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Causing Children to Sin – They Are Watching

Matthew 18:1-9 – Bible Study Lesson for Life Application

Causing Children to SinAre we causing children to sin? Jesus gives a strong warning in Matthew.

Taking the advice and actions from Christ’s teachings is always the right way, especially when it concerns our sins.

In this Bible study lesson, we learn how they affect children and new Christ followers.

How does a person who has just accepted Jesus as Savior see you and me?

Are we living the example they need to see?

Jesus Warns Against Causing Children to Sin – Setting Examples – Causing “Stumbles”

Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me; but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. – Matthew 18:4-6 NASB

Our Actions – Who is Watching?

We sometimes take living a Christian life for granted, never realizing that the younger generation is watching our words, and more importantly, our actions.

For instance, if we sit in the church pew on Sunday, listen to the message, and then cause a scene or gossip about other church members in the parking lot, the children are watching closely and learning how to behave as Christians.

I’m Guilty

Frightening, isn’t it?

As I write this I know in my heart that I’m sometimes guilty of this very thing.

Well, maybe I don’t cause a scene in the parking lot but I don’t always act as a brother in Christ should act.

They Are Paying Attention

Children pick up on everything. Don’t let them fool you. They are much more intelligent and perceptive than the credit we give them.

In their mind, when we slip and slide ( or stumble according to Jesus ) they begin to see this as acceptable behavior and will mimic our actions.

In other words, we have just taught them to sin!

Should We Cut Off Our Hands?

Jesus says it’s better to come to heaven lame than to walk into hell on our two good legs.

No, this does not mean we should do bodily harm to ourselves. It means that we need to think before we act and pray before we make decisions.

There’s an old saying which states:

“What you do speaks so loudly I can’t hear a word you’re saying.”

Belittlement

Another way to teach children to sin is to belittle them or ignore them.

Would you ignore your friend when he or she speaks to you? Of course not.

Neither should we ignore children when they come to us for answers.

Every Person is Important

Finally, Jesus explains how important every child is, and how we should take steps to help any one of them who stumbles or strays away.

It is our duty as Christians to try to embrace the kind of concern God has for every child.

Jesus Loves the Little Children

Christ was a very busy man during His three short years of ministry, but He always took time out to take in the little children.

[easyazon_image align=”left” height=”160″ identifier=”0849942136″ locale=”US” src=”https://makingchristknown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/41yxWaj3k2BL.SL160.jpg” tag=”bobpardphot-20″ width=”104″]Are we busier than Jesus?

If so, we need to rearrange our priorities when it comes to our own children and those who cross our paths.

Yes, our schedules are hectic but five or ten minutes might make a huge difference in someone’s life – maybe even ours.

Love in Christ

– Bob

If you would like to discover how to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to look at this passage for more info.

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