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The Subtlety of Sin

Text: Matthew 18 : 1 - 14

The disciples were probably unaware of the subtle ways in which sin could attack them. Sin can assume any disguise! One of the most deadly forms is when it disguises itself in the garb of service. The individual who serves with selfish ambition has already fallen into the trap of sin! Jesus had to instruct His disciples concerning the subtle ways in which sin could corrupt a person – even if he were a disciple!

“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. Woe to the world
because of offences! For offences must come, but woe to that man
by whom the offence comes!”
MATTHEW 18:6-7

“Who is greatest…” seems to have been an innocent question. It may not have been the wisest topic to bring up, but was there really grave danger attending the issue? In Jesus’ opinion – ‘Yes!’

THE DANGER OF CAUSING ANOTHER PERSON TO SIN

When people vie for fame, power or personal greatness, they set in motion carnal behaviour in their rivals. Contention, bitter feelings, anger etc could arise as people try and outdo each other! Along the way, many could be stumbled! The disciples must guard themselves ever so carefully against this very real danger! Sin is most deadly when it hides itself in noble service, when all the time, the individual is nothing more than seeking personal glory!

The world is full of “offences”! However, the good disciple must take extra care, that he is not the one causing people to sin. His life’s work is to help people be saved from sin, and not causing people to sin! He has to be even more aware of the fact that people, especially “little ones” could be badly stumbled by bad behaviour!

The disciple that is caught up with selfish ambition will be severely judged! Just how serious is this sin problem? Jesus gave a startling parallel of a person who is drowned in the sea with a millstone round his neck! Few things are worse than committing suicide! Causing others to stumble and to sin is worse than suicide!

DEALING WITH SIN APPROPRIATELY

Jesus took a very tough stance against the sin-problem! There is no other way to deal with the problem of sin! You cannot soft-pedal the problem of sin!

“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.
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 18:8-9

We have a totally different perspective of how to deal with sin in this text. We may speak of having two different perspectives when dealing with the problem of sin. Both perspectives are equally important! One perspective parallels the other!

1. Seeking Forgiveness and Cleansing

We are familiar with this perspective. This has always been taught from the earliest times!

a) There must be repentance.

b) Confession must be made.

c) Sin must be forsaken.

d) Forgiveness must be sincerely sought.

e) Restoration is achieved.

f) A new relationship is established with God!

2. Casting Sin Out

This approach must be adopted as a parallel to the above! Many, unfortunately, are happy to apply only the first approach. They seek forgiveness and cleansing, but they do not deal with the root problem! Jesus knew that a twin approach is necessary if sin is to be dealt with thoroughly!

a) Sin must be recognized for what it is

Even before sin is perpetrated, it must be recognized for what it is! Even in its incipient form, sin is deadly! The thought, and not just the deed, must be dealt with drastically!

b) Sin must be drastically dealt with

The hand, foot and eye are important parts of the body! If any of these members were missing, the individual would be severely handicapped! Imagine the strength of what Jesus is recommending in this word of advice!

i) Could a hand cause a person to sin? The thief who has been trained to steal would be better off without his swift and cunning hand. Better to enter into heaven minus a limb than to be cast into hell because of a life of sin!

ii) Could an eye cause a person to sin? The person who has his eye set on the worthless things of the world, would be better off minus an eye, than to be cast into hell, because he was so busy making money that he had no time to think of God at all!

iii) Could a foot cause a person to sin? Wayward feet can cause a person to sin grievously indeed! Which crowd would want a cripple to hang out with them?

The person who deals drastically with his inclinations to sin would be adjudged wise! He will not be cast into everlasting hell fire! How awesome was this lesson Jesus taught His disciples! How we need to heed these words as good disciples!