Scripture
Luke 17:1-3 – And he said to his disciples, “ Temptations to sin are sure to come, but wow to the one through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin” Pay attention to yourselves!
If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.”
Observation –
Jesus is teaching the disciples that while here on earth in our flesh we will still be tempted to sin. Jesus makes a difference between being tempted and being a tempter to innocent younger people. We have to to self- monitor ourselves daily. We are not to let sin by a brother go unchecked, we are to call it out in love. When there is repentance, we are to forgive as we’ve been forgiven of everything.
Application-
Knowing the temptation to sin is present, I need to let the Spirit keep me away from what could cause me to stumble. In other words, I need to check myself before I wreck myself.
We are living now in a time where we are seeing deception being portrayed as truth especially targeting young people. This is evident in Satan’s indoctrination of our youth with lies. The scripture tells us it would be if the person was drowned with a hundred pound weight tied around their neck.
This is hard, can be offensive but has to be done in love when we know there is sin in a brother’s life not someone in the world. When that sheep returns we are to forgive and walk alongside.
Prayer –
Father,
Thank you for your love and grace in sending Jesus to take my place and save me so I can know you and make you known. Let the power of the Spirit guide me away from temptation. Give me strength to follow you and courage to stand firm in your Word.