Luke 17:1-4

Luke 17:1-4

1. We are taught the great sinfulness of putting stumbling-blocks in the way of other men's souls.
2. We are taught the great importance of a forgiving spirit.

"The cross of Christ will always give offence. Let us not increase that offence by carelessness in our daily life."

"The man who cannot forgive his neighbor the few trifling offences he may have committed against him, can know nothing experimentally of that free and full pardon which is offered now by Christ."

Questions:

1. This passage warns us against putting stumbling blocks before others, which Ryle points out is even living the Christian life inconsistently and, by doing so, adding offence to an already offensive gospel. Is this how we have thought of this passage before? In what ways may our lives be adding offence to others?

2. The readiness to forgive is one of the clear marks of the indwelling Holy Spirit. How are our hearts when it comes to forgiving those who have offended us and repent, even 7 times in a day? Can we say that we have this evidence of grace in knowing how much we have been forgiven? May it be so!