How can we avoid being a "stumbling block" to fellow believers in Christ? Center the Study on the Verse “Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.” (Romans 14:13) Grasp What “Stumbling Block” Means • A literal impediment placed in a path • Spiritually: any attitude, action, or liberty that trips another believer, slows growth, weakens faith, or entices sin (1 Corinthians 8:9) • Never a harmless personal choice once it hinders someone Christ died to save (Romans 14:15) Anchor Your Thinking in the Chapter’s Context • Romans 14 deals with disputable matters—food, special days, cultural scruples • God calls each believer to live “by faith” (v. 23); what violates conscience for one may not for another • The stronger brother is urged to limit liberty in love; the weaker brother is asked to refrain from judgment (vv. 3-4) Ways to Keep from Becoming a Stumbling Block • Decide ahead of time: “make up your mind” (v. 13). Resolve that love will set the limits of your freedom (Galatians 5:13). • Know your audience. Different settings call for different choices (1 Corinthians 9:19-22). • Value people over preferences. “Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food” (Romans 14:20). • Seek peace and edification. Ask, “Will this build up?” (v. 19; 1 Thessalonians 5:11). • Keep your convictions before God, not on display. “The faith you have, keep between yourself and God” (Romans 14:22). • Watch your example. Younger or tender-conscience believers imitate what they see (Philippians 3:17). • Walk in love daily. Love willingly sacrifices rights so others thrive (Ephesians 5:2). • Check motives continually. Anything done “not from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23). Reinforce with Additional Scriptures • Matthew 18:6—better to have a millstone hung around the neck than cause a little one to stumble. • 1 Corinthians 8:12—sinning against brothers wounds Christ Himself. • Philippians 2:3-4—consider others more important than yourself. Model Yourself After Christ • He laid down every right, even life itself, for our good (Romans 15:3). • Imitating Him means gladly limiting liberty so others flourish. Key Takeaways to Live Out • Liberty is precious; love is priceless. • Convictions are personal; impact is communal. • Decide now: my freedom ends where another’s faith begins. |
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