How can we avoid "stumbling" as described in Hosea 14:9? Setting the Scene: Hosea 14:9 “Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.” What “Stumbling” Looks Like • Losing footing by rejecting God’s instructions • Persisting in self-directed choices rather than God-directed ones (Proverbs 14:12) • Treating sin lightly and assuming consequences will not follow (Galatians 6:7) Why People Stumble • Ignorance of God’s ways (Hosea 4:6) • Pride that resists correction (Proverbs 16:18) • Compromise with surrounding culture (James 4:4) • Neglect of the Word and prayer—spiritual drift (Hebrews 2:1) The Steady Path: Walking in God’s Ways • God’s ways are “right,” never shifting or unclear (Psalm 119:89) • Righteous people do more than know the path—they walk it (James 1:22) • Wisdom and discernment keep the believer alert to pitfalls (Proverbs 4:26-27) Practices That Keep Our Feet From Slipping 1. Daily intake of Scripture – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) 2. Quick obedience to revealed truth – “Whoever keeps His word, truly in him the love of God is perfected.” (1 John 2:5) 3. Relentless repentance – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive.” (1 John 1:9) 4. Fellowship with faithful believers – “Two are better than one… For if either falls, his companion can lift him up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) 5. Guarded eyes and thoughts – “Keep your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) 6. Dependence on the Holy Spirit – “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) Encouragement From Related Scriptures • Psalm 37:23-24 — “The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD... though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed.” • Jude 24 — God “is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless.” • 2 Peter 1:10 — “Be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble.” Taking the Next Faithful Step • Examine your walk in light of God’s Word today. • Identify any area where obedience is delayed or partial. • Lean on God’s unchanging promises and the Spirit’s power to keep you steady. |
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