Dealing with Sin:

Matthew 18:7 “...Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes!...”

Luke 17:1-2 “...And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe 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...”

Is it necessary that temptations come?

• an-ang-kay' - Distressed, Constrained.

             NASB: Inevitable. KJV: Needs be. NIV: Must come.

• skan'-dal-on - Offence, Stumbling Block.

             NASB: Stumbling blocks. KJV: Offences NIV:Things that cause people to sin.

• Our distressed world will inevitably offer stumbling blocks that cause people to sin.

What are some sources of stumbling blocks?

• Our corruption, passions, and our besetting sins will lead us astray.
• The evil one will tempt us at our weakest points.
• Other people will influence us against God’s truth and intentions.

What awaits those who tempt, offend, and cause stumbling blocks?

• Ouai - Woe, grief, denunciation

Matthew 18:8-9 “...And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire...”

What does Jesus suggest as a remedy for personal sin?

• Cutting off the source of the sin.
• Throwing away that which causes you to sin.

What does Jesus say is the alternative?

• Eternal fire. The hell of fire.

Luke 17:3-4 “...Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him...”

What does Jesus suggest regarding your brother’s sins?

• Pay attention to yourself, and to your brother.
• Confront (rebuke) a sinning brother.
• Forgive a repentant sinner.

Does Jesus want people to face eternal fire?

Does Jesus want people to avoid sin?

How can people avoid sin?