Stumbling-block

Strong’s Definitions:

literally or figuratively (obstacle, enticement (specifically an idol), scruple)
to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle)
to falter, stumble, faint or fall
a snare
a cause of displeasure or sin
occasion of apostasy
to strike at, i.e. surge against (as water)
to stub on, i.e. trip up

Do not put a stumbling block in front of others.

(Lev 19:14) You shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear YHVH. (the LORD)

Don’t be judgmental of other’s differences, which can cause more stumbling in itself.

(Rom 14:13) Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

This is a part of loving your brother as yourself.

Taking care of him, not how those around you should cater to you.

(1John 2:10) He that loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no occasion of stumbling in him.

We are not to cause others to sin / stumble, but don’t allow blatant sin either.

(Luke 17:1-3) And he said unto his disciples, It is impossible that no occasions of stumbling should come; but woe unto him, through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung about his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, rather than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble. Take heed to yourselves: if your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

No using our "liberty" to cause another to sin or take offense.

Just because we can do something, doesn’t mean we should if it will be a stumbling block to others.

(Rom 14:21) It is good not to eat flesh, or to drink wine, or anything whereby your brother stumbles, or is offended, or is made weak

This is serious… Paul’s meat example:.

(1Cor 8:12-13) But when you sin so against the brothers, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Messiah. For this reason, if food causes my brother or sister to sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I may not cause one of them to sin.

Examples of being a stumbling block:

Alcohol in front of non-drinkers.

Eating foods "in the face" of others that they are trying to avoid.

Women dressing scantily in public.

Pushing someone’s buttons – cause them to get angry / sin IE Talking about sensitive issues.

(1Cor 8:9) But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

(Gal 5:13) For, brothers, you have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty for an opportunity for the flesh, but by love serve one another.

(1Pet 2:16) As free, and not having your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

Read Romans 14 for an overview.

This coming week, think about your words and actions and how they affect those around you. Are we judgmental, causing others to stumble, or are we being our brother’s keeper?

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