In what ways can we avoid stumbling over the "stumbling stone" mentioned later? The Stumbling Stone Identified “Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it… They stumbled over the stone of stumbling” (Romans 9:31-32). Paul immediately clarifies the image with Isaiah’s prophecy: “See, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame” (v. 33). The “stone” is the Lord Jesus Christ—firm foundation for faith, yet a tripping-hazard for anyone who comes by works or pride. Why People Trip • Substituting self-effort for simple trust (Romans 10:3) • Treating the Law as a ladder instead of a mirror (Galatians 3:24) • Clinging to heritage, ritual, or reputation (Philippians 3:4-6) • Refusing to yield the heart’s throne to the rightful King (John 5:39-40) Scripture’s Consistent Warning • Isaiah 8:14—Messiah is “a stone that causes men to stumble.” • 1 Peter 2:6-8—Belief turns the Stone into a “precious cornerstone”; unbelief turns Him into “a rock of offense.” • 1 Corinthians 1:23—“We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.” The pattern is clear: attitude toward Christ determines one’s footing. Practical Ways to Avoid Stumbling 1. Recognize the gift of righteousness. • “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith… not by works” (Ephesians 2:8-9). 2. Lay down every claim of personal merit. • Paul counted his finest credentials as “dung” so that he might gain Christ (Philippians 3:7-9). 3. Come to the Stone in faith, not in offense. • “Blessed is the one who does not fall away on account of Me” (Matthew 11:6). 4. Keep the gospel central. • Daily rehearse Romans 3:23-24—our universal need, His sufficient grace. 5. Cultivate humble obedience to the Word. • Those who are “doers of the word” (James 1:22) walk steadily; hearers only remain vulnerable. 6. Depend on the Spirit’s power. • “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). 7. Stay in close fellowship with other believers. • Mutual encouragement helps us “stand firm in one spirit” (Philippians 1:27). 8. Fix your eyes on the Cornerstone. • “Looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). Living Out a Sure-Footed Faith Christ will either be the Rock on which we build or the Stone over which we fall. By abandoning self-righteousness and resting wholly in His finished work, we keep our footing firm, our conscience clear, and our hope unshakable—just as Scripture literally promises: “the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.” |
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