Author: drthomasclothier

¹⁸ Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. ¹⁹ Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. ²⁰ For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18:18–20 (ESV)

What comprises a true church belong to Jesus Christ? In other words, what is a biblical church? The following characteristics of a biblical church are taken from the New Testament.

First, a true, biblical church preaches the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Timothy 4:1–5). Second, a true biblical church observes the ordinances of believer’s baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 2:38–40; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26).  Thirdly, as attested by Matthew 18:15-17, a true, biblical church observes church discipline (1 Corinthians 5:1–8; Galatians 6:1-2; 1 Timothy 1:18–20).  

In whatever biblical text we study, we must ask ourselves the following questions. (1) What did the text mean to the original audience; (2) What are the differences between the biblical and church today; (3) What theological principle(s) are found in the biblical text; (4) Are these biblical principles found elsewhere in Scripture; and (5) How may the text be applied in our lives?

In today’s text, we discover phrasing that may appear foreign to our understanding. What did Jesus mean when He said, “¹⁸ Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven?”

To bind (δέω; deo) means to tie or to restrict. To loose (λύω; luo) means to untie or release. Jesus used these two agricultural terms metaphorically to illustrate the church’s authority in matters of church discipline. The Lord gave the local church the authority to discipline and to restore wayward believers in Christ. The Lord will bless the church that faithful carries out of this responsibility.

“This corporate action was entrusted to the entire apostolic group. Their actions of binding and loosing were to be directed by heaven (Matt. 18:18; 16:19). Clearly all are addressed for the you pronouns are plural,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.

Jesus continued by saying that the responsibility of church discipline, by its leaders, is to be bathed in prayer. Approaching a fellow believer in Christ who is overtaken in sin must be done humbly and prayerfully. Arrogance and self-righteousness has no place in the Christian life; especially in this situation.

“Besides their binding and loosing, they were also to engage in corporate prayer. Whenever they came together in the name of the Lord, He would be with them. And if two or three would agree together about anything it would be done for them by the Father in heaven.” continues Dr. Hendriksen.

In its specific context, Matthew 18:20 is particularly applicable in the circumstances of church discipline. Believers should be careful not to use it as a proof text for any and all gatherings. However, this verse can apply for gatherings for prayer and worship.

Church discipline is never easy. It’s one of the reasons why too few churches pursue it. For many leaders, the perspective seems to be “live and let live” or “the problem will just go away.” This is not only unhealthy but also unbiblical. Pray for your church leaders that they will lead the church in a biblical and obedient manner.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁵ “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. ¹⁶ But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. ¹⁷ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. ¹⁸ Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. ¹⁹ Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. ²⁰ For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18:15–20 (ESV)

What comprises a true church belong to Jesus Christ? In other words, what is a biblical church? The following characteristics of a biblical church are taken from the New Testament.

First, a true, biblical church preaches the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Timothy 4:1–5). Second, a true biblical church observes the ordinances of believer’s baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 2:38–40; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26).  Thirdly, as attested by today’s text, a true, biblical church observes church discipline (1 Corinthians 5:1–8; Galatians 6:1-2; 1 Timothy 1:18–20).  

What is a believer in Christ to do when another believer sins against them? In some instances, it is wise to ignore the sin. Proverbs 19:11 (ESV) says, “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.”

Matthew 18:15 states that if a brother in Christ sins against you, go and privately tell him his fault. A sin (ἁμαρτάνω; harmartano) means a violation of God’s Law. To go and tell the individual their fault (ἐλέγχω; elencho) means to expose, reprove and correct.

“The prescription for church discipline in vv. 15–17 must be read in light of the parable of the lost sheep in vv. 12–14. The goal of this process is restoration. If successful, “you have gained your brother.” Step one is to “tell him his fault” privately,” states Dr. John MacArthur.

However, what happens when a fellow believer in Christ refuses to listen to you when you tell them their fault or sin against you? What happens next? Do you forget the whole thing and go on your merry way? Today’s text instructs the faithful believer the next step to take when facing such a situation.

Matthew 18:16 says, “But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.”

If a one-on-one meeting does not result in repentance by the sinful individual, the grieved individual may take a second step. The text instructs that taking two others along for a second meeting ensures that every fault is verified. This eliminates any misunderstanding or confusion.

“Generally speaking, discipline proceeds from the private to the public. The believer who is sinned against by another professing believer must first engage the offender one on one and seek that person’s repentance. This is for the good of the church, as it prevents news of the sin from spreading beyond the people involved and becoming kindling for the fire of gossip. If the person repents, no further action is necessary,” explains Dr. R.C. Sproul.

What happens if the sinning brother still refuses to repent of their sin? The next biblical step in the church discipline process is for the matter to be brought before the church.

Matthew 18:17 says, “If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.”

