Today's passage continues the theme of the last couple days, gaining a better understanding of temptation and what can come from it. This passage is part of one I had the privilege to cover last May. With fewer verses this time, we'll be able to delve more deeply into some important topics. We will cover two of multiple verses throughout the new testament that reference getting rid of a body part that causes us to sin. As Peter continued on with his eyes even after losing faith and looking away from Jesus when on the water (Matthew 14:30), and did he relieve himself of his hand after lopping off someone's ear (John 18:10), we will be able to get a richer understanding of this passage if we view these things figuratively (a la Galatians 5:24). We should still hold these as weighty, though, as their nature would indicate. We will also wrestle with the concept of "necessary temptation." This could quickly lead to heretical thoughts, such as God causes or gives temptations--James 1:13 makes it abundantly clear this is not the case!

The thrust of today's scripture is alerting us to the nature and severity of sin. This warning is undoubtedly for our good. By being aware of the threat, we are better able to understand the importance of taking proper precautions, such as putting on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). May the word of God prique our hearts to what temptation we have allowed in our lives, and strengthen us to be able to crucify those fleshly desires with Christ, allowing the living Christ to live in us, the Spirit overwhelming us, causing us to pour out the love of the Father on those around us.

Luke H.

[Matthew 18:7-9]

7 “Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes! 8 And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ To whom is this word of woe going? [v. 7]

+ Read Ephesians 2:1-3 and Daniel 11:35. What insight can these passages give as to what v. 7 means when it says "it is necessary that temptations come?

+ What does "woe to the one by whom it comes" mean? [v. 7]

+ When something causes us to sin, though it is as important and dear to us as a hand, foot, or eye, what should we do to keep from sinning? [v. 8]

+ What does this passage tell us about the afterlife? What specific words does this passage use to reference it, and what do you think this means? [vv. 8-9]

+ Considering the church is often referred to as the body of God, what might vv. 8-9 mean for the body? See Paul's practical application of this concept in 1 Corinthians 5.

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ What in your life do you need to cut out, crucify, that Christ can be all the more apparent to you and through you?

+ What steps will you take this week to rectify this?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?