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Stumbling-block: STUMBLING-STONE; Any cause of stumbling; that which causes to err.
Greek: skandalon [skan’-dal-on] = offence [9], stumbling block [3], occasion of stumbling [1], occasion to fall [1], thing that offends [1]. (“scandal”); Strong’s Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary. Originally was "the name of the part of a trap to which the bait is attached, hence, the trap or snare itself, as in Rom. 11:9 Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old Testament and New Testament Words.
The other day I was in a conversation about the idea of ‘stumbling-blocks’ or offences and the responsibilities of the church to make sure one does not allow their freedom to affect the life of another believer in what they may or may not approve. This gets a little trite from my opinion in Romans 14 and there are such discussions as not eating meat if it offends your brother. Romans 14:15 (AMP) But if your brother is being pained or his feelings hurt or if he is being injured by what you eat, [then] you are no longer walking in love. [You have ceased to be living and conducting yourself by the standard of love toward him.] Do not let what you eat hurt or cause the ruin of one for whom Christ died!
These are offences that seem to be so silly, yet Paul is saying that many believers have freedom to do certain things, yet one should know if it is a stumbling block to another and we must be wise enough to abstain in the presents of that brother. In other words, Christ is not upset with you to have a glass of wine or having a steak, but if you offend your brother, God is not pleased. It is important that you understand the importance of having your freedoms to yourself and not out there in public whereby a brother may be watching and thus offended. Romans 14:17 (NKJV) for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
The Jews were very steeped in traditions of their forefathers that they had many formalities they followed in the practicing of their religion. They were not allowed to eat meat such as pork and when Jesus came to teach Peter the importance of dropping your religious attitudes, it was not welcomed with open arms. Acts 11:7-9 (NKJV) And I heard a voice saying to me, 'Rise, Peter; kill and eat.' But I said, 'Not so, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has at any time entered my mouth.' But the voice answered me again from heaven, 'What God has cleansed you must not call common.'
These breaking of traditions were a part of the law that the Jews used in justifying that Jesus was not real and thus they judged Him accordingly. They could not wrap their heads around the idea that He was from God because He was underlying the Jews traditions. Colossians 2:8 (NKJV) Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. John 9:16 (NKJV) Therefore some of the Pharisees said, "This Man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath [follow our traditions]." Others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?" And there was a division among them.
Yes, the Jews were caught up in formality and not being led by the Spirit, and they got off the ‘beaten pathway of life’ and found themselves in a ditch and could not get out. Be cautious as to your judgements of others and if it is in the Word of God, it is Holy Writ and can be trusted and as I always say, “You can take it to the Bank”.
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