Wounds That Heal – Increase Our Faith

Wounds That Heal – Increase Our Faith isn’t really the theme of this text.  Most people latch onto this plea from the disciples, but the focus of the text is really duty.

Offensive

Let’s start with Jesus’ first example. Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, Things that cause people to sin is just one word in the Greek – offense. And are bound to come makes it sound like an inevitability, but that’s not quite strong enough. We’re not talking about a rule of thumb when it comes to sin and temptation. God really says it is impossible that they do not come! It’s coming people. Sinners sin. It’s what we do, but that is to our shame and the eternal danger of our souls. Jesus’ point is just because you will do something that offends someone at some point, don’t go around willy nilly offending people! but woe to anyone through whom they come. 2 It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3 So watch yourselves.

Woe To Anyone

God doesn’t tell us exactly what will happen, but you’ll be sleeping with the fishes is the impression. Let me give you an example. Little Johnny comes out of Sunday School today. He goes off to the park and just like a child he blurts out how great his God is and what Jesus has done for him to the kids sitting next to him on the swing. An adult at the park hears this is openly ridicules little Johnny – laughs as the poor kid. Johnny walks off doubting his young faith in Jesus. God is getting the millstone ready for that guy. I don’t think this is limited to kids. I think this also applies to anyone who has a young faith. Be very careful that you do not offend someone in your sin and endanger their soul.

Please click HERE to find the article from the Atlantic referenced in the message.

Want to hear more?  Watch this week’s message take from Luke 17, Wounds That Heal – Increase Our Faith.