No timetable is given as to how long a time lapse exists between steps two and three in church discipline. Grace should be extended at all times and if possible. If the fellow believer continues in unrepentance, then the church is to regard the individual as unconverted. Their behavior belies any testimony of saving faith. They have a dead faith (James 2:14-26).

“But if private admonition does not work, the offender is to be taken before other witnesses and finally the whole church, which must excommunicate sinners who persist in impenitence,” states Dr. Sproul.  

“Church discipline is not merely to punish the offender, or to shun him completely, but to remove him as a detrimental influence from the fellowship of the church, and then to regard him as an evangelistic prospect rather than as a brother,” states Dr. MacArthur. “The church does not discipline its members to shame them but to call them to repentance and perseverance.”

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁵ “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. ¹⁶ But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. ¹⁷ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. ¹⁸ Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. ¹⁹ Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. ²⁰ For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18:15–20 (ESV)

What comprises a true church belong to Jesus Christ? In other words, what is a biblical church? The following characteristics of a biblical church are taken from the New Testament.

First, a true, biblical church preaches the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Timothy 4:1–5). Second, a true biblical church observes the ordinances of believer’s baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 2:38–40; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26).  Thirdly, as attested by today’s text, a true, biblical church observes church discipline (1 Corinthians 5:1–8; Galatians 6:1-2; 1 Timothy 1:18–20).  

“Jesus has been warning against the evil of tempting others to sin. Instead of becoming the cause of someone else’s ruin every follower of the Lord should make it his business to find the sheep that has gone astray and to bring it back to the fold. But suppose the shoe is on the other foot. Suppose I myself am not the sinner, the one who causes others to become ensnared in sin, but instead the one sinned against, what then? In answering this question the Lord starts out by saying, “Now if a brother sin against you.…” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.

What is a believer in Christ to do when another believer sins against them? In some instances, it is wise to ignore the sin. Proverbs 19:11 (ESV) says, “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.”

Matthew 18:15 states that if a brother in Christ sins against you, go and privately tell him his fault. A sin (ἁμαρτάνω; harmartano) means a violation of God’s Law. To go and tell the individual their fault (ἐλέγχω; elencho) means to expose, reprove and correct.

“The prescription for church discipline in vv. 15–17 must be read in light of the parable of the lost sheep in vv. 12–14. The goal of this process is restoration. If successful, “you have gained your brother.” Step one is to “tell him his fault” privately,” states Dr. John MacArthur.

How are believers to expose, reprove and correct a person when they sin against them? Galatians 6:1–2 (ESV) says, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. ² Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

“Jesus means that the offended brother should in the spirit of brotherly love go and show the sinner his fault, and this not—certainly not most of all—for the purpose of receiving satisfaction for a personal grievance, but rather in the interest of the offender, that he may repent, and may seek and find forgiveness. Whether the offended brother should make only one personal visit or should go more than once is not stated, and may depend on circumstances. To spare the honor of the brother who has sinned Jesus adds that such an interview with the offender must take place “while you are alone with him,” literally, “between you and him alone,” that is, privately. There must be a tête-à-tête, a brotherly “face-to-face” confrontation. The Dutch and the Germans frequently use an expression which, literally translated into English, is (a meeting) “between four eyes.” says Dr. Hendriksen.

“If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.” This is the goal for such a confrontation and conversation. It will not be an easy encounter but it is a necessary one.

“The admonition of verse 15 is all the more appropriate because the brother who has been sinned against is, after all, also himself a sinner, one who should at all times first of all examine himself (7:3, 4; 1 Cor. 11:28; cf. Ps. 139:23, 24),” concludes Dr. Hendriksen.

Pray that if you ever have to confront a fellow believer, concerning their sin against you, it will done in a spirit of gentleness.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁵ “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. ¹⁶ But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. ¹⁷ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. ¹⁸ Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. ¹⁹ Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. ²⁰ For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18:15–20 (ESV)

What comprises a true church belong to Jesus Christ? In other words, what is a biblical church? The following characteristics of a biblical church are taken from the New Testament.

First, a true, biblical church preaches the Word of God.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV) – “¹⁶ All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

2 Timothy 4:1–5 (ESV) – “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: ² preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. ³ For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, ⁴ and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. ⁵ As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

Second, a true biblical church observes the ordinances of believer’s baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

Matthew 28:19–20 (ESV) – “¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Acts 2:38–40 (ESV) – “³⁸ And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” ⁴⁰ And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.”

1 Corinthians 11:23–26 (ESV) – “²³ For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, ²⁴ and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” ²⁵ In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” ²⁶ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Thirdly, as attested by today’s text, a true, biblical church observes church discipline.

