Things that cause sin will inevitably occur,
but woe to the one through whom they occur.
Sin is serious. It is not simply a problem within us, but it actually hinders "the recognition of religious truth, in the hope of eternal life". This is why Paul exhorts Timothy to appoint priests in every town who not only know the truth but do it, people who are "blameless".
For a bishop as God's steward must be blameless, not arrogant,
not irritable, not a drunkard, not aggressive,
not greedy for sordid gain, but hospitable, a lover of goodness,
temperate, just, holy, and self-controlled,
holding fast to the true message as taught
so that he will be able both to exhort with sound doctrine
and to refute opponents.
Faults of arrogance, drunkenness, and even being irritable and aggressive cannot be tolerated. Holding fast to the message as taught and being able to refute opponents is important. But no amount of correct doctrine will work if the witness of one's life is saying something different.
It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck
and he be thrown into the sea
than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.
Given that none of us are perfect, it is discouraging to hear how much responsibility we have for the example we give to others. Jesus, realizing this, immediately speaks of forgiveness. He isn't building a Church for people who are already perfect. He is building a Church for those who are willing to cling to mercy and to keep trying.
If your brother sins, rebuke him;
and if he repents, forgive him.
And if he wrongs you seven times in one day
and returns to you seven times saying, 'I am sorry,'
you should forgive him."
Sound doctrine and and right practice have one origin: faith. Even a little faith is enough to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. We tend to encounter obstacles and give up when they don't yield. Instead we ought to pray, "Increase our faith." God wants our faith to be increased. We can know for sure that when we pray this way he will answer.
Such is the race that seeks for him,
that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.
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