Matthew 18:5–9
“Whoever receives one such child in My Name receives Me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
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! 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. 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.” (ESV)
1. Causing Others to Sin is a Grievous Offense (vv 5–6)
a. Receiving the Vulnerable Reflects Christ.
b. The Severity of Causing Sin.
2. Personal Holiness Requires a Radical Approach to Sin (vv 7–9)
a. The Reality of Temptation.
b. Radical Measures Against Sin.
c. The Eternal Consequences of Sin.
3. Guarding the Covenant Community from Sin.
a. Protecting Children from Sin.
b. Teaching Sound Doctrine.
APPLICATION
a. Commit to Humility and Service – not Greatness and Control.
b. Pursue Personal Holiness.
c. Love and Protect the Covenant Community.