Living Under God's Commanded Blessing Through Forgiveness
Summary
In our new series, "Unoffended," we explore the pervasive issue of offense in our lives and how it impacts our relationships with others, God, and even ourselves. Offenses are an inevitable part of life on this broken planet, but how we handle them determines our path and destiny. Over the coming weeks, we'll delve into various aspects of offense, including those within families, with leaders, and even with God. Today, we begin by discussing the concept of living under the commanded blessing, which is rooted in the belief that God is inherently good and desires good for us.
To live as overcoming Christians, we must establish a deep-seated theology that God is for us, not against us. This understanding allows us to accurately interpret the negative events in our lives without attributing them to God's sovereignty. Many believers live outside the blessing of God, evident in their marriages, finances, and family life. God desires to bring every area of our lives under His blessing, which is contingent upon unity. Psalm 133 illustrates that God's blessing is commanded where there is unity, while division is a tool of the enemy.
The anointing, or divine enablement, is essential for living in the fullness of God's purpose. It is a power that comes upon us through the Holy Spirit, enabling us to accomplish what we cannot do on our own. The commanded blessing is irrevocable when we walk in unity, as demonstrated by the story of Balaam in the Old Testament. However, division, often stemming from unresolved offense, can cause us to step out from under this blessing.
Offenses are like traps set for us, and how we respond to them determines whether we fall into them. Unforgiveness is an infection of the heart that progresses through stages, including anger, bitterness, and slander. These stages not only affect us but also those around us, as bitterness can defile many. The path to freedom involves choosing the way of the cross, forgiving as Jesus forgave us. This forgiveness is immediate, complete, and consistent, and we are called to extend the same grace to others.
Key Takeaways:
- God's Goodness and Commanded Blessing: Understanding that God is inherently good and desires good for us is foundational to living under His commanded blessing. This belief helps us accurately interpret life's challenges without attributing them to God's sovereignty. Living under God's blessing requires unity, as division is a tool of the enemy. [04:21]
- The Power of Unity: Unity is where God's blessing is commanded, as seen in Psalm 133. The enemy works through division, often caused by unresolved offenses. Jesus' prayer for unity in John 17 highlights that the greatest evangelistic tool is the unity of the body of Christ. [07:21]
- The Trap of Offense: Offenses are inevitable and act as traps set for us. How we respond to these offenses determines whether we fall into them. Unforgiveness is an infection of the heart that progresses through stages, including anger, bitterness, and slander, affecting not only us but also those around us. [11:53]
- Forgiveness as a Path to Freedom: Forgiveness is a process that involves choosing the way of the cross. Jesus' forgiveness is immediate, complete, and consistent, and we are called to extend the same grace to others. This path to forgiveness allows us to step out of the trap of offense and into the freedom of God's blessing. [27:02]
- Living Offense-Free: To live offense-free, we must embrace the forgiveness offered through the cross. Jesus' sacrifice covers all offenses, allowing us to live without carrying the weight of unforgiveness. By forgiving others as we have been forgiven, we can experience the joy and peace that come from living under God's blessing. [30:31]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[04:21] - Understanding God's Goodness
[07:21] - The Power of Unity
[11:53] - The Trap of Offense
[13:20] - The Scandalon Explained
[15:22] - Infection of Unforgiveness
[17:26] - Stages of Unforgiveness
[20:09] - The Danger of Slander
[22:07] - Picking Up Offenses
[24:44] - Resolving Offenses
[27:02] - Choosing the Way of the Cross
[30:31] - Forgiveness as a Path to Freedom
[31:51] - Extending Grace to Others
[33:59] - Invitation to Walk in Forgiveness
[35:57] - Prayer and Response
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Unoffended" Series
Bible Reading:
1. John 10:10 - "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
2. