How does Matthew 18:7 connect with Romans 14:13 on avoiding causing others to sin? Setting the Scene Matthew 18 is Jesus’ teaching on life inside His kingdom family; Romans 14 is Paul’s counsel for life inside the church body. Both passages converge on one warning: never be the reason someone else trips into sin. Key Texts • Matthew 18:7 — “Woe to the world for the causes of sin. These stumbling blocks must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!” • Romans 14:13 — “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother.” Shared Imagery: “Stumbling Block” • Greek skándalon: a trigger-stick in a trap; figuratively, any action, attitude, or liberty that ensnares another believer. • Both passages treat skándalon as deadly serious—Jesus declares “woe,” and Paul commands deliberate avoidance. Three Clear Connections 1. Same danger, different angles – Matthew 18:7 warns from the perspective of judgment on the offender. – Romans 14:13 warns from the perspective of love toward the offended. – Together: fear God’s judgment and love God’s people—two motivators that lock together. 2. Universal reach – Jesus speaks of “the world”; Paul speaks “to one another.” The field of concern stretches from the global to the personal; no context excuses carelessness. 3. Active responsibility – Jesus: “Woe…through whom” (agency). – Paul: “Make up your mind” (intentional choice). – We never drift into harmless neutrality; we either build paths or set traps. Supporting Scriptures • 1 Corinthians 8:9 — “Be careful that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” • 1 Corinthians 10:32 — “Do not become a stumbling block to Jews or Greeks or the church of God.” • Proverbs 4:14-15 — “Do not set foot on the path of the wicked…turn from it and pass on.” Practical Areas to Watch • Personal liberties: food, drink, entertainment choices (Romans 14:15-21). • Speech: sarcasm, gossip, crude humor (Ephesians 4:29). • Online presence: posts that fuel envy, anger, or impure curiosity. • Dress and appearance: modesty that honors others (1 Timothy 2:9-10). • Business ethics: steering clear of practices that entice coworkers to compromise. Guardrails that Keep Others Safe • Examine motives: “Will this edify?” (1 Corinthians 10:23). • Ask the love question: “Am I serving my brother’s good?” (Romans 15:2). • Welcome accountability: invite mature believers to speak into gray areas. • Practice voluntary restraint: gladly limit lawful freedoms for another’s spiritual welfare. Christ’s Pattern for Us Philippians 2:5-7 shows Jesus laying aside His rights for our salvation. When His mindset governs ours, personal freedom bows to sacrificial love. Final Takeaway Matthew 18:7 supplies the sober warning; Romans 14:13 supplies the daily strategy. Together they call every believer to a life that is free from tripping others and rich in building them up. |
    |