THE GOSPEL OF LUKE: - Vital Christianity

139TEMPTATION, SIN AND FORGIVENESSLuke 17:1-6"No amount of piety on Sunday will take the place of integrity on Wednesday." 1--Elton TruebloodThis is the first of four sayings which seem to be independent teachings of Jesus becausethey are unconnected with the discourse or circumstance in which they have been placed. Markalso reported what seemed to be independent teachings of Jesus. On the other hand, there may bea connection which will become more obvious in each of the four sayings.Jesus had just finished the Parable of The Rich Man and Lazarus, with the rich man(Dives) in hell appealing to Abraham to warn his brothers of ending up in the same place oftorture. Abraham responded that they had their chance through the warnings of Moses and theprophets (16:29-31).In this next section Jesus warns those yet living against such a sin:“Jesus said to His disciples: "Things that cause people to sin are bound tocome, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better forhim to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck thanfor him to cause one of these little ones to sin” (17:1-2).The phrase "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come” (v. 1) shows the corruptstate of the human heart. Even with all the influences of grace and the promises of glory peoplewill continue to sin against God; and His justice requires punishment.Here are four things of which Christians should beware:1. Tempting others (vv. 1-2)2. An unforgiving spirit (vv. 3-4)3. Overlooking the power of faith (vv. 5-6)4. The belief that one can merit salvation (vv. 7-10).The fourth attitude to beware of will be addressed in the next study called,“UNWORTHY SERVANTS.”