WOE TO THE TEMPTERS!

Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! —Luke 17:1

Who are those people tempting others into drugs, drunkenness, sexual immorality of all kinds, atheism, love of money and countless other vices? According to the verse above these people through whom temptations come are in deep trouble if they do not repent of their ways.

Jesus said that “temptations are sure to come.” Buy, He also said, “woe to the one through whom they come!” In Mark 9:42 Jesus put it this way— “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.” Tempting others to sin against God is a very serious affront to God and He will not allow that to go unnoticed.

A person who sins is responsible for their choice, but those tempting others to sin are also responsible. Those tempting others to sin can be individuals, a group or even the government. Here in the U.S. we have seen in the news where Christian photographers, bakers, other business owners and chaplains in the military are being told by the government to violate their obedience to God. The government is tempting them to be disobedient, to sin against God. Woe to those tempting followers of Jesus like this.

Fellow follower of Jesus, hold your ground and do not give the devil a foothold (Ephesians 4:27). Be aware of and stand against the devil’s schemes (II Corinthians 2:11; Ephesians 6:11). Temptations to sin will come… be on guard (I Peter 5:8).

Dear Father, please help me to flee temptation when it comes that I would not sin against You. Regardless of who seeks to tempt me to sin, help me to flee it. May I do so in the authority of Jesus and by the Holy Spirit’s power. May this be so!