How can church leaders ensure they are not a stumbling block to others? The Serious Warning “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6) Identifying the “Little Ones” • New believers, children, and anyone spiritually vulnerable • Members who look to their leaders for guidance and example • Followers whose consciences are easily wounded (cf. Romans 14:1) Why This Matters • God holds teachers to stricter judgment (James 3:1) • Leaders shape congregational health (1 Peter 5:2-3) • A single stumble can ripple through generations (Hebrews 12:15) Foundational Principles 1. Pure doctrine guards souls (1 Timothy 4:16) 2. Holy conduct validates doctrine (Titus 2:7-8) 3. Love limits liberty (1 Corinthians 8:9) 4. Humility invites God’s grace (James 4:6) Practical Ways to Avoid Becoming a Stumbling Block • Examine motives and methods: “Test yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5) • Teach the whole counsel of God without dilution (Acts 20:27) • Avoid harsh or flippant words; speech should “give grace” (Ephesians 4:29) • Flee appearance of evil—your private life will surface (1 Timothy 3:2) • Model reconciliation by promptly addressing conflict (Matthew 5:23-24) • Submit to mutual accountability; invite correction (Proverbs 27:17) • Guard weaker consciences: restrain freedoms that might confuse (Romans 14:13-19) • Protect the flock from wolves—confront false teachers swiftly (Titus 1:9-11) • Maintain financial transparency; handle money above reproach (2 Corinthians 8:20-21) • Shepherd, don’t dominate: lead by example, not coercion (1 Peter 5:3) Cultivating a Safe Church Culture • Regular, clear teaching on holiness and grace • Visible layers of oversight (elders, deacons, trusted members) • Immediate, compassionate care for the wounded or offended • Consistent church discipline that aims at restoration (Matthew 18:15-17) • Celebration of testimonies that honor God’s transforming power Guarding Doctrine • Study diligently; proclaim Scripture’s literal truth (2 Timothy 2:15) • Refute error graciously but firmly (2 Timothy 4:2) • Keep Christ crucified at the center (1 Corinthians 2:2) Guarding Personal Life • Daily prayer and Scripture intake (Psalm 119:105) • Sexual purity—“flee immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18) • Rest and Sabbath disciplines to prevent burnout • Family first: lead at home so public ministry is credible (1 Timothy 3:4-5) Continuous Self-Evaluation Checklist □ Am I currently harboring unconfessed sin? □ Are my words building or wounding? □ Do my spending habits reflect kingdom priorities? □ Have I sought feedback from trusted believers this month? □ Is there any freedom I should lay down for another’s sake? Encouragement to Persevere “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) Faithful leadership that guards both message and manner keeps others from stumbling and points every “little one” to the Savior who never fails. |
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