30th Mar 26 | 13:54
Studies by Book
Luke 17 1-2 Children and the kingdom of God 16 Do not cause offence to children
📖 Luke 17:1-2
24Jun2020 - *Do not cause offence to children* - _Luke 17:1-2_ - Bible reading: _Romans 14:13_
_Luke 17:1-2 Then He said to the disciples, "It is impossible that no offences should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! (2) It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones._
We have understood that as parents and as a whole community we are responsible for the edification of the child. The goal of all edification is to present every man (child) perfect in Christ. We are nurturing the child to be part of the body of Christ, which is also growing into the fullness of Christ.
We have also said that we must cultivate the spirit of enquiry in the child and we must chasten or discipline the child, for this is a requirement, not an option.
_Matthew 18:6-7 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. (7) Woe to the world because of offences! For offences must come, but woe to that man by whom the offence comes!_
Offences will come in this world and woe to the world for offences, which is caused because of man’s alienation from God. Society as a whole is languishing and hurting because of man’s offences. At the same time, the individual causing offences will be responsible and accountable.
_Romans 14:13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, that each of us will not put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way._ We cannot keep blaming society for the offences that are happening, especially to children but each of us, hearing this message, must resolve not to cause offence in any way to the child. If each of us were to take this pledge, we will be instruments in the hand of the Lord for His healing to take place.
_Philippians 1:10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ,_ This commitment to living a life not causing offence is not for the moment but has to be a lifetime pledge.
What are some of the ways that the scriptures specify as to how offences are caused? _Romans 9:32 Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone._ The opposite of faith is sight and so if we have stopped living by faith and have started living by sight, then our life is an offence to children. Children will quickly pick up from us that the tangible, the material, the success symbols of the word or sight is what we must pursue after and not faith in God.
Let us never forget that actions always speak louder than words and though at home we may talk about faith in God what we actually live by is what the children will observe and follow. We have thus caused offence to a child by living by sight and not by faith. They will also learn that hypocritical living is acceptable.
_Romans 16:17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offences, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them._ Causing divisions within the body of Christ will cause offence to children. We are to bring unity of faith. Yes, this requires greater maturity and learning amongst God’s people. Being divisive will cause offence to children.
Not walking in the fear of God is an offence. _Leviticus 19:14 You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but shall fear your God: I am the LORD._ Walking in the fear of the Lord at all times is ensuring that our life is not an offence to children. Especially when we are away from the eyes of people, do we still walk in the fear of the Lord? Children will know if we are genuine in our walk with the Lord or are, we putting up a pretence.
Idols of the heart are an offence. _Ezekiel 14:3 “Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their hearts, and put before them that which causes them to stumble into iniquity. Should I let Myself be inquired of at all by them?_
Peter was not mindful of the things of God. He was an offence. _Matthew 16:23 But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offence to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men."_
*Thought to ponder*
```It is easy to be an offence to children but it takes character to be a bridge and a stepping stone for children to come to Christ.```