"Be Watchful Over Temptations That Cause You to Sin"(Luke 17:1-4)

Be Watchful Over Temptations That Cause You to Sin 

Luke 17:1-4 

Several time Jesus had warned his disciples about falling into sin or missing out in heaven because of the cares of the world. In Luke 12 Jesus warns against blaspheming against Holy Spirit.

And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. 

Luke 12:10 ESV 

In today's sermon, Pastor Donald explains how Jesus is warning us of falling into sin and leading others into sin. Temptations are a normal part of life and we need to face, flee or fight these tempations.   In Luke 17, Jesus identifies two sources of temptations. The first sources is from outside of the believers while the second source is from believers.

A  Temptations from the outside the body of believers are inevitable (Luke 17:1)

The world hates us because we operate on a different value system.  We are of Heaven but in the world, and Satan wants us to lose and fall. 

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 

1 Peter 4:12 ESV 

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 

1 Peter 5:8 ESV 

It is also important to note that Jesus is not addressing outsiders but rather believers to be careful of temptations. This includes me and you. Temptations to sin will happen. We are not exempt from sin. There is an extra caution which indicates people who cause others to sin are more deserving of punishment. 

B Temptations from within the body of believers are prone to come (Luke 17:3) 

This is an area which we can control because it involves the body of believers. Jesus commands us to rebuke our brothers and sisters in Christ. We need to reach out to our brothers and sisters to get them back on the straight and narrow. When we do reach out to others, we must do in this love. We also must remember that no believer is perfect, and we are going through a sanctification process. All of us need to tolerate each other. 

C Temptations from within one self are possible (Luke 17:3-4) 

We must forgive our brothers and sisters when they ask. The disciples responded with "Lord, increase our faith" because this is a difficult thing to do. When we have offended someone and feel that we need to ask forgiveness, we are uncomfortable. Only when we forgive them, we take away the guilt and pain they are suffering. In fact, we can actually bind people spiritually by not forgiving them and thus further torment them. 

 Some believers make things worse in the body of Christ by 

1. 1. Opting for unhealthy pacifism (Luke 17:3) Jesus tells us to go to those believers who are sinning and say that they are erring. By not telling them, we allow them to sink further into sin and farther from God.
2. 
   
3. 2.Embracing the hollier than thou syndrome (Luke 17:3) We make sure they feel the pain of their offense before we forgive them. Then we make them feel either unforgiven or less than others because or our arrogant attitude. 
4.