, these obstacles become the instruments of divine discipline and ultimately, final judgment. It is important that we should refrain from using our Christian freedom in certain areas, particularly when it might cause others to sin. If you are wondering about a particular issue that is not specifically addressed in Scripture, I believe that it is helpful to ask yourself these questions in order to help you in deciding what to do. In1 Corinthians 10:23, Paul writes that "All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things build up." While we as Christians may be free to do something, we should always ask ourselves "Is what I'm contemplating doing profitable in advancing the Kingdom of God? Will it benefit me or someone else spiritually?" I encourage you to keep in mind, we should never do anything with our bodies that would dishonor our Lord.
Next, will it have an impact on your testimony to the lost? Will it cause others to stumble? We never want to lead someone else into sin. That's why I personally refrain from using my Christian liberties in gray areas, like drinking alcohol or eating certain foods, since I never know who is watching, I don't ever want to be the source of leading someone into a situation they might not be able to bear. For example, if someone from church was struggling with alcoholism or is in recovery and saw me drinking a glass of wine with dinner, they might be tempted to rationalize their own drinking after witnessing my example. Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 8:12, by sinning against the brethren, and wounding their conscience when it is weak, we are sinning against Christ.
And, lastly but most importantly, will it bring honor and glory to God? I believe that Jesus is clearly defining that what we think, what we touch and what we watch matters to God. Resisting temptation requires incredible spiritual self-discipline. The fact that we are literally the Temple of the Holy Spirit, should be more than enough motivation to do what is right and pleasing in the eyes of God. However, if we're being completely honest, more often than not, we struggle to maintain the divine standard that is excepted of us. I believe that Paul addressed his own human imperfection honestly when he accurately and elegantly highlighted the internal conflict he faced when a person acts against their own moral convictions inRomans 7:15-20, "For what I am working out, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. But if I do the very thing I do not want, I agree with the Law, that it is good. So now, no longer am I the one working it out, but sin which dwells in me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the working out of the good is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one working it out, but sin which dwells in me." Paul never represented himself as having already arrived, but as someone who needed to press on toward the goal of Christlikeness and spiritual maturity, for which he was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. No wonder the Lord calls us sheep, no only are we defenseless, we are absolutely dependent. Have you ever thought about that? I can't think of any other animal that has means to defend itself. Dogs can bite, cats can scratch, but sheep, they just idly stand by waiting to be lead to slaughter. Doing absolutely nothing. That's why we are such easy prey for Satan. We're like that little chihuahua that thinks he's a match for the brute strength of a Rottweiler, because his remarkable confidence and spirited nature, when in reality. we're no match without the Good Shephard to protect us. In fact, we're as worthless as a lost coin. It only has value when it's found. Think about that will you?
Let us ask ourselves, "How many people have I sent further away from Christ by my careless actions? That's why we must take drastic action to rid ourselves of the sin in our lives, and whatever causes us to sin. Believe me, no sacrifice is too great in the war against sin. That's why Jesus uses hyperbolic language in dealing with sin, to radically reorient their lives by taking extreme measure like cutting their hand off or ripping out their eye if it causes you to sin. The higher your influence, the heavier your weight of accountability. Leading someone else to stumble into sin is not just personal—it is multiplied sin. That's why James 3:1 says, "Let not many of you become teachers… knowing that we will incur a stricter judgment." Many people think stumbling blocks are always obvious sins, but in reality, they're most often subtle. Like when someone professes to be a Christian but lives consistently in habitual sin, carelessly flaunting it, that brings confusion to the weak minded and damages faith. That's why Jesus says "Woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes." I believe that now more than ever, how we as Christians live is crucial to our testimony.
With all of that in mind, please open your Bibles with me to the 17th chapter in the Gospel of Luke. Luke 17:1-4. Jesus discusses several topics in this passage, yet He never explicitly mentions the very thing that lies at the heart of it all. Humility. It is the difference between weakness and responsibility. We often read this verse casually, but do not be deceived: Jesus is not speaking casually here; He is drawing a very hard line, His disciples are to refrain from causing offense to others. I believe only those who read and understand the Bible can properly understand why the world today is as it is, a condition that is described in Romans 1:28 as a consequence of their refusal to acknowledge God, which results in God giving humanity over to a "debased mind," that ultimately leads to moral confusion and ethical decay. I would like to encourage you to follow along in your Bible with an open heart and an open mind as I read these verses to you. Listen for the voice of our Lord. Luke 17:1-4.
"Now He said to His disciples, "It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he would cause one of these little ones to stumble. Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ forgive him."
