What does Matthew 18:7 teach about the inevitability of temptations in life?

The Verse in Focus

“Woe to the world for the causes of sin. These stumbling blocks must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!” (Matthew 18:7)

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Stumbling Blocks Will Come

• Jesus states plainly: “These stumbling blocks must come.”

• “Must” points to inevitability—not merely likelihood.

• A fallen creation (Genesis 3) guarantees moral tests until God fully restores all things (Revelation 21:3–4).

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Why Temptations Are Unavoidable

1. The world’s broken system

• 1 John 2:16 names “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” as ever-present.

2. Our own fleshly nature

• James 1:14-15 shows desire inside us cooperating with external lures.

3. The devil’s active opposition

• 1 Peter 5:8 pictures Satan prowling, seeking to devour.

Together these factors ensure that temptations will confront every believer until Christ’s return.

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Personal Accountability Despite Inevitability

• Second half of the verse: “but woe to the man through whom they come!”

• Certainty of temptation never excuses being its source.

• Similar warning in Luke 17:1–2—better a millstone than causing another to stumble.

• Romans 14:13 urges us “not to put a stumbling block or obstacle” before a brother.

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Living Victoriously Amid the Inevitable

• Expect the test—be alert (Ephesians 6:11–13).

• Trust God’s faithfulness—He “will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

• Flee what entices (2 Timothy 2:22); resist the devil (James 4:7).

• Build others up rather than trip them up (Galatians 6:1-2).

• Keep eyes on Jesus, who “was tempted in every way, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15-16).

Through Christ we can meet life’s unavoidable temptations without becoming a stumbling block ourselves.