Pastor Jintae Kim’s Sunday Worship Sermon Manuscript

November 16, 2025

“Do Not Cause Others to Stumble” (Luke 17:1–2)

 

Introduction

Today’s passage is one of the most misused or misapplied verses in the Bible. It is especially directed toward those who believe in Jesus. The kinds of incidents that cause others to stumble within the church today fall under this category. I recall my early days as a new believer. Twice, I was threatened by senior believers who told me not to cause them to stumble. In both cases, their logic was that if I didn’t agree with them, I was making them stumble. I couldn’t understand what they meant. No matter how much I searched the Bible, it was clear that their application was incorrect. They were simply using Scripture to serve their own interests and to pressure me, which I found deeply disappointing. So how should we rightly apply this passage? Let’s reflect together.

 

Who Is Being Warned?

In verse 1, Jesus speaks these words to His disciples. The warning is directed at those with spiritual maturity. In verse 2, the ones who stumble are referred to as “little ones.” In Luke’s Gospel, “little ones” refers to believers in Jesus—especially those who are relatively new or weak in faith.

 

What Is the Warning?

Jesus is saying that we must be careful not to cause those with less spiritual maturity or weaker faith to fall into sin because of us. He uses extreme language to emphasize how serious this is. If someone were to have a millstone hung around their neck and be thrown into the sea, even the best swimmer would drown. This is a metaphor for severe judgment.

 

The Warning Is for You

Most importantly, we must remember that this warning is not for others—it is for ourselves. Those who use this passage to threaten others by saying, “Woe to you if you make me stumble,” are completely misinterpreting its intent. Overcoming temptation is my responsibility. I cannot demand that others avoid tempting me.

 

Always Be an Example

We must recognize that even our words and actions, when spoken without ill intent, can become stumbling blocks for others. This is especially true in regions with different customs and cultures, where extra caution is needed.

The Bible presents two extreme examples. One is the story of Ham being caused to stumble when Noah became drunk and lay uncovered.

Genesis 9:18–27 recounts how Noah, though called righteous and chosen by God to build the ark and preserve humanity, made a mistake by drinking wine and becoming drunk. This led to his son Ham exposing his father’s shame. Even though Noah was responsible for causing his son to stumble, he cursed Ham. Is it just me who finds this troubling? I must ask myself: Have I failed to be a spiritual example to my children, causing them to stumble?

 

Always Think from the Perspective of the Weak in Faith

 

The Apostle Paul emphasized building up the body of Christ. No matter how justified an action may seem, he always considered whether it would build up the church—especially the weaker believers. In the Corinthian church, one major issue was whether it was permissible to eat meat offered to idols. Paul responded:

1 Corinthians 8:4–13 teaches that although idols are nothing and there is only one God, not everyone has this knowledge. Some believers, due to their past associations with idols, may feel defiled by eating such meat. Paul warns that our freedom must not become a stumbling block to the weak. If a knowledgeable believer eats in an idol’s temple and a weaker believer sees this, they may be emboldened to do the same, leading to spiritual ruin. Paul concludes: “If food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to stumble.”

Reflection Questions

•            Have I ever caused someone to stumble?

•            Am I living in a way that builds up the weak?

•            Are my words and actions setting a Christlike example?

 

Prayer

Lord, may my words and actions never cause others to stumble.

Help me live to build up the weak and be an example of faith.

 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.