1 Corinthians 5:1–8 (ESV) – “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife. ² And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you. ³ For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. ⁴ When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, ⁵ you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. ⁶ Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? ⁷ Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. ⁸ Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”

1 Timothy 1:18–20 (ESV) – “¹⁸ This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, ¹⁹ holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, ²⁰ among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.”

“So those are the marks of a true church. If a church is preaching the Word, if its practicing the sacraments or the ordinances, and its taking its membership, its community seriously, then you know you’re in a biblically faithful church. That is exactly where we need to be, because this is the church, it is the institution that God has ordained for the edification of His people and for the proclamation of the gospel. So, let’s make sure we’re in a church, and let’s make sure we’re in a biblical church,” states Nathan W. Bingham and Stephen J. Nichols.  

Soli deo Gloria!

¹² “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? ¹³ And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. ¹⁴ So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” (Matthew 18:11–14 (ESV)

I have always loved this well-known parable. The mental image of the shepherd searching and securing a lost lamb is striking in its imagery and comforting in its truth. More often than we care to think, we stray.

To be astray (πλανάω; planao) means to be misled, to be deceived, or to be deluded from the truth. The three sources of this deception are the world, our own remaining sinful nature and the devil. Thankfully, the LORD does not leave us in this condition but rescues us from danger (I Cor.10:13). He searches for each one who has been led astray.

When God the Father finds the lost lamb, He rejoices. To find (εὑρίσκω; heurisko) means to attain. The Father elect, seeks and preserves not only the church as a whole but also each individual. In this, the Father rejoices (χαίρω; chairo). He is glad.

“In close connection with the preceding verses we must conclude that what Jesus is asserting so very emphatically is that the Father in heaven is definitely interested in each of his sheep, yes, even in each of his wandering sheep. By sending his Son into the world he is rescuing sheep that have gone astray. In this the Father delights. See Luke 15:7, 20, 22–24. So does the Son. See Matt. 9:12, 13; Luke 19:10; John 10:11, 14. In this kind of work the disciples too should be engaged. See Matt. 9:36–10:1; John 4:35,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.

“God’s “care extends itself to every particular member of the flock, even the lowest” (Matthew Henry). He shepherds His people, working to keep errant believers from finally perishing (Matt. 18:12–14). Since we are called to imitate God (Eph. 5:1), to some degree we all must minister to one another. Of course, the elders of the church are the primary shepherds of the Lord’s flock (1 Peter 5:1–5). Nevertheless, we must still bear the burdens of one another (Gal. 6:2) and love wandering brothers and sisters back into the fold. Oftentimes, we will not reach out to others who are stuck in sin or who have harmed us because we think they are beyond redemption. Such an attitude betrays an arrogance that believes we who live holy lives are more deserving of God’s love than others. Such an attitude is not the mark of our Father’s humble children, who alone will inherit the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 18:1–4),” states Dr. R. C. Sproul.

Seek to minister to a wayward lamb today.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁰ “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 18:10 (ESV)

Jesus continued His instructions to His disciples concerning who was greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 18:1-9). The comparison to children was predominant. That theme continues in today’s text.

Jesus began with another command: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones.” The phrase see that you do not (ὁράω μή; horao me’) is a present, active imperative verb. It is a command to be continuously obeyed. It means to pay attention and understand.

What was it that Jesus commanded His disciples, then and now, to understand? The directive was to not despise little ones. To despise (καταφρονέω; kataphroneo) means to look down upon and to scorn. It may mean to ridicule. The phrase little ones (μικρός; mikros) refers to those who are younger and seemingly unimportant.

“At the root of all self-exaltation lies sinful pride, a looking down, or, as the Greek literally expresses it, a thinking down upon others. The proper attitude is that conveyed so touchingly by Paul: “in humble-mindedness each counting the other better than himself” (Phil. 2:3),” explains Dr. William Hendriksen. “The words of Jesus are very emphatic. He warns the disciples constantly to see to it not to make even a single one of those whom he considers his own the object of scorn or disdain, of belittlement or contempt.”

Matthew 18:10 records His warning that we not “despise one of these little ones.” Given that chapter 18 has thus far emphasized our need for humility (vv. 1–9), Christ is telling us that we must not become puffed up with self-pride and look down on other Christians. Despising another believer means to treat him with disrespect, refusing to receive him as our equal in God’s eyes (see v. 5),” states Dr. R. C. Sproul.

Then Jesus said, “For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven,” What did Jesus mean by this statement?

Scripture teaches that angels protect and minister to God’s people (Psalm 91:11; Acts 12:15; Heb. 1:14). In some cases, they may have specific responsibilities (Dan. 12:1). No matter what status or lack thereof a believer in Christ has in this world and the church, they are important in God’s sight.

