Definition and Context:
In biblical terms, "stumblings" refer to actions, situations, or influences that cause a person to falter in their faith or moral conduct. The concept is often associated with spiritual pitfalls or obstacles that lead believers away from righteousness and into sin. The Bible frequently addresses the dangers of stumbling, both in a literal and metaphorical sense, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and steadfastness in one's walk with God.

Old Testament References:
The Old Testament often uses the imagery of stumbling to describe the consequences of sin and disobedience. In Isaiah 8:14-15, the prophet speaks of the Lord as a sanctuary, but also as "a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense" to those who reject Him. This duality highlights the idea that God's truth can be a source of strength for believers but a stumbling block for those who oppose Him.

Proverbs 4:12-13 advises, "When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction; do not let go. Guard it, for it is your life." Here, the emphasis is on adhering to wisdom and instruction to avoid the pitfalls that lead to spiritual and moral failure.

New Testament References:
The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus Himself warning against causing others to stumble. In Matthew 18:6, He states, "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." This severe warning underscores the gravity of leading others into sin.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of stumbling in his letters. In Romans 14:13, he writes, "Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way." Paul emphasizes the responsibility of believers to live in a way that does not hinder the faith of others, promoting unity and edification within the body of Christ.

Theological Implications:
Stumblings are not merely personal failings but have communal and relational dimensions. They can affect the spiritual health of the entire community of believers. The Bible calls for a proactive approach to prevent stumbling, both in oneself and in others. This involves cultivating a life of holiness, accountability, and love, as well as being mindful of the influence one's actions have on others.

Practical Application:
Believers are encouraged to be vigilant in their spiritual walk, seeking God's guidance and strength to overcome temptations and avoid stumbling. Regular prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers are essential practices to maintain spiritual stability. Additionally, Christians are called to support one another, offering encouragement and correction in love to help prevent stumblings within the community.

Conclusion:
While the Bible acknowledges the reality of stumblings, it also provides hope and guidance for overcoming them. Through faith in Christ and reliance on the Holy Spirit, believers can navigate the challenges of life without falling away from their commitment to God.

January 7. "Now unto Him that is Able to Keep You from Stumbling" ...
... foe. It is the little stumblings of life that most discourage and hinder
us, and most of these stumblings are over trifles. Satan ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /january 7 now unto him.htm

We Worship, Lord, Before Thee Now,
... I. We worship, Lord, before Thee now,. For great, and good, and pure art Thou. O
Christ, the God, our stumblings heal,. And lead us all Thy love to feel. II. ...
/.../brownlie/hymns from the east/we worship lord before thee.htm

Ezekiel's Discourse
... I have set the point of the sword against all their gates, That their heart may
melt, And their stumblings be multiplied: Ah! it is made as lightning! ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/vi ezekiels discourse.htm

A Bright Gleam of Light.
... Misunderstandings, breaks, slips, stumblings, failures, falls; but in all, through
all, patience, steadfastness. Taking a fresh hold at every turn. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks about jesus/a bright gleam of light.htm

A Discourse which was in the Presence of Antoninus C??sar
... God, stumbled upon stones and blocks of wood; and such of them as were rich stumbled
upon gold and silver, and were prevented by their stumblings from finding ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/i a discourse which was.htm

"And Hereby we do Know that we Know Him, if we Keep his ...
... such a light seems to shine about us our hearts may be a dungeon of darkness, of
ignorance of God and unbelief, and our ways and walk full of stumblings in the ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxviii and hereby we.htm

October 8. "There Failed not Aught of any Good Thing which the ...
... heights and look back upon all you have passed through, all you have narrowly escaped,
all the perils through which He guided you, the stumblings through which ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /october 8 there failed not.htm

The Sweet Uses of Adversity
... come against one of his children; and the black fiend of hell in dragon's wings,
meets a poor Christian just when he is faint and weary from stumblings in the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the sweet uses of adversity.htm

"Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. "
... and yet I press forward, and follow after perfection, as having attained nothing
yet." One of these two is the original of many stumblings and wanderings in ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon vi who walk not.htm

The Apocalypse of Sedrach.
... The Lord saith to Sedrach: I made man in three stages: when he is young, I overlooked
his stumblings as he was young: and again when he was a man I considered ...
/.../unknown/the apocalypse of sedrach/the apocalypse of sedrach.htm

Stumblings (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Stumblings (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 21:15 I have
set the threatening sword against all their gates, that ...
/s/stumblings.htm - 6k

Stumblingstone (2 Occurrences)

/s/stumblingstone.htm - 9k

Stumbling-blocks (8 Occurrences)
Stumbling-blocks. Stumblingblocks, Stumbling-blocks. Stumblings . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (DBY WBS YLT). Stumblingblocks, Stumbling-blocks. Stumblings...
/s/stumbling-blocks.htm - 9k

Grasped (11 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Ezekiel 21:15 I have set the threatening sword against all their gates,
that their heart may melt, and their stumblings be multiplied: ah! ...
/g/grasped.htm - 9k

Threatening (7 Occurrences)
... (See JPS ASV). Ezekiel 21:15 I have set the threatening sword against all their
gates, that their heart may melt, and their stumblings be multiplied: ah! ...
/t/threatening.htm - 8k

Ruin (135 Occurrences)
... in Ezekiel 18:30 "stumblingblock" (the King James Version "ruin"), and the Revised
Version (British and American) in Ezekiel 21:15 "stumblings" (the King James ...
/r/ruin.htm - 37k

Pointed (13 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Ezekiel 21:15 I have set the threatening sword against all their gates, that
their heart may melt, and their stumblings be multiplied: ah! ...
/p/pointed.htm - 10k

Sharpened (13 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 21:15 I have set the threatening sword against all their gates, that
their heart may melt, and their stumblings be multiplied: ah! ...
/s/sharpened.htm - 10k

Striking (25 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 21:15 I have set the threatening sword against all their gates, that
their heart may melt, and their stumblings be multiplied: ah! ...
/s/striking.htm - 14k

Melt (33 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 21:15 I have set the threatening sword against all their gates, that
their heart may melt, and their stumblings be multiplied: ah! ...
/m/melt.htm - 17k

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