How can believers avoid making Christ a "stumbling stone" in their lives? The Stumbling Stone Imagery Romans 9:33 says, “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.” Scripture portrays Christ as the solid, immovable Rock. Those who embrace Him by faith stand secure; those who approach Him through pride or self-reliance trip and fall. Why People Stumble • Trusting personal performance (Romans 9:30-32) • Clinging to religious heritage instead of personal faith (John 8:39-40) • Finding His words too hard (John 6:60-66) • Preferring cultural approval over His lordship (John 12:42-43) • Harboring unbelief or a hardened heart (Hebrews 3:12-13) Ways to Avoid Stumbling Over Christ • Approach Him by faith, not works ‑ “The righteous will live by faith.” (Romans 1:17) • Embrace His offense-removing cross ‑ “We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.” (1 Corinthians 1:23) • Submit to His authority every day ‑ “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46) • Maintain humility and teachability ‑ “He gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) • Let Scripture correct and shape every opinion ‑ “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) • Keep short accounts with God—repent quickly ‑ “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” (1 John 1:9) Daily Practices That Keep Our Footing Firm 1. Start each morning by confessing dependence on Christ (Proverbs 3:5-6). 2. Read a portion of the Gospels to stay centered on His character (Colossians 2:6-7). 3. Memorize key promises—especially Romans 10:11, “Everyone who believes in Him will not be put to shame.” 4. Cultivate fellowship with believers who honor His Word (Hebrews 10:24-25). 5. Serve others in practical love; obedience cements understanding (James 1:22). 6. Guard the heart against offenses; refuse bitterness (Hebrews 12:15). 7. End the day reviewing where His grace kept you standing—and thank Him. Encouraging Promises • Isaiah 28:16 (quoted in Romans 9:33) guarantees that whoever trusts in the Cornerstone “will never be shaken.” • Psalm 18:2 declares, “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer.” • 1 Peter 2:6-7 reminds believers that the very Stone others reject becomes precious to us. Anchor every step in simple, childlike trust in the Rock of Ages, and Christ will never become a stumbling stone—He will remain the solid ground beneath your feet. |
    |