There have been times when you have just couldn’t take your eyes off a sister or a brother and you are feeling like, “I must get that babe or that handsome dude, I need to get her or him”. During this time, you are married with two children of their age? Do you know that doing something with a friend, even though you know it must be wrong, is sinful?
Yes, It is a sin to cause someone to sin. Strong’s Concordance defines a stumbling block as “an occasion of sin; a cause of stumbling.” Matthew 18:6; Proverbs 28:10
skandalon (skan-dal’-on) n. A snare; is a trap set to catch unwary persons, anything causing one to stumble or fall into error or sin. Skandalon is translated from the Greek word skandalon, which means: “a trap,” “anything that causes one to stumble,” and “something causing scandal or a stumbling block.”
Don’t Let Exercising Your Rights Become a Stumbling Block for The Weak.
The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 8:9 that ‘Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.’ The word ‘stumbling’ here comes from a Greek word that means ’cause, someone, to trip up or fall.’ When we sin against others, it becomes an obstacle for them. We would never want our actions to cause someone else to stumble and fall away from God out of ignorance or because they were led into sin by our example.
Temptations Should Not Be Placed Before Our Brothers and Sisters.
Now it is clear that we should avoid putting temptations before our brothers and sisters. We need to be careful not to give the devil a foothold by which he can gain control of them. James 1:13 tells us that we should never say that we are tempted by God, but rather, let’s say that our desires tempt us. If you find yourself in a situation where temptation is present, and others around you are being tempted too, then it may be time for you to leave the area or set boundaries with those who don’t respect your boundaries.
Seeing It from A Different Perspective
For example, if a Christian is encouraging an unbeliever that they know isn’t saved yet but is open to the Gospel and desires forgiveness from God, can it be said that the Christian is leading them into temptation? In the Bible, we are told that Matthew 18:6: “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” It seems clear enough that Christians should not knowingly do anything that will cause another believer to stumble or lead them into temptation.
However, if you are encouraging someone who doesn’t know Christ yet (and isn’t being stubborn) with no ill intent directed toward causing them harm or leading their heart away from Jesus…what then? We all know there are different levels of commitment among non-Christians and even within our group of believers; some want more than others (or less). If we knew someone wasn’t ready for baptism but had expressed interest in being baptized someday soon–wouldn’t we still encourage them?
What about when a new believer asks about things about church life that aren’t necessarily related directly to salvation issues, such as “Why do people clap here during worship songs when there aren’t any instruments playing?” Do you always get up early on Sunday mornings because your church doesn’t meet until later on Sundays like mine?” If one were not saved, such questions might lead them astray and cause them spiritual harm, but if someone has already professed faith in Christ, then shouldn’t we encourage them towards maturity by discussing various aspects of what living out their faith looks like?
This is a classic example of a situation where one could cause another to stumble. The scenario of an unmarried couple sharing a bed is not uncommon, and the temptation can be strong for both parties involved.
The Bible warns Christians not to do this (1 Corinthians 10:8-12).
A Friend and A Friend Hang out Together Knowing that Alcohol Will Send the Other Into Further Alcoholism.
“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along with you: ‘Every fact must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
For we are co-workers in God’s service; You are God’s field under cultivation, and I am God’s farmer working lovingly here among you.” (Matthew 18:15-17)
Each Situation Must Be Evaluated Individually, Being Careful Not to Lead Anyone Astray.
It is important to evaluate each situation carefully and see if you are positively influencing the other person. If it seems like your influence is leading them in the wrong direction, or if it appears that they might be doing something that could harm them spiritually, then you should probably stop influencing them.
If there’s no way of knowing what someone else’s spiritual maturity level is or whether your influence over them will be good or bad, then I would recommend avoiding situations where you might come into contact with spiritually immature people (like going to parties) while focusing more on things that will help you grow yourself spiritually (like reading your Bible).