Woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

 3.13 am September 24 2020 4:44 time / 6.44 am 9.25.2020

When someone gets baptized (believers baptism) it is written they become a new creature and old things passed away as they are in Christ. Change happens. 2 Corinthians 5:17   They walk in newness of life. Romans 6.4 That is what needs to occur when the Lord Jesus  Christ says you have to humble yourselves as little children to enter the kingdom of heaven.  

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Woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

Matthew 18:1-11 King James Version

1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.

9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

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Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? That's the whole conundrum of this passage. I've heard Christians say that other Christians shouldn't argue the bible and basically meant in public. So they are saying or implying this is one of the things that this passage is about. There are many books and many blogs including many Christians and many pastures that don't agree in regards to certain biblical teachings being referenced verses/passages from the Bible. Christians who write blogs can become paranoid perhaps when they are going through something or even being convicted of something and they think somebody else is writing about them. If a blogger is giving his view or her view on a certain biblical passage in reference to whatever came to their mind or their spirit that is fair game. I've heard different Christians teaching at a Pulpit even Outdoors giving their views of certain biblical passages and even other so-called believers who differ greatly in belief as they give their views from their hearts/minds or understanding. Sometimes they may be wrong and sometimes they may just touch a nerve that other people can't accept. Now of course if you are conversing with a brother or sister in Christ and you have differing opinions you could talk about in a blog if they don't get offended as there are many blog comments or video comments even on YouTube. Sometimes the video administrator shuts off the comments because people argue.

I know we wrestle not against flesh and blood but at the same time this world is very wicked and when somebody is narrow-minded they could be drawn into all sorts of manipulative tactics that are far from the heart of God. They may engage in such destructive actions being indirect or direct attacks. Don't take everything personal though. 

Now then the question was who was greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Christ said you must be converted. What is he talking about? He's talking about jealousy and simplicity. People get egotistical. You have to be humbled between each other as little children. You know the lord Jesus Christ said that the least of the least in the Kingdom of Heaven is the greatest in essence. One must humble themselves just as a little child. Even among the Corinthians or perhaps the Galatians and various others that Paul administered to/showed love there were disputes among the brethren. There was jealousy and bickering. I find the exact same thing in biblical Christianity. I've heard of pastures who gave up because of such/even so called Christians. Just look at Prosperity preachers who seem to be charismatic yet one can see the money hungry eyes and hands that manipulate so many people. John 2:16  Christ expected such people to be least of the least as an example. They become glorified and worshiped. You know the saying that John the Baptist said that he must be reduced and Christ must be glorified and increased. The head of the sheep and the only mediator between God and man should be glorified and we should remember he is the master. 1 Timothy 2:5

 

So we can be like children among-st each other without jealousy and to be blameless among-st each other in the name of Jesus Christ being the biblical Jesus Christ then he'll receive us. We should not offend each other or even call each other out by name. (Refrain)  It would be wiser to speak to each other in private about our differences with each other. If not it will anger the Lord Jesus Christ.

Now concerning children. Remember whom Jesus Christ was talking to in his day. He had disciples there and the apostles. Perhaps he had some followers also. There were Jewish people that were his followers and believed in him and their children also believed in him. Then there were Pharisees and Sadducee s and perhaps Scribes that ridiculed and hated/despised him.  Those religious Pharisees/others we're on his back and offended by his teachings and even his Doctrine. So what is common sense is he was making reference to even those Jewish children that we're being offended by such people mentioned that didn't believe in him and had such hatred and offense towards him and those children. Remember the high priest of the Sanhedrin synagogue religious organization tore his outfit because he said he and God are one and also claimed to be the messiah yet he humbled himself but spoke the truth regardless.

Now there's the verse: "7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!"

Notice he says the world. I'm going to say that again as notice he says "the world." Offences will come from the world. But woe to that man the offense come from. He's not talking about those being attacked as he is making reference to the attacker being the offender. They are committing grave sin and against God and others they are insulting and hurting.

