Scripture to Read: Romans 14:13
As we continue to be led by our Lord through His Truth, we are told in Romans 14:13, “Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.” Remember that when we see the word “therefore” we need to ask ourselves, “What is the ‘therefore’ there for?” In Romans 14:1–12, as we learned all last week, it states to be sure that we don’t judge those who are weaker in their faith over issues that are just not biblical. So, God had Paul continue to take it even a little deeper, and God tells us to make sure we don’t become “an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way.” Jesus spoke of “stumbling blocks” and gave a severe warning about them in Matthew 18:6, Mark 9:42, and Luke 17:1–2. Jesus said in Matthew 18:6, “but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” Then, God had Paul write in 1 Corinthians 8:12, “And so, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ.” God does not deal lightly with anyone who is a "stumbling block.” We must guard against hindering anyone’s walk with our Lord Jesus Christ. No tradition or religious ritual is worth hanging onto if it causes anyone to stumble.
Challenge & Application
· So, how are you ensuring you are not putting “an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way?”
· What traditions, religious rituals, or even “freedoms” have you put aside so that you do not cause another Christian to stumble?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!