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 ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4624.htm - 8k Library What the "Occasions of Stumbling" Are. The Very Simplicity of God's Means of Working, a Stumbling-Block ... The Offending Hand, or Foot, or Eye. Nevertheless, a Necessity, as it Were, is Laid Upon Me to Reply ... Causes of Corruption Chiefly Intentional. But as the Wills of Friends, which are not Seen, are Believed ... Preface to the Translations of Origen's Books Peri 'Archon 1 Cor. viii. 1 The First Epistle to the Corinthians the Pauline Salutation of ... Of the Affections, and the Refutation of the Opinion of the ... Resources What does it mean that we are not to cause others to stumble? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Job's Daughters program? | GotQuestions.org I overcame _______ sin. How can I avoid a relapse? | GotQuestions.org Stumbling: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |