Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian life, the concept of temptation is a significant concern, particularly regarding the influence one believer may have on another. Scripture provides clear guidance on the responsibility of saints to avoid being a stumbling block or source of temptation to others. This principle is rooted in love, self-control, and the edification of the body of Christ.Biblical Foundation The Bible emphasizes the importance of not leading others into temptation or sin. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus warns against causing others to stumble: "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea" (Matthew 18:6). This severe warning underscores the gravity of leading others into sin. The Apostle Paul also addresses this issue in his letters. In Romans 14:13, he writes, "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" . Paul’s exhortation is a call to be mindful of how one's actions can affect the spiritual well-being of fellow believers. Practical Application The responsibility of not occasioning temptation to others involves several practical considerations: 1. Exercise of Christian Liberty: While believers have freedom in Christ, this liberty should not be exercised at the expense of another's conscience. Paul discusses this in 1 Corinthians 8:9: "Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak" . The mature believer is called to forgo certain liberties if they might lead a weaker brother or sister into sin. 2. Speech and Conduct: The way Christians speak and behave can either build up or tear down others. Ephesians 4:29 advises, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen" . Words and actions should be edifying and reflect the love of Christ. 3. Avoidance of Scandal: Believers are urged to live above reproach, avoiding any appearance of evil that might lead others astray. In 1 Thessalonians 5:22, Paul instructs, "Abstain from every form of evil" . This includes being cautious about situations that might be misinterpreted or lead others into temptation. 4. Encouragement and Accountability: Christians are called to encourage one another and hold each other accountable. Hebrews 10:24-25 states, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching" . Fellowship and mutual support are vital in helping believers resist temptation. The Role of Love At the heart of avoiding being a source of temptation is the command to love one another. Love seeks the good of others and is willing to sacrifice personal preferences for the sake of another's spiritual health. As Paul writes in Galatians 5:13, "For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love" . This love-driven service is the antidote to causing others to stumble. In summary, the biblical mandate for believers is clear: they must be vigilant in ensuring their actions and words do not lead others into temptation. By exercising love, self-control, and a commitment to edification, Christians can fulfill their responsibility to support and uplift one another in their walk with Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 14:13Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Thirteenth Chapter: Resisting Temptation Answering the Reasons which those Ministers Give, which Hinder the ... Letter i. --Temptation to Despair. Fenelon -- the Saints Converse with God David's Sin in the Matter of Uriah. Departed Saints Fellowservants with those yet on Earth. The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly Spiritual Desolation. The Excellencies of the Saints' Rest. Letter Lxxviii. (AD 404. ) Resources Why did Jesus instruct us to pray 'lead us not into temptation' when God states that He does not tempt us? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the keys to resisting temptation? | GotQuestions.org How can I overcome temptation? | GotQuestions.org Temptation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Temptation: Abraham Leads Pharaoh Temptation: Always Conformable to the Nature of Man Temptation: Balak Tempts Balaam Temptation: Blessedness of Those Who Meet and Overcome Temptation: Christ is Able to Help Those Under Temptation: Christ Keeps Faithful Saints from the Hour of Temptation: Christ: Endured, from the Devil Temptation: Christ: Endured, from the Wicked Temptation: Christ: Intercedes for his People Under Temptation: Christ: Resisted by the Word of God Temptation: Christ: Sympathises With Those Under Temptation: Comes From: Covetousness Temptation: Does not Come from God Temptation: Evil Associates, the Instruments of Temptation: General Scriptures Concerning Temptation: Gideon Leads the People of Israel Into Sin Temptation: God Cannot be the Subject of Temptation: God Enables the Saints to Bear Temptation: God Knows How to Deliver Saints out of Temptation: God Will Make a Way for Saints to Escape out of Temptation: God Will not Suffer Saints to be Exposed To, Beyond Their Temptation: Has Strength Through the Weakness of the Flesh Temptation: Jeroboam Leads the Northern Kingdom (Israel) Into Temptation: Leading Into: Prayer Against Being Led Into Temptation: Mere Professors Fall Away in Time of Temptation: Often Arises Through: Poverty Temptation: Often Arises Through: Prosperity Temptation: Often Arises Through: Worldly Glory Temptation: Often Ends in Sin and Perdition Temptation: Often Strengthened by the Perversion of God's Word Temptation: Permitted As a Trial of Disinterestedness Temptation: Permitted As a Trial of Faith Temptation: Saints May be in Heaviness Through Temptation: Saints should Avoid the Way of Temptation: Saints should not to Occasion, to Others Temptation: Saints should Pray to be Kept From Temptation: Saints should Resist, in Faith Temptation: Saints should Restore Those Overcome By Temptation: Saints should Watch Against Temptation: The Devil is the Author of Temptation: The Devil Will Renew Temptation: The Old Prophet of Beth-El, the Prophet of Judah Temptation: To Distrust of God's Providence Temptation: To Worshipping the God of This World Temptation: Yielding to Adam and Eve Temptation: Yielding to Balaam Temptation: Yielding to David, to Commit Adultery Temptation: Yielding to Hezekiah Temptation: Yielding to Isaac, to Lie Temptation: Yielding to Jacob, to Defraud Esau Temptation: Yielding to Sarah, to Lie Temptation: Yielding to Solomon, to Become an Idolater Through the Influences of his Wives Temptation: Yielding to The Prophet of Judah Temptation: Yielding to To Count the Nation of Israel Related Terms |
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