In his Commentary on A Harmony to the Evangelists Matthew, Mark, and Luke, John Calvin writes,“It is no light matter to despise those who have angels for their companions and friends.… We ought therefore to guard ourselves against despising their salvation, which even angels have been commissioned to promote.… The care of the entire Church is committed to angels, to assist each member as his needs require.”

Are their individuals in your church that you, if not despise, look down upon and ridicule? You do not hold them in high esteem or high regard. Resolve to not only pray for them but also to encourage them in their journey of faith in Christ. Maybe someone else will do the same for you.

Soli deo Gloria!  

⁸ “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. ⁹ 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.” (Matthew 18:8–9 (ESV)

“We must think nothing too dear to part with, for the keeping of a good conscience.” – Puritan Matthew Henry

 Immediately following Jesus’ Oracle of Woe against the fallen world (Matt. 18:7), He continued to counsel His disciples (Matt. 18:1-6) concerning the drastic measures required for believers in Christ to resist temptation.

We must remember the Bible is literature containing various genres and utilizing various figures of speech. Today’s text displays the figure of speech called hyperbole. It is exaggeration. Jesus previously used this style of communication in Matthew 5:27-30.

²⁷ “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ ²⁸ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. ²⁹ If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. ³⁰ And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.” (Matthew 5:27–30 (ESV)

Jesus emphasized the extreme measures believers in Christ must take when encountering the world, the flesh and the devil. There can be no compromise or accommodation when it concerns holiness. We must resist temptations: when, where, by whom, and how they come.

“What was earlier said about lust in the Sermon on the Mount is now applied more broadly to all manner of sins. Graphically, Jesus tells us it is better to enter the kingdom of heaven without a hand or foot than to keep what inclines us towards wickedness and find our whole bodies in hell (18:8–9),” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

“Again, as we said in our study of Matthew 5, Jesus does not commend self-mutilation here. It is possible to cut off a limb and still lose the battle with transgression. Instead, Christ is using a powerful analogy to encourage us to cut off sin before it overcomes us. Depending on our situation, this may mean moving to another town, taking another job, or making some other righteous, but difficult, life change, if that is what it takes to escape the wickedness in our lives.”

“Refraining from speaking privately with a certain person might be what keeps you from gossiping; throwing away your computer may be the right course of action if you struggle with looking at pornography. Whatever it takes, all of us must do what is needed to flee sin and temptation,” states Dr. John MacArthur.

My prayer is that when we face temptations that threaten to undo us, we will do all we can to resist and refrain from any submission to sin. A momentary lapse in righteous judgment can result in a lifetime of regret. Have a God honoring day.

Soli deo Gloria!

“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!” (Matthew 18:7 (ESV)

 The Old Testament Jewish prophet had the responsibility of heralding God’s appointed and anointed announcement or oracle. The prophet of God could not, and would not, alter, change or replace God’s sovereign revelation. The oracle took two distinct forms.

First, there was an oracle of Weal, or blessing. This message of God’s favor began with the word “blessed” (Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 27-28). It was an oracle of joy and happiness due to one’s obedience before God.

Second, there was an oracle of Woe, or judgment. The prophet announced this because of the people’s sin and disobedience (Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 27-28; Isaiah 6:1-7).

Matthew recorded Jesus’ oracle of blessing (Matthew 5:1-12). Today’s text begins with an oracle of woe.

Jesus proclaimed woe (οὐαί; ouai), grief and distress upon the world (κόσμος; kosmos). This would refer to the fallen, wicked and disobedient world system of thought, words and behavior. Why did Jesus proclaim this woe?

His reason was because of the world’s efforts to tempt believers in Christ to sin. The phrase temptation to sin (σκάνδαλον; skandalon) means to create a snare, a stumbling-block, or a cause to sin against God. We derive our English word “scandal” from this Greek word.

Jesus also stated, “For it is necessary that temptations come.” The Lord meant that the fallen world is evil. Occasions for temptation are unavoidable. However, believers in Christ must not make excuses for treating such temptations lightly.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) says, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 

Jesus then expressed a second “woe” within the text. He said, “Woe to the one by whom the temptation comes!” Temptations will come in this world. Yet, do not be the one that causes people to stumble into sinful choices.

“It is expected that those in the world will cause Christians to be offended, stumble, and sin, and they will be judged for it. But it should not be that fellow believers lead others into sin, directly or indirectly. One would be better off dead (Cf. Rom. 14:13, 19, 21; 15:2; 1 Cor. 8:13),” explains Dr. John MacArthur.

Have you been tempted to sin? Of course, you have. We all have. The Bible affirms this truth. However, consider the results of giving in to those temptations. Your decision may result in sinning against another Christian, their family and the church family; with devastating consequences. The consequences of one unguarded moment could result in a lifetime of regret (2 Samuel 11-12).

Remember, guard your heart (Proverbs 4:20-27). Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!