Darkness: Effects of Causes Us to Stumble
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In the biblical context, darkness often symbolizes ignorance, sin, and separation from God. It is a state that can lead individuals away from the path of righteousness and cause them to stumble in their spiritual journey. The Bible frequently contrasts darkness with light, where light represents truth, holiness, and the presence of God.

Scriptural References

The concept of darkness causing one to stumble is vividly illustrated in several passages of Scripture. In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares, "If anyone walks in the night, he will stumble, because the light is not in him" (John 11:10). This metaphor highlights the spiritual peril of living without the guidance of divine truth.

Similarly, the Apostle John writes, "But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness. He does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes" (1 John 2:11). Here, darkness is associated with hatred and moral blindness, leading to a life devoid of direction and purpose.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

Darkness, in its moral and spiritual sense, represents a life lived apart from God's commandments and wisdom. It is a condition that can lead to moral confusion and ethical missteps. The psalmist acknowledges the danger of this state, praying, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). This verse underscores the necessity of divine guidance to avoid stumbling in the darkness of sin and ignorance.

The Apostle Paul warns against the deeds of darkness, urging believers to "put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light" (Romans 13:12). This exhortation emphasizes the transformative power of living in the light of Christ, which enables believers to overcome the pitfalls of a life shrouded in darkness.

Practical Applications

For Christians, the call to walk in the light is both a privilege and a responsibility. It involves a conscious effort to seek God's truth and apply it in daily life. The teachings of Jesus, who proclaimed Himself as "the light of the world" (John 8:12), serve as a beacon for those striving to navigate the challenges of a world often characterized by spiritual darkness.

Engaging with Scripture, participating in communal worship, and fostering a personal relationship with God are essential practices for maintaining spiritual clarity and avoiding the stumbling blocks of darkness. By embracing the light of Christ, believers are empowered to live lives marked by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of darkness as a cause of stumbling serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of spiritual vigilance and the pursuit of divine truth. Through the light of God's Word and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, Christians are equipped to overcome the challenges posed by darkness and to walk confidently in the path of righteousness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Isaiah 59:10
We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes: we stumble at noon day as in the night; we are in desolate places as dead men.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Contribution of Science to Christianity
... people get nothing from prayer is that they expect effects without causes; and this ...
any love of truth in nature, any hatred of darkness, any desire for ...
/.../berkhof/new evangelism and other papers/the contribution of science to.htm

Light for them that Sit in Darkness;
... the person of the Lord Jesus, and the causes of his ... Samson was his type in the effects
of his death ... faith we come from under the Egyptian darkness, tyranny of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/light for them that sit.htm

Proofs of Jesus Christ
... The frightful darkness of the Jews was foretold ... The effects in communi and in
particulari ... of Pilate only serves to make Jesus Christ suffer; for he causes Him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section xii proofs of jesus.htm

The Saviour Lifted Up, and the Look of Faith.
... gleam of a thought breaks through the thick darkness, "possibly Jesus ... suppose; and
certainly we see that the same causes produce these effects here in ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/iv the saviour lifted up.htm

Of the Eternal Election, by which God Has Predestinated Some to ...
... THE BENEFITS IT CONFERS, AND THE EFFECTS RESULTING FROM IT ... there is no path, or to
seek light in darkness. ... is the man whom thou choosest, and causes to approach ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 21 of the eternal.htm

The Doctrine of Jesus Christ.
... The power of darkness has been broken. ... Certain things, conditions, institutions exist
in our midst today; they are effects of causes, or a cause; what is ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of jesus christ.htm

St. Peter of Alcantara Comforts the Saint. Great Temptations and ...
... does not disturb the soul; it causes neither obscurity ... but an instantaneous dispersion
of the darkness that covered ... states, so great are the effects, that the ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xxx st peter of.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... Covetousness, its bad effects, [1137]248; more cruel than robbery ... 362; as a thief
to men in darkness, [1180]ib ... Envy, the causes of it, [1300]191; to indulge it ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels.
... eye to be cast out, [1293]357; itself darkness, and unable ... 1480]285, [1481]289; will
come to us if we ... from Elisha by Gehazi's hands, [1502]517; causes fear by ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... redeemeth that thereof that hath been lost in antichristian darkness. ... 3. This shows
us the true effects of a ... of doubt, 'Wherein hast thou loved us?' no marvel ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

Resources
What time was Jesus crucified? What time did Jesus die on the cross? | GotQuestions.org

Why is a day measured from evening to morning in Genesis 1? | GotQuestions.org

How could there be light on the first day of Creation if the sun was not created until the fourth day? | GotQuestions.org

Darkness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Darkness

Darkness of Judgments

Darkness of Spiritual Blindness

Darkness the Following Scriptures

Darkness: "Outer Darkness"

