Introduction. In a physical sense, many things can cause us to trip, stumble, and fall, potentially hurting ourselves – an uneven sidewalk, an area rug, excited pets, or objects left on the floor at night. Similarly, the Scriptures use the picture of stumbling to show a danger that can turn a person away from God. A spiritual stumbling block may be an obstacle, an enticement, or something disguised and difficult to see.
At the same time, we encounter many things when walking that help us through challenging areas. These may be actual stepping stones across a creek or aids like lights along a darkened path, handrails on the stairs or along a steeper path. Similarly, the Scriptures talk about aids for ourselves and others that help us on our spiritual walk.
A Spiritually Important Topic.
Peter illustrates another danger. He confidently said that he would never stumble because of Jesus, but before the rooster crowed, he denied the Lord three times (Matt. 26:33-34). We must therefore take stumbling seriously. Yielding to temptation, sinning, falling away, and being eternally lost are real dangers. By contrast, spiritual stepping stones help us through rough times, encourage endurance, and keep us on the path to eternal salvation.
Let’s consider this subject from four spiritual perspectives: external stumbling blocks, internal stumbling blocks, stepping stones for ourselves, and becoming stepping stones for others.
At the same time, we encounter many things when walking that help us through challenging areas. These may be actual stepping stones across a creek or aids like lights along a darkened path, handrails on the stairs or along a steeper path. Similarly, the Scriptures talk about aids for ourselves and others that help us on our spiritual walk.
A Spiritually Important Topic.
- “We preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness.” (1 Cor. 1:23)
Peter illustrates another danger. He confidently said that he would never stumble because of Jesus, but before the rooster crowed, he denied the Lord three times (Matt. 26:33-34). We must therefore take stumbling seriously. Yielding to temptation, sinning, falling away, and being eternally lost are real dangers. By contrast, spiritual stepping stones help us through rough times, encourage endurance, and keep us on the path to eternal salvation.
Let’s consider this subject from four spiritual perspectives: external stumbling blocks, internal stumbling blocks, stepping stones for ourselves, and becoming stepping stones for others.