Breaking Free from the Trap of Offense
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound impact of offense and how it can become a trap set by Satan to ensnare us in spiritual bondage. We began by acknowledging the reality that offense is a common experience for everyone, but as Christians, our response to it is what sets us apart. The enemy uses offense to create division, not only in our personal relationships but also within the church. This division is a foothold for Satan, allowing him to climb higher in our lives, disrupting our peace and our walk with God.
We delved into the biblical narrative, examining how Satan's original rebellion was rooted in his desire for supremacy and how he continues to use offense to achieve his goals. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, warns us not to let the sun go down on our anger, as this gives the devil a foothold. This metaphorical ladder we build for Satan is constructed through our unresolved anger and bitterness.
We also reflected on the life of Jesus, who, despite facing numerous opportunities to be offended, chose forgiveness and grace. His example teaches us the power of premeditated forgiveness, a decision made through prayer and reliance on God's strength. Jesus' ultimate act of forgiveness on the cross, where he bore the sins of the world, serves as a model for us to release our offenses and live in freedom.
The sermon concluded with a call to action: to frame our relationships on a foundation of forgiveness, which fosters freedom. By doing so, we dismantle the ladders we've built for Satan and instead elevate our love for others, creating bonds that cannot be broken. This transformation begins with a daily commitment to surrender our offenses to God, allowing His grace to work through us.
Key Takeaways:
1. Offense as a Spiritual Trap: Offense is a tool used by Satan to create division and bondage in our lives. By holding onto offenses, we give the enemy a foothold, allowing him to disrupt our peace and spiritual growth. Recognizing this trap is the first step towards breaking free and walking in the freedom that Christ offers. [32:21]
2. The Power of Premeditated Forgiveness: Jesus exemplified premeditated forgiveness, choosing to forgive even before offenses occurred. Through prayer and reliance on God's strength, we can make a conscious decision to forgive, preventing bitterness from taking root in our hearts. This proactive approach aligns us with Christ's example and empowers us to respond to offenses with grace. [51:07]
3. Building Relationships on Forgiveness: When we frame our relationships on a foundation of forgiveness, we foster freedom and unity. This approach dismantles the footholds of offense and elevates our love for others, creating bonds that withstand the enemy's attempts to divide us. Forgiveness becomes a powerful act of worship, reflecting God's glory through our lives. [58:02]
4. Jesus' Model of Forgiveness: Jesus' response to offense, particularly during his crucifixion, demonstrates the ultimate act of forgiveness. Despite being justified in taking offense, he chose to release it, offering us a model of how to surrender our hurts and struggles to God. This act of surrender leads to true freedom and reflects the transformative power of Christ's love. [59:40]
5. Daily Surrender and Spiritual Freedom: To experience spiritual freedom, we must daily surrender our offenses and struggles to God. This act of surrender, inspired by Jesus' words on the cross, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit," invites us to release our burdens and live in the fullness of God's grace. By doing so, we dismantle the traps of offense and embrace the abundant life Christ offers. [01:02:42]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [17:05] - Gratitude and Worship
- [29:40] - The Trap of Offense
- [32:21] - Spiritual Bondage and Freedom
- [33:54] - Ephesians 4:26-27
- [34:44] - Satan's Desire for Supremacy
- [36:23] - The Role of Offense
- [37:50] - Insights from Isaiah and Ezekiel
- [39:33] - The Danger of Unchecked Anger
- [40:34] - Separation vs. Reconciliation
- [42:19] - The Infection of Bitterness
- [43:15] - Jesus' Example of Forgiveness
- [44:55] - Paul's Warning to the Ephesians
- [46:00] - Recognizing Satan's Traps
- [47:07] - The Rewards of Forgiveness
- [49:53] - Exalting God through Forgiveness
- [51:07] - Premeditated Forgiveness
- [52:22] - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane
- [53:49] - Choosing Forgiveness
- [55:31] - Peter's Reaction and Jesus' Restraint
- [56:36] - The Call to Deny Ourselves
- [57:18] - Living a Lifestyle of Forgiveness
- [58:02] - Framing Relationships on Forgiveness
- [59:40] - Jesus' Ultimate Act of Forgiveness
- [01:02:42] - Surrendering to God
- [01:03:57] - The Act of Worship
- [01:04:39] - Learning to Love Like Jesus
- [01:06:31] - The Mess of Offense
- [01:07:31] - Coughing Up Offense
- [01:08:36] - Finding Freedom in Christ
- [01:09:24] - The Weight of Offense
- [01:10:19] - Committing Everything to God
- [01:11:37] - Closing Prayer and Response
- [01:12:44] - Announcements and Closing Remarks
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 4:26-27
- Luke 22:42
- Proverbs 19:11
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Ephesians 4:26-27, what specific instructions does Paul give regarding anger and its potential consequences? How does this relate to the concept of giving the devil a foothold? [33:54]
