Introduction:
Proverbs 18:19 - A brother offended is harder to win than a strong (walled) city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.
Helping YOU to overcome the debilitating effect of accumulated offense.
The nature of offense
Luke 17:1 - And he said to his disciples, "Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come!
To not be offended is impossible!
The author of offense
John 10:10 - The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.Satan - ministry of death, theft and destruction
The path of offense
Hebrews 12:14,15 - Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled
ROOT OF BITTERNESS - GOTCHA!
The remedy for offense
Matthew 5:23-25 - So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison.
Matthew 18:15-17 - If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
Corinthians 10:4,5 - and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
Are you ready to be set free?
Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!
Small Group Discussion
Read Proverbs 18:19
(If you like, review any other passages on relationships we covered on Sunday!)
How has offense affected your life?
Who suffers most when our lives are governed by offense?
When offense is allowed to accumulate, what are the results:
Spiritually?
Emotionally?
Relationally?
Physically?
Read Genesis 50:20. How do Joseph’s words apply to the accumulated offense in your life?
Read 2 Corinthians 10:3-6. How will taking every thought captive aid in your path to victory in overcoming the accumulated offense in your life?
BREAKOUT
Are you struggling with a particular relationship in your life? Pray for one another to forgive and restore those hurt relationships.