Now he references body parts including the eyes and he gives the details of such offenses that will have consequences particularly in hell. There are levels of punishments. So whatever you use including your eyes or your hands and feet including your arms you better think what you're doing because of what he's saying. There is a GREATER DAMNATION! You have to overlook such offensive things and sometimes mind your own business. You have to humble yourself before brethren and the lord.

Remember the initial question was who was the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. (Being on earth). Perhaps they wanted to know how he views them. Remembering his day they probably all wanted to feel important and have his approval. They even asked him in another passage what they will inherit for leaving home and following him. 

 

He even says:  "11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost." Remember on the day a Pentecost Brethren were added to the body of Christ. And others were being added daily. Acts (2)

Some more mature members they're more experienced and they even have been there longer should not be jealous of new arrivals being new members. They (New arrivals)  might not have the experience and the maturity but there are those that might have unusual gifts which can cause or create jealousy and strife. So people put up their shields and their hearts can become hardened.

Now in cross reference there is scripture that instructs brethren to withdraw themselves from other brethren that don't walk according to the traditions taught or kept by some. 

2 Thessalonians 3:6, KJV: "Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us."

What is the tradition? Some say it is Sunday worship or the day that they actually met on. I heard other Christians say, teach or imply that is just making reference to perhaps the method of salvation and baptism. As I said prior there was bickering and fighting among-st brethren during Paul's Ministry and certain communities of Christians we're being warned or better advised in the name of Jesus to not do so. There could be true biblical Christians that for example keep the Sabbath and even Sunday (1st) day meetings yet they are assumed they have put themselves back under law. That's not the issue of Christ. Are you walking disorderly? Are you walking drunk. Is there sexual fornication being committed? Are you swearing and using vile language. Are you insulting other Brethren and belittling them in front of the congregation. And to say just because some Christians might not follow organized typical religion being whatever denomination doesn't mean that they're not true Christians. I've heard it said they went out because they weren't of us. (Biblical) That term could be so manipulated. Jesus was born as Yeshua (Joshua) a Messianic Jew. As one biblical scholar said he did not even belong to organized religion nor was he ever/never a member of those who carry his name. The wonderful thing is there is no difference between Jew and Gentile. Remember that. Be humble among-st brethren. Many street Preachers are non-denominational. That does not mean they don't attend a bible preaching Church to worship. They try and not take sides. Some have their own congregations/ministries separate. Within born again Christians there should be humbled brethren as little children. Remember the parable where the Lord Jesus Christ talked about when the master went away there was someone who abused others while the master was away. He will appoint their portion in outer darkness! In other words God knows/sees everything and judges.

GENERAL SUMMARY 

Now in the passage prior or even after Matthew 18 there is reference made that supports the same thing in essence. For example there is a passage about the trespassing brother. There is the passage about little children being brought before the Lord. So one must strive to enter in at the narrow gate. Be humbled among your brothers and sisters in the body of Christ. Believers should be humbled and innocent as children. Children have angels. (Church / Discipline) 

Despise not. Take a back seat. Relax.

 ADDITIONAL SUMMARY 

And in additional summary also remember to be cautioned about not treating true believing children (especially Jewish Children) with contempt that believe in the Lord because the punishment will come with levels of severe punishment in hell. As it is written the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Proverbs 9.10 

Please note sometimes believers may be referred to as Children of God.

I'm putting Justine Peter’s video here so you can hear and learn more. Inigo Montoya: Where Two or Three Are Gathered Together. 

Matthew 18:15: Oh yes it's talking about Church discipline. Discipline in the body of Christ. Remember in their day they met in groups/homes or in a synagogue and even outdoors. The lord Jesus Christ told them listen to their leaders being the Jewish religious outfit because they sit in Moses seat but don't do as they do. Whatever Church or congregation you attend, or whatever ministry if it be biblical (denominational) within there should be discipline among the members. P.S remember Joshua (Jesus) was a messianic Jew and the church he build was in 33 AD. It was without spot or wrinkle. The body of Christ is the church. The gospel must be preached in season and out unto the whole World. 

 

4.21 am. 5.05 am working / finalized 9:44 am September 24, 2020

 

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