Luke 17:17

Jesus said to His disciples, “Stumbling blocks (temptations and traps set to lure one to sin) are sure to come, but woe (judgement is coming) to him through who they come.  

Jesus instructs us about the stumbling blocks put in our way. False doctrine, teaching, and watering down the Gospel lead believers to sin. Even worse is the judgment that comes to those who do not teach the Bible accurately, which is why a wise believer reads and knows the truth.  

Luke 5:20

When Jesus saw their (active) faith (springing from confidence in Him), He said, “Man, your sins are forgiven.”

Active faith is sold out to Jesus and doesn’t need any more convincing that He can heal. Active faith studies the Word on healing, which becomes real despite the circumstances. When the confidence in the Word and Jesus builds to the point where we know Jesus is the healer without any doubts, healing comes.  

Mark 14:24

And He said to them, “This is My blood of the (new) covenant, (My blood) which is being poured out for many (for the forgiveness of sins).

Redemption! Without Jesus dying on the cross, we would still be locked in sin with no way out. Jesus dying on the cross may have taken place years ago, but to the person wanting to be washed free of sin, it happens the instant they call on the name of Jesus. The truth of Jesus is still just as alive and powerful today!

Mark 8:38

For whoever is ashamed (here and now) of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father and the holy angels. 

If a believer is ashamed of Jesus and the Word, they don’t see the light that leads away from sin. Sin is no respecter of persons and inclusive of all and does not lead a person away from error but deeper. The righteous oppose sin, reject its temptation, and turn away from its influence, which leads out of sin.  

Mark 4:11

He said to them, “The mystery of the kingdom of God has been given to you (who have teachable hearts), but those who are outside (the unbelievers, the spiritually blind) get everything in parables. So that they will continually look but not see, and they will continually hear but not understand, otherwise they might turn (from their rejection of the truth) and be forgiven.  

At some point, the truth was presented and rejected by the one that only receives parables. The truth from God didn’t line up with their interpretation of how life should be. This person will keep looking for their truth and never understand or hear the truth of God. Yet their hearts long for the truth they rejected, and repentance is the only way back to God.

Mathew 25:46

Then these (unbelieving people) will go away into eternal (unending) punishment, but those who are righteous and in right standing with God (will go, by His remarkable grace) into eternal life.

It matters what we believe! Our choices must be firm on the Word of God and His teaching, not false doctrine or twisted teachings that lend toward the justification of sin. Faith is not to build up our feelings but to increase the strength of our spirits toward righteousness. Feelings change, but God and the Bible do not. 

Proverbs 9:8-9

Do not correct a scoffer (who foolishly ridicules and takes no responsibility for his error) or he will hate you; correct a wise man and he will become even wiser; teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning. 

A teachable heart is essential. Our lives and growth in God depend on whether or not we are willing to learn. The lesson may come to us in a correction from God or someone speaking into our lives. We can increase and avoid sin when we have a willing, teachable heart.  

Psalm 32:10

Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but he who trusts in and relies on the Lord shall be surrounded with compassion and lovingkindness. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous (who actively seek right standing with Him); shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

The closer we get to the Lord, the stronger we can feel His love for us. When we diligently see His wisdom and guidance, we show our faith in Him and His Word. We are to be glad and joyful over our relationship with God as we keep standing with Him.

Romans 15:4-5

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope and overflow with confidence in His promises. Now may the God who gives endurance and who supplies encouragement grant that you be the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus. 

The Bible portrays lives like ours, with people making similar decisions. It shows the successes and failures and teaches us what is right and what fails. We can gain hope and encouragement and learn from others’ struggles. It shows the hand of God extended toward His people whom He loves

Romans 8:7-8

The mind of the flesh (with its sinful pursuits) is actively hostile to God. It does not submit itself to God’s law, since it cannot, and those who are in the flesh (living a life that caters to sinful appetites and impulses) cannot please God.

As Christians, we can see the works of the flesh and the troubles it causes. We have the Holy Spirit working with our spirit to keep us on track. We will avoid sin when we keep our minds renewed with the Word and listen to our inner voice.