Overcoming Offenses
Luke 17:1-4Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! 2It 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. 3Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. 4And 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.
There will always be offenses on the earth before the redemption of all things. An offense can be a wrongdoing that hurts another in some way. Also, an offense is a stumblingblock, the cause by which one falls; it is the cause by which one is tempted to sin. Offenses can come through the action of others. Offenses cause many to fall away. Therefore we must know how to overcome offenses.
Offenses Will come
Someone’s Actions Will Tempt You to Fall (Luke 17:1)
Those who allow themselves to cause temptation for others to fall will face terrible consequences. Especially those who work to overthrow the faith of those who trust in God like a little child. The faithful can overcome offenders; nevertheless, offenders will face judgment for their actions. This includes those who persecute believers in an attempt to pressure them to give up their faith. This includes those who speak a false gospel to turn away believers in Christ from the true faith. This includes the criminal acts of wicked men - raping, murdering, terrorizing, and oppressing others out of a wicked heart. God will judge such (Luke 17:2).
Overcoming The Offenses Against Your Faith
Fear God, Not Men
When Jesus was arrested, Peter denied Christ in fear as he tried to prevent the unbelieving Jews from recognizing that he was a disciple of Jesus. To overcome the offense of persecutors and mockers, one must fear God and not men being ready to die for Christ.
Luke 12:4-5 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.
Testify of Christ
The readiness to die for Christ comes with constant preparedness to preach the gospel of Christ, testifying of Jesus’ works in you.
Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
Hold to the Blood
Hold to faith in the redemptive power in the blood of Jesus Christ. Know that through the power of the blood, God guarantees us our inheritance of eternal life.
Leave Vengeance to God
God will avenge his children. God will judge those who have killed, persecuted, and mocked His faithful people. God will judge the acts of wicked men. True believers need to fight with physical weapons but leave vengeance to God.
Someone Will Do Things that Hurts You
The actions of someone can offend you. One may not have intentionally meant to overthrow your faith, but, their actions were sinful, hurtful to you, or became a stumbling block to your faith. The sins of others can offend you. This may include hurtful words of a brother in Christ, a disappointing behavior or comment, neglect to show care, love, or concern. We must be aware of these offenses and be quick to deal with them so it does not become a trap in our Christian lives.
Overcoming the Offenses of Hurts or Sins from Others
Be Quick to Correct Others Who Offend You Privately
When a brother offends you, correct the wrong quickly intending to win your brother, not to fight with him. But correct in humility in a spirit of reconciliation with an open heart to forgive and restore. Luke 17:3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
2. Be Quick and Willing to Forgive
Forgive quickly. Restore broken relationships quickly. An unresolved offense might create many more offenses. In fact, an offense that is not quickly dealt with can become a thorn in your life. Forgive quickly and forgive again as many times as needed. Reach out and extend forgiveness and restoration as many times as possible.
3. Seek the Intervention of a Brother/Leader to Deal with Tough Situations
When it is difficult to win your brother and move on from an offense involve a mature believer to help intervene in the situation. If the offense persists bring the matter to a pastor or another church leader. Once mature believers and leaders get involved, follow their instruction and advice. The united action of the church can put an end to the effects of the offense.
Matthew 18:16-17 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican
You Will do things That May Offend Others
Since you are a human being your actions may offend someone else. Sometimes it may not have been your intention, but nevertheless, your words, actions, inactions, neglect, etc. may have offended someone else. Recognize that once as you are in the physical body, you will at times offend others whether you intended to or not. When you become aware that you have offended someone be quick to deal with it. And, be careful in your words and actions so that you don’t inadvertently offend others. Sometimes it’s necessary to give up your own way of doing something in order to avoid offending others.
Overcoming the Offenses You Cause
Watch Your Mouth
James 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
We often offend others in our words., especially leaders. Therefore, we must take care through the power of the Holy Spirit to place a bridle over our tongues. Our conversation should always be seasoned with salt. Just because we are speaking the truth does not mean we need to say it in a way that debases others. Choose gentle words instead of harsh words (Proverbs 15:1). Avoid brawling at and accusing others. Use your words to build, and lovingly correct as you speak the truth.
2. Maintain a Pure Conscience
When you neglect to do the good that you know to do, your conscience remains troubled. Keep your conscience clear doing your best to do those things that you know you should do. If you have done wrong, quickly confess it, and correct the matter.
3. Be Mindful of Your Influence on Others
Avoid doing some things that may not be a sin to you but can be a stumbling block to someone else that see you do it. Be mindful of the influence that your attitude, behavior, actions, and words have on others. Sometimes, you may need to attend church on that weeknight even though you are tired because a new believer looks up to you as an example in the faith. Your absence may discourage them. Staying home that one night may not be a sin, but your absence can cause the new believer looking to you as an example, to stumble.
4. Be Quick to Admit Wrong
Have a soft and humble heart and be ready to apologize and seek forgiveness.
5. Forgive Others Quickly
Bitterness will cause you to offend others.
Your Own Desires May Even Be an Offense to You
You may find the desires of your eyes and of your flesh are working in opposition to the desire of your mind to serve God. Your own sinful desires become an offense to your decision to live for God. We must know this and be vigilant in overcoming temptation through the grace of God.
Overcoming The Offenses of Your Own Desires
Kill the flesh
Mark 9:43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
Through the Spirit, deny the flesh its desires. Put it to death. Put off the things of the flesh through obedience to the Holy Spirit.
2. Strive to Resist Evil
Hebrews 12:4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
If need be, we should be willing even to die in resisting sin.
3. Prioritize Holiness Over Convenience
A tv show, television post, or some good food is not worth lessening your chances of triumphantly entering into heaven. Be willing to let go of earthly convenience that may be causing you to stumble in your walk with God.
Offenses will come against your faith, from your relationships, and from yourself. You cannot avoid offenses, but you can overcome them.
