1 Corinthians 1:22-24 English Standard Version

22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Signs and wisdom are not stumbling blocks to faith in Christ, making demands of God is a wall unbelievers put up to keep God out of their lives.

John 4:53

The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” And he himself believed, and all his household.

The context here is that this man was an official of some sort. Various versions describe him as royal, noble, government official, all of which could be considered men who were used to getting their own way by making demands. In this case the man said “come and heal my son.” Jesus denied the request and went about seeing to the needs of others in the community after He told this leader that his son would live.

Did Jesus heal the man’s son or just prophecy the event that was already happening?

Arguments could be made either way but the argument is not the focus of the tale. The man and his household began believing in Jesus. My focus in this article is to point to the demand placed on Jesus to go to the boy and Jesus did not obey that leader.

2 Thessalonians 2:3

Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,

This prophecy will not come until a rebellion happens. Only those inside the camp can rebel.

If God does not answer our demands is it possible that might lead to rebellion? I don’t know, so I choose not to place any demands on Christ who is the power and wisdom of God.

That is a choice. Love is after all a choice.

• Philippians 4:19
  And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
• 1 Thessalonians 1:8
  For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.

Decades ago a doctor of theology wrote a pamphlet called Security of the Believers.

I bought a copy and discovered it contained verse after verse of scripture with absolutely no personal observation or comments. The Word of God stood alone.

The Word contains everything we need to feel secure in Christ.

The verse from 1 Thessalonians 1:8  tells us that faith leads the way for those who believe in Christ.

This is true and I believe that my faith leads the way. So why do I feel the need to make comments on the scriptures that are quoted? At one time I needed instruction in the Word because I was not hearing His instructions by faith, i.e. commands to serve God’s will.

2 Thessalonians 1:3

We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.

Paul wrote his epistles to us so that we would know that we grow in faith and love. His Word has all that is needed to mature and be used of God by faith that is absent of insecurities that hinder our walk of faith.

Insecurity is a human condition and only one condition that stunts our growth in Christ.

If I tried to make a list of every human condition that hinders growth in Christ there is a real concern that I would miss some because I am best aware of my own failings. While some may have the same problem I had, not everyone does.

What is hindering your growth in Christ?

Our stumbling blocks can be identified in the Word that contains everything needed for us to grow in faith.