Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, "stumbling" often refers to spiritual or moral failure, a deviation from the path of righteousness. The Scriptures provide various insights into the causes of stumbling, warning believers to be vigilant and steadfast in their faith.
1.
Lack of Knowledge and Understanding: Ignorance of God's Word can lead to stumbling.
Hosea 4:6 states, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." Without a firm foundation in Scripture, believers are susceptible to false teachings and moral compromise.
2.
Pride and Self-Reliance: Pride can cause individuals to stumble, as it leads them away from dependence on God.
Proverbs 16:18 warns, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Trusting in one's own strength rather than God's guidance can result in spiritual failure.
3.
Temptation and Sin: Yielding to temptation is a primary cause of stumbling.
James 1:14-15 explains, "But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." The allure of sin can lead believers astray, causing them to fall from grace.
4.
Influence of Others: The company one keeps can significantly impact their spiritual walk.
1 Corinthians 15:33 cautions, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" Associating with those who do not uphold Christian values can lead to moral compromise and stumbling.
5.
Persecution and Trials: Difficulties and persecution can cause some to stumble in their faith. Jesus warns in
Matthew 13:21, "But since he has no root, he remains for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away." A shallow faith, unprepared for adversity, is prone to falter.
6.
Offenses and Scandals: Offenses within the church or community can lead to stumbling. Jesus warns in
Matthew 18:7, "Woe to the world for the causes of sin. These stumbling blocks must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!" Scandals and offenses can shake the faith of believers, causing them to question their commitment.
7.
Spiritual Weakness and Immaturity: A lack of spiritual maturity can make one vulnerable to stumbling.
Hebrews 5:12-14 encourages believers to grow in their faith, stating, "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word. You need milk, not solid food!" Spiritual growth and maturity are essential to withstand the challenges that lead to stumbling.
8.
Worldly Desires and Distractions: The pursuit of worldly pleasures and distractions can lead believers away from their spiritual path. 1
John 2:15-16 warns, "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world." The enticements of the world can cause believers to lose focus on their spiritual priorities.
By understanding these causes of stumbling, believers are better equipped to guard their hearts and remain steadfast in their faith, seeking God's wisdom and strength to overcome the challenges they face.
Nave's Topical Index
Psalm 69:6Let not them that wait on you, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that seek you be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel.
Nave's Topical Index
Greek
4624. skandalizo -- to put a snare (in the way), hence to cause to......causes (2),
causes...to stumble (6), fall away (7), falls away (1), led into sin
(1), makes...stumble (2), offend (1), offended (1), stumble (3),
stumbling (1
...Library
What the "Occasions ofStumbling" Are.
... punishment which is written should befall the man who has caused thestumbling.... only
through our knowledge, but also through some othercauses connected with us...
The Very Simplicity of God's Means of Working, aStumbling-Block...
... Chapter II."The Very Simplicity of God's Means of Working, aStumbling-Block to
the... not deny), it is with good reason that He lays the materialcauses of His...
The Offending Hand, or Foot, or Eye.
... the whole body; but if such an eye should ever change, and become astumbling-block
to... of clear vision, if prone to sin, may be the hand thatcauses to stumble...
Nevertheless, a Necessity, as it Were, is Laid Upon Me to Reply...
... glory to follow our Lord's example of silence, and thereby to repel the accusation;
but to follow this course in matters of faithcauses stumbling blocks to...
Causes of Corruption Chiefly Intentional.
... CHAPTER XII.CAUSES OF CORRUPTION CHIEFLY INTENTIONAL. VIII. GLOSSES. Sec. 1.... Sec.
5. The word apechei in Mark 14:41 has proved astumbling-block....
But as the Wills of Friends, which are not Seen, are Believed...
... not what they do;" yet by reason of those whom through more hiddencauses He had...
table become a snare before them, and a recompense, and astumbling-block: let...
Preface to the Translations of Origen's Books Peri 'Archon
... which he called Homiletics, and also a certain number of the "Tomes," proceeded
to purge and pare away in his translation all thecauses ofstumbling which are...
1 Cor. viii. 1
... idol, which is already prohibited for another reason; but if any even of those things
which are within license and are permittedcauses stumbling, from these...
The First Epistle to the Corinthians the Pauline Salutation of...
... Since, then, thecauses [5410] are in the hands of Him who gave us the... The very
"stumbling-block" which he declares Christ to be "to the Jews," [5411] points...
Of the Affections, and the Refutation of the Opinion of the...
... wisdom does not consist in the regulation of these, but of theircauses, since they...
right way, where it may be possible even to run withoutstumbling and danger...
Resources
What does it mean that we are not to cause others to stumble? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Job's Daughters program? | GotQuestions.orgI overcame _______ sin. How can I avoid a relapse? | GotQuestions.orgStumbling: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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