Stumbling Blocks

One of the ways Christians are to endeavor to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace is by loving consideration of the weak brothers in our churches. The strong in faith -- that is, those who know it is no sin to eat meat or drink wine, etc. -- are to restrain the open exercise of the liberty they have in order not to make weaker brothers stumble. The only thing that would hinder such deference is selfishness. We consider in this sermon the seriousness of stumbling blocks. Woe to the world because of its stumbling blocks, Jesus said. It is inevitable that they come, but woe to the one through whom they come. Paul said that weaker brothers would be "destroyed" and "ruined" if they were led into sin because of stumbling blocks set in their way. These are strong words, and we should sit up and take note.