Message Notes

INTERMEDIATE SUNDAY SCHOOL 12 May 2024
STUDIES IN THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
Text: Matthew 18

Subject: “Whoever causes one of these little ones to sin”

INTRODUCTION

1. The problem of sin

a) All have sinned

b) We will always come short of the glory of God

2. A warning given

a) Those who cause little ones to sin

b) This is a very grave problem

6 “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
7 Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!
8 “If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire.
9 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire.

Matthew 18:6-9

1. Offences

a) Sin is an offence to God

b) The world is badly affected by sin

c) Grave consequences come about because of sin

2. The person guilty of sin

a) He is the perpetrator of sin

b) He can cause another person to sin

3. Causing little ones to sin

a) This is a very grave sin

b) This person is like a predator

c) In modern day language, he grooms little ones to sin

d) There is grave penalty involved

i) The laws of Man

ii) The law of God

A STRONG WORD OF WARNING

1. To drown is a terrible way to die

2. The punishment from God would be worse than drowning

DEALING WITH SIN

1. We are directly responsible for our sins

2. Drastic measures are sometimes necessary

a) If a foot or hand causes one to sin

i) The foot

ii) The hand

iii) The eyes

b) Better to have eternal life

i) Lame

ii) Maimed

iii) Blind

e) Than to have

i) Both hands and feet

ii) And eyes

iii) And be cast into the everlasting hell fire

OUR CHALLENGE

1. To understand the nature of sin

a) Its deadliness

b) Its consequences

c) Its judgment from God

2. To choose

a) Eternal life

b) Living for God

c) Walking worthy of our calling