Overcoming Stumbling Blocks and Spiritual Warfare

A stumbling block, as defined in sacred instruction, refers to any course of action or attribute of character that injures the influence of others, hinders their prosperity, or leads them into spiritual darknessWM 240.4+2. While often associated with Christ being a "rock of offense" to those who are disobedient, it also describes the negative impact that professing Christians can have on others through inconsistent living or selfish habits 1 Peter 2:6-81888 732.2+3.

The Nature of Stumbling Blocks

• Definition: It is far more than a physical obstruction; it is any pursuit that harms the spiritual interests or progress of a brother or sisterWM 240.4+2.

• The Rejection of Christ: To those who do not believe, Jesus Himself became a stumbling block because His mission did not align with their worldly expectations Isaiah 8:14COL 34.4+2.

• Inconsistent Living: Those who claim to keep the law but live in transgression are stumbling blocks to both sinners and believers17MR 145.1+2.

• Selfishness and Appetite: Hoarding means that could help the cause or indulging in appetites—such as meat-eating or tobacco—blunts the sensibilities and blocks the pathway for othersSpM 48.1+4.

• Behavior and Speech: Lightness, joking, evil-thinking, and evil-speaking are significant barriers that lead others toward perditionVSS 127.3+3.

Call to Action

God calls for an earnest effort to clear the King's highway of all such rubbish2MCP 434.2+2. True peace and spiritual growth are found only when we remove these impediments by humbling our hearts and seeking a thorough transformation of character Psalms 69:22-2315MR 93.2+2.

...justice; for God has made us guardians of the blind, the afflicted, the widows, and the fatherless. The stumbling block referred to in the Word of God does not mean a block of wood placed before the feet of the blind to cause him to stumble; but it means much more than this. It means any course that may be pursued to injure the influence of their blind brother, to work against his interest, or to hinder his prosperity.—Testimonie...— ChS 215.3 (1925)

...the hardness of the human heart that causes people to “stumble at the law,” so that the stumbling-block is in reality the stubborn heart. It was this that caused the ancient Jews to fall. See Romans 9:31-33+1. The o...— PTUK May 31, 1894, page 340.2

Those who claim to keep and teach the holy law of God, and yet are continually transgressing that law, are stumbling-blocks both to sinners and to believers in the truth. The loose, lax way in which many regard the law of Jehovah and the gift of His Son, ...— GW 437.2 (1915)

... disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient” 1 Peter 2:6-8— 20MR 315.6 (1993)

...ed before the feet of the blind to cause him to stumble, but it means much more than this. It means any course that may be pursued to injure the influence of their blind brother, to work against his interest, or to hinder his prosperity— 3T 519.2 (1885)

2 Corinthians 10:1-11

1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:

2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, with which I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

7 Do you look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ’s, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ’s, even so are we Christ’s.

8 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord has given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:

9 That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.

10 For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.

11 Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.

Spiritual warfare is a divine conflict where the weapons employed are not carnal or human, but are supernaturally empowered by God to dismantle the strongholds of the enemy 2 Corinthians 10:3-41MR 365.2+1. This warfare involves bringing every rebellious thought and imagination into total submission to the authority of Christ 2 Corinthians 10:5CTBH 136.1+1.

The Nature and Weapons of the Warfare 🛡️

• Non-Carnal Weapons: Although believers live and walk in physical bodies, they do not carry out their battle using worldly methods, force, or physical violence 2 Corinthians 10:3-4AMS October 17, 1895, page 322.16+1.

• The Power of God: The effectiveness of a Christian's weaponry comes directly from God, providing the strength necessary to pull down the most entrenched spiritual fortresses 2 Corinthians 10:4BEcho June 15, 1892, par. 6+1.

• The Sword of the Spirit: The primary offensive weapon is the Word of God, which is described as a sharp, two-edged sword used to defend the truth and cut through deception Ephesians 6:17GCB January 1, 1897, page 53.4+1.

• Gospel Armor: Successful soldiers must be fully equipped with the heavenly armor, which includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, and salvation Ephesians 6:11-1821MR 427.3+1.

The Target: Thoughts and Imaginations 🧠

• Casting Down Imaginations: Spiritual warfare is largely fought in the mind, where God’s power is used to overthrow "imaginations" or human reasonings that contradict His truth 2 Corinthians 10:5CTBH 136.1+1.

• Demolishing Pride: Every "high thing" or proud thought that exalts itself against the knowledge of God must be leveled by the power of the Holy Spirit 2 Corinthians 10:51MR 365.2+1.

• Captivity to Christ: The ultimate goal of this conflict is to take every individual thought prisoner and lead it into willing obedience to Jesus Christ 2 Corinthians 10:5SW December 5, 1899, par. 6+1.

• Purifying the Heart: Jesus seeks to attract the mind and cleanse the heart from secret sins, ensuring that the noble faculties are not debased by sensual or low thoughtsTSB 204.1+1.

Preparation and Discipline ⚔️

• Earnest Training: Just as earthly soldiers are drilled for any emergency, those fighting for Prince Emmanuel must be even more painstaking in their spiritual preparationChS 63.3+1.

• Self-Denial and Vigilance: This warfare is a stern conflict involving daily self-denial, cross-bearing, and the subduing of carnal desires through the Spirit of God3T 43.1+1.

• The Role of Prayer: When the mind is assailed by corrupt imaginings, the believer is to flee to the throne of grace, for prayer is a vital defense against the malice of the evil oneCTBH 136.1+2.

• Readiness for Obedience: The apostle highlights that once the believer's own obedience is fulfilled, there is a readiness to address and correct all disobedience 2 Corinthians 10:6ARSH July 3, 1856, page 79.6.