2. In the sermon, how is the metaphor of building a ladder for Satan used to describe the impact of holding onto offenses? [32:21]
3. What examples from Jesus' life were given in the sermon to illustrate his response to potential offenses? [43:15]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of premeditated forgiveness in our daily lives? [51:07]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "not letting the sun go down on your anger" challenge common ways people handle conflict and offense? [33:54]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that holding onto offenses can impact one's spiritual life and relationships within the church? [32:21]
3. How does Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:42) serve as a model for dealing with offenses and difficult situations? [52:22]
4. What does Proverbs 19:11 suggest about the relationship between wisdom and forgiveness, and how does this align with the sermon's message? [47:07]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt offended. How did you respond, and how might you apply the principle of not letting the sun go down on your anger in future situations? [33:54]
2. Consider the metaphor of building a ladder for Satan. Are there any unresolved offenses in your life that might be giving the enemy a foothold? What steps can you take to dismantle these ladders? [32:21]
3. Jesus demonstrated premeditated forgiveness even in the face of betrayal and suffering. How can you incorporate this practice into your daily prayer life to prepare for potential offenses? [51:07]
4. Think about a relationship in your life that could benefit from being framed on a foundation of forgiveness. What practical steps can you take to foster freedom and unity in that relationship? [58:02]
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of surrendering offenses to God. What specific burdens or offenses do you need to commit to God today, and how can this act of surrender lead to spiritual freedom? [01:02:42]
6. How can you actively practice the wisdom of overlooking offenses, as mentioned in Proverbs 19:11, in your interactions with others this week? [47:07]
7. Reflect on the idea of loving like Jesus to dissipate offenses. What is one tangible way you can demonstrate sacrificial love to someone who has offended you? [01:04:39]
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing Offense as a Spiritual Snare
Offense is a common experience, but it can become a spiritual trap if not addressed. Satan uses offense to create division and bondage in our lives, disrupting our peace and spiritual growth. By holding onto offenses, we give the enemy a foothold, allowing him to climb higher in our lives. Recognizing this trap is the first step towards breaking free and walking in the freedom that Christ offers. As Christians, our response to offense should set us apart, fostering unity and peace within our relationships and the church. [32:21]
Ephesians 4:26-27 (ESV): "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil."
Reflection: Think of a recent offense you have experienced. How can you begin to release it today to prevent it from becoming a foothold for the enemy?
Day 2: Embracing Premeditated Forgiveness
Premeditated forgiveness is a powerful tool that Jesus exemplified throughout His life. He chose to forgive even before offenses occurred, demonstrating a proactive approach to grace. Through prayer and reliance on God's strength, we can make a conscious decision to forgive, preventing bitterness from taking root in our hearts. This aligns us with Christ's example and empowers us to respond to offenses with grace, reflecting His love and mercy in our interactions with others. [51:07]
Colossians 3:13 (ESV): "Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive today? How can you prepare your heart to forgive them, even before they ask for it?
Day 3: Building Relationships on Forgiveness
When we frame our relationships on a foundation of forgiveness, we foster freedom and unity. This approach dismantles the footholds of offense and elevates our love for others, creating bonds that withstand the enemy's attempts to divide us. Forgiveness becomes a powerful act of worship, reflecting God's glory through our lives. By choosing forgiveness, we create an environment where love and grace can flourish, strengthening our connections with others and with God. [58:02]
Matthew 6:14-15 (ESV): "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
Reflection: Consider your closest relationships. How can you actively build them on a foundation of forgiveness today?
Day 4: Following Jesus' Model of Forgiveness
Jesus' response to offense, particularly during His crucifixion, demonstrates the ultimate act of forgiveness. Despite being justified in taking offense, He chose to release it, offering us a model of how to surrender our hurts and struggles to God. This act of surrender leads to true freedom and reflects the transformative power of Christ's love. By following Jesus' example, we can learn to let go of our grievances and embrace a life of grace and compassion. [59:40]
Luke 23:34 (ESV): "And Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.' And they cast lots to divide his garments."
Reflection: What is one hurt or struggle you need to surrender to God today? How can Jesus' example on the cross inspire you to let go?
