Breaking Free from the Chains of Offense
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the profound topic of being trapped in offense, drawing from Psalm 119 and Luke 17. Offense is a powerful tool that the enemy uses to ensnare us, causing us to stumble in our walk with God and grow numb to His presence. David's response to offense, as seen in Psalm 119:161-165, is to stand in awe of God's word and find peace in His law, which keeps him from being offended. Jesus, in Luke 17, warns that offenses will come but emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, even if the offense is repeated multiple times in a day. This teaching challenges us to rebuke with the intent of restoration and to forgive genuinely, as holding onto offense traps us in a cycle of bitterness and isolation.
Offense often leads to judgment and gossip, which further spreads the spirit of offense. Jesus' teaching in Matthew 24 highlights that offense leads to betrayal and hatred, creating an environment ripe for deception and false prophets. The story of Joseph illustrates how offense can be a tool for God's greater purpose. Despite being betrayed by his brothers, falsely accused, and imprisoned, Joseph chose not to be offended. Instead, he recognized that what was meant for evil, God used for good, ultimately saving many lives.
The sermon concludes with a call to lay down offenses and seek healing and unity within the church. By forgiving those who have hurt us and refusing to be trapped by offense, we can walk in freedom and fulfill God's purpose for our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of God's Word in Overcoming Offense:
David's response to offense was to stand in awe of God's word and find peace in His law. This teaches us that immersing ourselves in Scripture can shield us from the sting of offense and keep our hearts aligned with God's truth. When we focus on God's word rather than the actions of others, we find a peace that surpasses understanding.
2. The Necessity of Forgiveness:
Jesus emphasizes that offenses will come, but our response should be forgiveness, even if the offense is repeated. This challenges us to adopt a heart of continual forgiveness, recognizing that holding onto offense only traps us in bitterness. Forgiveness is not just a one-time act but a continual process that reflects our faith and trust in God's justice.
3. The Trap of Offense and Isolation:
Offense isolates us by causing us to seek agreement partners who share our grievances, leading to a cycle of bitterness and judgment. This isolation prevents us from hearing God's voice and the voices of those who can help us heal. Recognizing this trap is the first step towards breaking free and seeking reconciliation.
4. Offense as a Tool for God's Greater Purpose:
The story of Joseph shows that what is meant for evil can be used by God for good. Despite severe betrayal and suffering, Joseph chose not to be offended, which allowed him to fulfill God's purpose and save many lives. This teaches us that our trials and offenses can be part of a larger divine plan if we respond with faith and forgiveness.
5. The Dangers of Gossip and Deception:
Gossip is a major spreader of offense and can lead to widespread deception within the church. Jesus warns that deception thrives when we are offended, leading to betrayal and hatred. To combat this, we must be vigilant in guarding our hearts against gossip and aligning our actions with God's word.
### YouTube Chapters
- Welcome
- Introduction to Psalm 119
- The Power of God's Word
- Understanding Offense
- Jesus' Teaching on Offense
- The Importance of Forgiveness
- The Isolation of Offense
- Silly Offenses and Judgment
- Repeated Offenses and Forgiveness
- The Disciples' Request for Increased Faith
- The Reality of Offense
- True and Perceived Offenses
- The Trap of Offense
- The Lure of Offense
- Offense in the Church
- Carrying Offense from Place to Place
- Offense in Relationships
- Recognizing Offense in Others
- The Spread of Offense Through Gossip
- The Danger of Deception
- Standing on God's Word
- Signs of the Times
- The Pattern of Offense, Betrayal, and Hatred
- False Prophets and Offense
- Churches Built on Offense
- The Spirit of Offense
- Deconstruction of Faith
- Healing from Offense
- Misunderstanding Offense
- Personal Story of Offense
- Avoiding Those Who Offend Us
- Seeking Reconciliation
- The Story of Joseph
- Joseph's Dreams and Betrayal
- Joseph's Journey to Egypt
- Joseph in Potiphar's House
- Joseph's False Accusation and Imprisonment
- Joseph Interprets Dreams
- Joseph's Perspective on Offense
- Joseph's Brothers Return
- Joseph's Suffering in Prison
- From the Pit to the Palace
- Joseph's Elevation and Forgiveness
- The Purpose of Joseph's Trials
- Choosing Not to Be Offended
- God's Greater Purpose
- Responding to Offense
- Offense in the Church Community
- The Law of Love
- Loving God and People
- Loving Those Who Hurt Us
- The Next Step in Love
- True Children of God
- Practical Steps to Overcome Offense
- Seven Things God Hates
- The Danger of Pride and Gossip
- The Sacrament of Satan
- Wicked Schemes and False Witnesses
- Sowing Discord
- Breaking the Spirit of Offense
- Call to Be Released from Offense
- Prayer for Release from Offense
- Laying Down Offense
- Walking in Freedom
- Closing Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 119:161-165: "Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words. I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil. I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your law. Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous rules. Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble."
