An offence is an occasion or cause of stumbling. It is a snare, a trap, obstacle, or a temptation that can lead someone to sin or to lose their faith in God.
It can also come in the form of a trapstik as satan often tempts us to step outside of the will of God with things that are appealing to us. It holds the bait just until we close in, and, when we give in, it traps us.
Thus, it is of utmost importance for us to keep our hearts purge Otherwise, the iniquity that we hold in our heart will quietly will trip us like it did the Prophet Balaam, who despite his closeness to God, fell because of the sin that he regarded in his heart. He disregarded God’s instructions and tried to curse the people, although God said to bless them. (Numbers 22).
A love for things which are not of God will pollute ministerial gifts, and no one who is polluted will enter into God’s kingdom. God ensures that all of His Son’s are tried and tested. We must be worthy of the title saint/ Holy ones. Nevertheless, no matter the test, if given to us, God is confident that we can overcome it in Him.
He therefore examines every trial that comes to His people.
We can be assured that if God allows a dart or a fiery trial to come, He knows that we either already have the grace to overcome or we have access to the grace. These trials bring opportunities for us to search every corner of the hearts for purity.
📖1 Corinthians 10:13
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
God's way of escape always includes walking in love, humility and obedience to His Word.
Additionally, each test poses an opportunity for us to glorify and grow in God. Thus offences can be used as stepping stones into the purpose of God for our lives.
Therefore, we must be careful not to embrace false doctrines example that gain is godliness. (1 Timothy 6:5).This can stop us from experiencing true riches. The story of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:18-22 is one we can learn from.
Another bait of satan is to allure sons of God into intimate relationships with unbelievers. Balaam, after he could not curse God’s people, set up desirable stumbling blocks to seduce the children of Israel.
📖Numbers 31:16
Look, these women caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against the LORD in the incident of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.
Look, these women caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against the LORD in the incident of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.
Lust drives people to abandon the boundaries of God. True love is patient, however, lust pressures to speedy execution.
Another way offences arise is through idle words. The devil recognizes the power of the human tongue. Accordingly, he established and spread this deep-rooted lies through people “sticks and stones might break my bones but words cannot hurt me”.
📖Matthew 12:36
But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
📖Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.
Even the words in songs carry messages behind them. These can cause us to feel lustful, vengeful, altruistic, etc. The devil will try to poison our souls through the wrong kind of music. Henceforth, we should be mindful of the music which we consume and lift up righteous standards against all that is unholy. “Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin, Each victory will help you some other to win;” (Hymn by Horatio R. Palmer).
Facing Offences is inevitable.
📖Luke 17:1
Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!
Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!
The words of this chorus by Paul Robeson: “every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart” echo the setting necessary for us to avoid being offended and unforgiving: having the Holy Spirit moving in our hearts.
The inspiration of God must be alive and active in our hearts for us to be victorious.
📖Psalm 119:9
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
The purity found in God’s Word and working in unity with His Spirit prove to be the only way powerful enough to overcome the evil one and all his fiery darts.
Let us be reminded that Satan has a majority of the persons in this world on his course, and his way is filled with evil seditions (Galatians 5:19–21, Colossians 3:5–8, Mark 7:21–23, Romans 1:29).
God has always been faithful to cause His truth to endure throughout all generations. For example, the teachings and holiness movements of John and Charles Wesley have been enriching for the Christian community for years. The Wesley brothers had a revelation of the holiness which God has called His church to. God continues to raise up voices of truth
The teachings of Jesus were emulated in His lifestyle (Luke 23:34). His record proves that humans can live lives which please God, and He presently helps those who seek Him. He is closer than a brother in times of distress (Hebrews 13:5, Psalm 23:4).
📖Hebrews 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
God's guidance includes directives on how to overcome offences and unforgiveness.
📖Matthew 18:21-22
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
Jesus lived His life choosing to forgive.
If responded in the mind of Christ, we will do so likewise Doing otherwise is actually outside of our nature since we have been made partakers of God’s divine nature.(2 Peter 1.3)
When we resist walking in offense and unforgiveness we will embrace compassion and forgive our offenders.
We must choose to receive God’s chastening or training. This is geared towards helping us to walk in love. (Hebrews 12:6-11).
📖Hebrews 12:6-7
For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten ( Read Hebrews 12:1-13
For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten ( Read Hebrews 12:1-13
Delivered by: Pastor Andrew Norman
Summarized by: Francianne Richards
Reflect and Respond
Do you see the dangers of walking in offences and unforgiveness forgive?
Is there any one who you offended or who offended you that you need to forgive today? Please don't delay
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