Day 5: Daily Surrender and Spiritual Freedom
To experience spiritual freedom, we must daily surrender our offenses and struggles to God. This act of surrender, inspired by Jesus' words on the cross, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit," invites us to release our burdens and live in the fullness of God's grace. By doing so, we dismantle the traps of offense and embrace the abundant life Christ offers. This daily commitment to surrender allows God's grace to work through us, transforming our lives and relationships. [01:02:42]
Psalm 55:22 (ESV): "Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to practice daily surrender? How can you begin this practice today to experience greater spiritual freedom?
Quotes
1. "We're in a series and today, actually, we're going to wrap it up because we're about to get ready for the Thanksgiving season that is before us. And my most favorite holiday of the entire year is Thanksgiving. I just always love it. And I'm excited about that. But this morning, before we get to that, we've got some business to do. And I just want to take a moment and just give you a disclaimer. If you guys see that glow up here in the front, that is not the Shekinah glory of God. It's Dave and Lisa because little Dave and Lisa and little Harper's here. Sorry, Emma. It used to be about us, but when parents become grandparents, we don't matter. But hey, it's so good to have you all with us today. We're excited that you're here." [00:27:25] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We have been looking at the age-old tool that this guy called Smutface, you know, the evilness that lives in our world. We call him the devil or Satan, Lucifer. But how he creates traps in our lives and he does it because he wants to break up those things that God put together. He wants to break up marriages. He wants to break up all sorts of things, relationships, friendships, factions and divisions. And he really loves to do it in churches so he can divide churches. And he does that through a trap. And we call that trap the trap of offense." [00:28:05] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Offense is a trap that leads to spiritual bondage, but through Christ, we can break free and walk in freedom. We're going to take one final look at this big issue of how we can easily become offended and how Satan uses that offense to trap us, to get us in bondage. So if you have your Bibles, go ahead and turn with me in the New Testament to the book of Ephesians chapter four. Ephesians chapter four today. So when we're offended, as we read in Luke 17 one last couple of weeks, it is common that we are all going to be offended." [00:32:21] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "What we do is we build and we construct a stepladder for Satan to step and get just a little bit higher in his place of priority in our life, a place of evilness in your world that will reflect upon others that they see that same thing. So let's pledge to God's word, and then let's dive into this text. Would you join me this morning? This is my Bible, God's holy word. It is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. May we read it, honor it, obey it, and portray it in all we do." [00:33:35] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "He goes against everything that is moral. He goes against integrity. He goes against righteousness. He goes against goodness. So what does he do? He tries to sow seeds of offense into our lives that will cause us to live things that are unrighteous, to live in ways that are immoral, to do things that will destroy your integrity. And Paul is warning this church. He says, when you buy into his lies and you get offended by somebody, what is the result of that? Inside, in your heart, you're going to be angry." [00:39:00] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "You're building this ladder for him to climb in the supremacy. You're building this ladder for him to climb in the supremacy of your life. And ultimately, what will happen is what's on the inside will be reflected on the outside. And then the world will see it. And then your influence, which was meant for good, will end up being negative. You see, Satan's personal desire has always been and will always be until his final trip out of here is to be lifted up. And he is quick, very quick, to use the people of the church and their pride and their bitterness." [00:40:34] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "We must recognize that the rewards of being offended, and we think the rewards, listen to me, they are small and they're selfish. They're tiny, but we try to exploit them to be something that they are not. You see, they are small, they are selfish, but listen to this. Here's the beautiful picture. The offering, but the reward of offering forgiveness is selfless, and the Bible tells us it's glorious." [00:46:47] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "When we frame our fellowship on a foundation of forgiveness, the fruits it fosters is always freedom. But we have to frame our relationships with forgiveness. We have to frame our relationships with people on forgiveness because every day, I promise you, somebody's going to offend you. Somebody's going to put something on Facebook to make you mad. Somebody's going to blow the horn at you when you're sitting in the red light and it just turned green for one-tenth of a second. Somebody's going to make you mad and offend you." [00:58:02] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "You see, Jesus demonstrates the ultimate act of forgiveness when he released all those offenses, even for those that were spitting on him, mocking at him, the most cruel unusual things that you could ever begin to imagine and this is the most beautiful picture of jesus christ taking his last breath on calvary's cross that satan thought that he had won but it had just begun hadn't it because three days later he was going to be resurrected from the grave proving that he had defeated death hell and the grave." [01:00:19] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "When we learn to love like Jesus, when you and I learn to love with that agape, sacrificial, that powerful love, that there's no greater love than this, that we will be willing to lay down our lives for our friends. When we begin to learn to love like Jesus, being offended will dissipate. Listen, we're humans. It may take some time, but we make a premeditated decision every day of how we're going to respond to being offended. Being offended will dissipate. Our love for others will dissipate. Our love for others will elevate, creating a bond that will never separate." [01:05:34] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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