Offenses ~ Luke 17: 1-4
Pastor John Opferman
6:00 PM
November 17, 2024
Powered by Ministry-notes.com
Main Topics Discussed
Introduction: Setting the Scene
Acknowledge the truth of offenses in our lives as Christians.
Luke 17:1-4 provides direct teaching on offenses from Jesus to His disciples.
The inevitability of offenses: Jesus states, “It is impossible but that offenses will come.”
Offenses are not merely inconvenient—they’re spiritually dangerous.
The Reality of Offenses
Offenses are unavoidable; as long as we live, we will face them.
Jesus highlights the seriousness of causing offense, especially towards "little ones" or those in faith.
Woe unto those who bring offenses—it's better to face severe consequences than to lead others to stumble.
Christians may be more easily offended because they are spiritually alive and sensitive to God’s ways.
Understanding Offenses in the Christian Context
Christians, with hearts of flesh (sensitivity given by God), can be more easily affected.
Unlike those who are spiritually dead, Christians respond to offenses more strongly due to a renewed spiritual nature.
This sensitivity is God’s design to keep us responsive and compassionate but also comes with challenges.
The Devil’s Use of Offenses as a Trap
Offenses can be tools for the devil, who seeks to snare Christians and cause them to stumble.
Biblical example of Job: When Satan used multiple tactics to offend and provoke him, Job withstood until his friends accused him.
The devil knows that offense leads to anger, pride, and eventually, bitterness—compromising our relationship with God.
Consequences of Allowing Offenses to Take Root
Bitterness: Offenses left unchecked lead to bitterness, which poisons the soul.
Loss of Grace: Bitterness causes grace to fail in our lives; we struggle to forgive and extend grace to others.
Spread to Others: Bitterness is contagious and spreads, damaging the community and family of faith.
Blocked Repentance: Bitterness hardens the heart, making it difficult to repent and find grace.
Practical Steps for Handling Offenses
Dying to Self: Recognize that offenses often come from pride and personal rights.
Take up the cross daily; dead people cannot be offended.
Control Anger: Anger can quickly turn into wrath, clamor, and bitterness; avoid letting it take root.
Stay in God’s Word: Psalm 119:165 - “Great peace have they which love thy law, and nothing shall offend them.”
A heart filled with Scripture can resist offenses.
Rely on the Holy Spirit: Allow the Spirit to guide and comfort rather than grieve Him with anger and bitterness.
Pray for Offenders: Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:44 calls us to pray for those who offend us, allowing God’s grace to soften our hearts.
Confront in Love: Address the offense directly when necessary to resolve and forgive, as Luke 17:3 instructs.
The Importance of Forgiveness
Offenses can build walls that create bitterness if not addressed through forgiveness.
Holding grudges only harms ourselves; forgiveness is a gift we extend to maintain spiritual health.
Christ modeled ultimate forgiveness despite the greatest of offenses.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Recognize the devil’s tactics in using offenses to trap believers.
Understand that God allows us to face offenses as opportunities to grow in grace.
Choose forgiveness and humility to counter the poison of offense, trusting God to handle the outcome.
Call for prayer, asking God to help us overcome offenses, to remain gracious, and to avoid becoming stumbling blocks to others.
Biblical References
Luke 17:1-4 - "Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offenses will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him."
Psalm 73:15 - "If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children."
Psalm 119:165 - "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them."
1 Corinthians 1:23 - "But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness."
Proverbs 16:32 - "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city."
Matthew 5:43-44 - "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you."
Ephesians 4:30-31 - "And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice."
Hebrews 12:15 - "Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled."
Galatians 2:20 - "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me."
Ephesians 4:26 - "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath."
Reflection Questions
In what ways have I allowed past offenses to take root in my heart, and how can I actively seek healing and forgiveness to prevent bitterness from growing?
How does my reaction to offenses reflect my relationship with God and my reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance and peace?
When I feel offended, do I immediately turn to prayer and Scripture for comfort, or do I tend to dwell on the offense? What practical steps can help me respond more like Christ?
Am I aware of how my words and actions might unintentionally cause others to stumble or feel offended? How can I better practice humility and sensitivity towards those around me?
What does it mean for me personally to “die to self” when facing offenses, and how can embracing this principle bring more freedom and peace in my relationships?
Daily Activities
Daily Forgiveness Practice
Activity: At the end of each day, take a few minutes to reflect on any moments when you felt offended or hurt.
Application: Write down each incident, then consciously choose to forgive each person involved, praying for them by name. This practice can help release bitterness and promote a heart of forgiveness.
Scripture Meditation
Activity: Memorize and meditate on Psalm 119:165 (“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them”).
Application: Whenever you feel offended or hurt, pause and repeat this verse to yourself, reminding yourself to find peace through God’s Word.
Gratitude and Perspective Journal
Activity: Keep a small journal where you write down instances where God has been gracious to you, even during difficult times.
Application: This helps maintain a perspective of gratitude and humility, helping you remember that God’s grace is sufficient in all things, especially when you feel offended.
Intentional Prayer for Offenders
Activity: Select someone who may have recently offended or hurt you, and commit to praying for them every day for a week.
Application: Pray for their well-being and growth, and ask God to soften your heart toward them. Reflect on how your attitude changes through consistent prayer.
Self-Examination and Accountability
Activity: Schedule a weekly time to reflect on any ways you may have caused offense to others, intentionally or unintentionally.
Application: Consider talking to a trusted friend or accountability partner who can offer guidance and prayer as you seek to live peaceably with others. If needed, reach out to anyone you may have offended to seek reconciliation.