2. Luke 17:1-4: "And he said to his disciples, 'Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.'"
3. Matthew 24:10-11: "And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 119:161-165 say about the relationship between loving God's law and experiencing peace? How does this relate to being unoffendable? ([02:28])
2. According to Luke 17:1-4, what is Jesus' instruction regarding repeated offenses and forgiveness? ([06:25])
3. In Matthew 24:10-11, what sequence of events does Jesus describe that begins with offense? ([23:34])
4. How does the story of Joseph illustrate the concept of offense being used for a greater purpose? ([47:29])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does immersing oneself in God's word, as David did in Psalm 119, help in overcoming offense? ([02:28])
2. Why do you think Jesus emphasized the necessity of forgiveness even when offenses are repeated multiple times in a day? ([06:25])
3. What are the dangers of allowing offense to lead to judgment and gossip within the church community, as highlighted in the sermon? ([19:43])
4. How can the story of Joseph's response to betrayal and false accusations teach us about God's greater purpose in our trials? ([47:29])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you were deeply hurt by someone. How did you respond, and how might immersing yourself in God's word have changed your response? ([02:28])
2. Jesus calls us to forgive repeatedly, even for the same offense. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive again? How can you take a step towards that today? ([06:25])
3. Offense can lead to isolation and seeking agreement partners who share our grievances. Have you found yourself in such a cycle? How can you break free from it? ([07:18])
4. Gossip is a major spreader of offense. Have you ever participated in or been affected by gossip in the church? What steps can you take to guard against it? ([19:43])
5. Joseph's story shows that what is meant for evil can be used by God for good. Can you identify a difficult situation in your life where you can see God's hand at work? ([47:29])
6. The sermon mentioned that offense can lead to betrayal and hatred, creating an environment ripe for deception. How can you guard your heart against this progression? ([23:34])
7. The call to lay down offenses and seek healing and unity within the church is crucial. What practical steps can you take this week to foster unity and reconciliation in your church community? ([01:00:47])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of God's Word in Overcoming Offense
David's response to offense was to stand in awe of God's word and find peace in His law. This teaches us that immersing ourselves in Scripture can shield us from the sting of offense and keep our hearts aligned with God's truth. When we focus on God's word rather than the actions of others, we find a peace that surpasses understanding. David's example in Psalm 119:161-165 shows us that the word of God is a powerful tool to combat offense. By meditating on Scripture, we can maintain a heart that is free from offense and filled with peace.
"Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble." (Psalm 119:165, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate more time in God's word to help guard your heart against offense today?
Day 2: The Necessity of Forgiveness
Jesus emphasizes that offenses will come, but our response should be forgiveness, even if the offense is repeated. This challenges us to adopt a heart of continual forgiveness, recognizing that holding onto offense only traps us in bitterness. Forgiveness is not just a one-time act but a continual process that reflects our faith and trust in God's justice. Jesus' teaching in Luke 17:3-4 reminds us that forgiveness is essential for our spiritual health and relationships.
"Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him." (Luke 17:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive today, even if they have hurt you multiple times? How can you take a step towards forgiveness?
Day 3: The Trap of Offense and Isolation
Offense isolates us by causing us to seek agreement partners who share our grievances, leading to a cycle of bitterness and judgment. This isolation prevents us from hearing God's voice and the voices of those who can help us heal. Recognizing this trap is the first step towards breaking free and seeking reconciliation. Offense can create a barrier between us and others, making it difficult to experience true community and support.
"Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment." (Proverbs 18:1, ESV)
Reflection: Are there any grievances you are holding onto that are causing you to isolate yourself from others? How can you seek reconciliation today?
Day 4: Offense as a Tool for God's Greater Purpose
The story of Joseph shows that what is meant for evil can be used by God for good. Despite severe betrayal and suffering, Joseph chose not to be offended, which allowed him to fulfill God's purpose and save many lives. This teaches us that our trials and offenses can be part of a larger divine plan if we respond with faith and forgiveness. Joseph's perspective on his suffering and betrayal is a powerful reminder that God can use our pain for a greater purpose.
