Four Lessons for Disciples
1 Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!
2 “It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
3 “Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.
4 “And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you,[fn] saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”
5 And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”
6 So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.
7 “And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’?
8 “But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’?
9 “Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not.
10 “So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’ ”
Main Topics/Questions
Please consider the following topics/questions as you listen to the sermon:1. Why does Jesus tell us that it is impossible that no offenses or stumbling blocks will come?
2. How do people react when a scandal comes? How should we react?
3. How serious is it to offends or scandalizes the "little ones"? What does that mean? Who are the "little ones"?
4. What should you do when someone sins against you? What should be our goals when we confront someone? What are some things we should not do?
5. What is possible for you and I to do with only faith the size of a mustard seed? How?
6. How is the slavery (indentured service) mentioned in these verses different from the chattel slavery practiced in early American history and the sex trafficking slavery of today? How are verses 7 - 10 like what many of us experience today? How should we view what we do?
Conclusion:
There is honor in serving others for Christ. There is honor in serving your family for Christ. So quit looking for ways in which you can be thanked or praised. Instead think about how you can honor Christ in your work and in your family and you will live a much more fulfilled life.
What a tremendous duty and honor it is to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ since He is the one who loved us so much that He died to forgive us of all our sins.
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Do you feel an emptiness in your life? Are you seeking answers but don't know where to look? Have you ever wondered if you are good enough? Please read the summary of the gospel message, "Four Things You Need to Know About God"
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