Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional as we continue in our Luke, Exploring Who Jesus is series. This week I’m trialling only posting on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Today, from Luke 17:1, we reflect on how sin attempts to trip all of us, but in Christ, we can stand strong.
To watch this devotional, select the link below
‘Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come.”’ (Luke 17:1)
We live in a fallen world in which the devil and his hordes are at work to inspire chaos and wickedness. We must have a realistic understanding of this world if we are not to be taken by surprise and knocked off of our feet. Many Christians are shocked when they face various trials and they stumble in their faith. Many Christians are not prepared for temptation. They behave like someone walking through as war zone as if it were a park!
Life is more like a mountainous hike than one of those travelators in an airport. If one attempts a difficult hike, one puts on the right footwear and clothing. They look out for trip hazards. If the walk is near a cliff, you keep your distance and warn others to do the same. Too many of us treat life like it’s an easy jaunt. We don’t expect to stumble and so we are not prepared.
Paul tells us in Ephesians 6 to ‘put on the full armour of God’ because life is a war against the nefarious powers of darkness who want us to stumble and dishonour Jesus.
Today, let’s remember that “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come…” Today, let’s protect ourselves through prayer, by abiding in Christ, keeping in step with the Spirit and remaining vigilant.
Our next devotional is on Wednesday (20th) when from Luke 17:1-2, we reflect on how we are to do all that we can to inspire faith in others rather than being a source of stumbling.
Let’s pray together as we finish
“Father, today, keep me from temptation and deliver me from evil. Thank you for reminding me of my vulnerability. Thank you for reminding me that you want me to stand strong and in you I can run this race for you. Amen.”
Community Group Notes
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
2. Icebreaker
How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you?
3. Worship together
Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.
4. Study and pray together
On Sunday our message from Luke 17:1-4, was entitled, Jesus wants to teach us how to have healthy relationships. In summary, Disciples of Jesus need to learn the vital lessons of how to avoid ‘stumbling’ (into sin), avoid making others stumble, and how to repair broken relationships when we have stumbled.
Please read Luke Luke 17:1-4 and discuss:
Did God speak to you about anything from Sunday’s message that would encourage others?
17:1. In what ways can we ‘stumble’ in our faith?
17:1-2. In what ways can we make others ‘stumble’ in their faith?
17:3. In what ways, and for what reasons, do you think that we are told to ‘watch [ourselves]’?
17:3-4. What are you to do if someone sins against us?
(Note: It’s important to note that in the church we have a Safeguarding Policy that needs to be adhered to. And, if you feel that the ‘sin against us’ (or another) is a safeguarding concern, you are to speak to Jem Howe (our Safeguarding Co-ordinator) or Sarah Fernandez (our Deputy Safeguarding Co-ordinator). Please also speak to either of these if you have questions regarding our policy. Here is a link to our policy: https://www.communitychurchputney.com/safeguarding
SIV - How will our seeking to guard and repair our relationships be a witness to those outside of faith?
SIV - Do we have any stories of how we have ‘Served, Invested, and inVited’ recently?
SIV - Spend some time together talking and praying about who and how you are seeking to bring your community to Jesus.
Let’s pray together: Pray for one another out of our study together and for anything else for which people would like prayer.
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