Let's begin by looking at verse 1, "Now He said to His disciples, "It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come!" Jesus says it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come. A stumbling block is not just an inconvenience, it's the trigger of a trap that trips a person into sin, confusion, or spiritual downfall. The Greek word used here is "skandalon," the mechanism that triggers a closed a trap on an unsuspecting victim. Then, Jesus says but woe to him through whom they come! To better understand just how serious this offense is, in Matthew 18:6-9, Jesus gives one of the strongest warnings ever, saying "whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it is better for him that a heavy millstone be hung around his neck, and that he be drowned in the depth of the sea." Paul echoes this same teaching in Romans 14:13 — "Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather judge this—not to put a stumbling block or offense before a brother." Jesus is warning His hearers to beware of false religious leaders, they will lead others astray due to their understanding of Scripture, which are driven by self-promotion, covetousness, and a desire to align with human desires rather than divine truth. Church leadership is meant to emulate true shepherds in the field, an image found throughout both the Old and New Testaments, who are stewards, not owners of the flock, accountable to the Chief Shepherd, Christ. They must be fully invested in the comprehensive work of shepherding God’s people, who are part of the flock themselves, living among the sheep and maintaining mutual accountability. The role of shepherding demands intimacy, tenderness, concern, skill, diligence, sacrificial love, and a willingness to suffer alongside the sheep, protecting them from spiritual harm, leading by example, a reality that seems to be all too often ignored or rejected wholesale in many local churches. Shepherds should not stand aloof as distant managers or part of a board of directors who meet once a month to make decisions while leaving the actual work of shepherding to others. I believe Scripture demands the role of shepherd must be embraced in two terms – 1. Shepherd; 2. Servant. The Pharisees set an example of hypocrisy and proclaimed corrupted theology: salvation by works and religious ceremony, built on pride rather than humility that the Lord wants to see from His followers. "Woe" is not just disappointment. It is a declaration of impending divine judgment.
Verse 2, "It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he would cause one of these little ones to stumble." We know from Matthew 18 that gives us more detail, He's not talking children, He's talking about spiritual children, believers. It's important to keep in mind that many of those listening, are hearing Him preach the Gospel for the first time. Jesus is very protective over His "little ones." By the way, silence, failing to warn others of the consequences of sin can be a stumbling block. Here, Jesus is paints a picture that is shocking, even disturbing, using words intended to awaken us all. In today's world influence is currency, followers, fans and friendships—we are constantly influencing others. While some leaders are more easily recognized because of a position they hold, every single one of us are given a portion of influence as part of our assignment, whether subtle or significant. Each of us influence and are influenced in by others. What if the last words you spoke to someone today were your last words, how did you use your words to set the tone for the day? Do you ever stop and wonder if your words brought someone closer or drove them further away from God? If not, you should.
How well are your words on social media serving God and serving others? If your goal is to receive applause or to provoke others, you're missing the mark. Even our social media should be used for God's glory, not your own. Increasingly, I see more and more Christians using social media platforms to draw attention to themselves, becoming "Christian Kardashians" by posting a Bible verse with pictures of themselves as if God is actually being glorified by such things. In Matthew 6, Jesus warned against practicing righteousness before other people in order to gain human admiration, those who practice such behavior have already received their reward. Have you ever considered that your pictures may be causing others to stumble rather than focusing on God's Word? We are called to represent Christ authentically, not treating Scripture as some sort of tool for personal branding. At the very least, such behavior shifts the focus from magnifying Christ to magnifying the self, which I believe contradicts the call of Scripture to deny one's self and to follow Jesus. Many Christians have scandalously turned spiritual hindrance to an art form. Which do your posts primarily feed...the flesh or the Spirit?
Verse 3, "Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him." This is one of those times that when Jesus speaks it's short, direct and almost surgical in it's delivery as it cuts to the core. Notice that He doesn't start with a rebuke, but with a warning, "Be on your guard!" This is not accidental, He's actually setting the tone for everything that follows. We all understand that if we see a sign that says, "Beware," it means there is potential or imminent danger ahead, right? The religious leaders were self-righteous, they were merciless, and they despised sinners. So, before Jesus tells us how to address someone else’s sin, He warns us to examine our own heart, suggesting that the ability to forgive someone who repeatedly offends requires spiritual growth and strength. This is consistent with His teaching in Matthew 7 on judging others. "Do not judge, so that you will not be judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with what measure you measure, it will be measured to you. And why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?" Jesus is warning His disciples not to become a hypocrite like the Pharisees, who were the dominant leaders in the synagogues that thought Jesus was satanic due their understanding of Scripture. I believe this is where most Christians today fail—not in confrontation—but in self-awareness, the inability to honestly assess one’s own spiritual condition. Christians frequently stumble by minimizing their own need for forgiveness while harshly judging others, a dynamic vividly illustrated in the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant in Matthew 18:21-35. Beware of false religious leaders, they're going to lead you astray, guard your assumptions, because the greatest danger in conflict is not merely the sin committed against you—but the sin that rises up within you in response to it. So, before you attempt to deal with them, make sure that you've dealt with you.
That brings us to verse 4, "And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ forgive him." Here, Jesus is teaching us something that feels noble, yet feels rather uncomfortable to put into practice in modern Christianity, still we are called to practice forgiveness regardless of the severity of the wrong committed against us. Instinctively, we want to treat someone who offends like an outcast, like someone who doesn't belong, to give them what we believe they deserve. But, Jesus doesn’t just tell us to forgive, He redefines it in a way that stretches us well beyond our human ability, in fact, we might even consider it down right unreasonable, rejecting the traditional limitations. Biblical forgiveness is not merely an emotional state or a social construct, but is truly a divine work empowered by the Holy Spirit, that enables us to extend grace even when it creates tensions with human notions of fairness and justice, because it is unlimited, unconditional and unmerited. Divine grace satisfies the demands of justice without ever having to receive an apology or showing signs of remorse. It's the kind of forgiveness Christ modeled for us, when while being crucified on the cross, He cried out, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."
May it be so..
And now may the Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.
Now and forever, in Jesus' name
Amen
And now may the Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.
Now and forever, in Jesus' name
Amen
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