"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today." (Genesis 50:20, ESV)
Reflection: Can you think of a time when an offense or trial in your life was used for a greater purpose? How can you trust God with your current struggles?
Day 5: The Dangers of Gossip and Deception
Gossip is a major spreader of offense and can lead to widespread deception within the church. Jesus warns that deception thrives when we are offended, leading to betrayal and hatred. To combat this, we must be vigilant in guarding our hearts against gossip and aligning our actions with God's word. Gossip not only harms others but also damages our own spiritual health and integrity.
"A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends." (Proverbs 16:28, ESV)
Reflection: Are you participating in or listening to gossip that spreads offense? How can you commit to speaking words that build up rather than tear down?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "An offense is something that literally causes one to stumble in their walk with God. It causes me to stumble in my faith with God. And let me just say this. Because offenses also cause us to grow numb in the presence of God. Because we're judging everything around us. Are y'all hearing me?" (27 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Offense, because I have built a fence around me and I've trapped myself. Are y'all hearing what I'm saying? And now I can't hear anything outside of me. I can only hear those that are agreeing with me. So I'm looking for agreement partners. I'm looking for people who want to say the same thing that I'm saying." (28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The greatest spreader of offense is usually gossip. Let me just give you a few more scriptures. Jesus tells us in Matthew 24 that we need to be careful that we're not deceived. Look. You know, deception only works because you don't know you're being deceived. If you knew you were being deceived, you would cut it off. Am I right about that?" (45 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "What if God is saying to you, what God is saying to us, offenses offenses either going to be good for you or they're going to be bad for you. It just depends on your response to the offense." (38 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Great peace have they which love thy law, and nothing shall offend them. What's the law, Jesus? That you love God and you love his people. And if you love that law, great peace have they, which love thy law, and nothing shall offend them." (-2918 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Y'all, this is real stuff. This will help you in your walk. It's going to help some of you before this day is over. You're going to get set free and you're going to find some freedom because there's a lot of weight. There's a lot of weight in carrying an offense, unnecessary weight. And it, it, it takes me out and an offense takes me out of an awareness of everything outside of me because I'm internalizing everything." (28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You marry a woman that reminds you of your first wife. The same thing that offended you with your first wife is now offending you in your second wife. Y'all not saying nothing. I mean, just nothing is dead. It's like the relationships, the boss that you worked for, the same guy that offended you and you left that last job. You're going to find out there's somebody at this job that's going to talk to you the same way. And they're going to say the same kind of stuff because they know and they've picked up on your little attitude. Because because you listen, I'm going to tell you, offense makes you bitter." (47 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And because of all this, he said, there shall be many verse 10 of 24 and then shall many be offended. Somebody say many and shall betray one another and shall hate one another. And many false prophets will rise and shall deceive many. How will they deceive so many because they are offended? What's this? Here's the, here's the, here's the pattern. Jesus gives us the pattern. He said, first of all, you get offended. Then you betray. Come on, you know, and then you hate the spirit of offense leads to betrayal. I'm going to say it again. The spirit of offense leads to betrayal and betrayal leads to hate." (58 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Nobody can offend you like somebody you love. Nobody can offend you like somebody that you think really should be caring for you. Should be my family. You should be the one watching out for me. Y'all, are y'all good? Because I got just a couple more minutes to go here. Watch this. And so Joseph, he's in the pit. And all of a sudden, they're pulling him out. Oh, thank God. I'm getting rescued. I'm getting, wait, wait, what's? Who? I'm going where? All of a sudden, put your hands behind your back. Tying you up. Tying your feet. They sling him over a donkey or a bull. Or a burro or a camel or something. We're taking you in with us, boy. Where you sending me, guys? Guys, hey, wait a minute, guys. Where we? Who are these people? Where you sending? You sold me?" (54 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "What if, what if you thought your hurt and your pain was because of her or because of him or because of them or because of your mom and them or because of somebody that you had had an issue with? But what if it was actually God? What if it was actually God trying to work something out in you, saying, no, I've got a greater purpose for you. And if I don't let you go through this hurt and confusion right now, you're going to miss everything that I'm aligning you for. Because if you get comfortable where you are, you never will get over to Egypt. You never will get over in Pharaoh's house. If you get comfortable where you are, I never will be able to send you." (42 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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