Darkness: "Power of Darkness"

Darkness: A Course of Sin

Darkness: Abstruse and Deep Subjects

Darkness: Anything Hateful

Darkness: Called Night

Darkness: Called the Swaddling Band of the Sea

Darkness: Cannot Hide Us from God

Darkness: Caused by the Setting of the Sun

Darkness: Created by God

Darkness: Degrees of, Mentioned: Great

Darkness: Degrees of, Mentioned: Gross

Darkness: Degrees of, Mentioned: Outer or Extreme

Darkness: Degrees of, Mentioned: That May be Felt

Darkness: Degrees of, Mentioned: Thick

Darkness: Effects of Causes Us to Go Astray

Darkness: Effects of Causes Us to Stumble

Darkness: Effects of Keeps Us from Seeing Objects

Darkness: Exhibits God's Power and Greatness

Darkness: God Creates

Darkness: Greatness and Unsearchableness of God

Darkness: Heavy Afflictions

Darkness: Ignorance and Error

Darkness: Inexplicable Nature of

Darkness: Miraculous in Egypt

Darkness: Miraculous: At Mount Sinai

Darkness: Miraculous: At the Crucifixion

Darkness: Miraculous: At the Death of Christ

Darkness: Miraculous: Before the Destruction of Jerusalem

Darkness: Miraculous: On Mount Sinai

Darkness: Miraculous: Over the Land of Egypt

Darkness: Often Put for Night

Darkness: Originally Covered the Earth

Darkness: Over the Face of the Earth

Darkness: Secrecy

Darkness: Separated from the Light

Darkness: The Grave

Darkness: The Power of Satan

Darkness: The Punishment of Devils and Wicked Men

Darkness: The Wicked are Full of

Darkness: The Wicked: Live In

Darkness: The Wicked: Perpetuate Their Designs In

Darkness: The Wicked: The Children of

Darkness: The Wicked: Walk In

Related Terms

Blackness (13 Occurrences)

Obscurity (10 Occurrences)

Gloom (29 Occurrences)

Death-shade (16 Occurrences)

Shades (29 Occurrences)

Gross (12 Occurrences)

Shines (15 Occurrences)

Noon (30 Occurrences)

Shineth (13 Occurrences)

Walks (51 Occurrences)

Noonday (13 Occurrences)

Outer (98 Occurrences)

Dense (11 Occurrences)

Whither (151 Occurrences)

Twilight (25 Occurrences)

Shine (62 Occurrences)

Noon-day (8 Occurrences)

Nether (19 Occurrences)

Gloominess (2 Occurrences)

Reserved (28 Occurrences)

Eclipse

Daylight (24 Occurrences)

Blackest (5 Occurrences)

Walketh (62 Occurrences)

Black (52 Occurrences)

Skies (36 Occurrences)

Covers (50 Occurrences)

Utter (111 Occurrences)

Shadow (72 Occurrences)

Thick (129 Occurrences)

Wickedness (232 Occurrences)

Light (2869 Occurrences)

Evening (163 Occurrences)

Ninth (35 Occurrences)

Outside (215 Occurrences)

O'clock (16 Occurrences)

Gnashing (10 Occurrences)

Grope (5 Occurrences)

Gnash (12 Occurrences)

Weeping (237 Occurrences)

Weep (97 Occurrences)

Teeth (50 Occurrences)

Reveals (14 Occurrences)

Enlighteneth (6 Occurrences)

Deepest (11 Occurrences)

Midday (11 Occurrences)

Bad (129 Occurrences)

Blinded (15 Occurrences)

Comprehend (9 Occurrences)

Canopy (8 Occurrences)

Attentively (35 Occurrences)

Afternoon (9 Occurrences)

Sixth (45 Occurrences)

Silenced (19 Occurrences)

Swaddlingband (1 Occurrence)

Shade (67 Occurrences)

Shined (9 Occurrences)

Swaddling-band (1 Occurrence)

Clouds (99 Occurrences)

Shone (27 Occurrences)

Wrapped (40 Occurrences)

Evil (1503 Occurrences)

Dark (234 Occurrences)

Lest (282 Occurrences)

Adversity (54 Occurrences)

Fellowship (114 Occurrences)

Paths (65 Occurrences)

Stretch (73 Occurrences)

Blind (91 Occurrences)

Walk (315 Occurrences)

Waited (72 Occurrences)

Dawn (70 Occurrences)

Deeds (309 Occurrences)

Knoweth (152 Occurrences)

Turns (80 Occurrences)

Rises (56 Occurrences)

Sitting (201 Occurrences)

Sheol (64 Occurrences)

Darkness: Effects of Causes Us to Go Astray
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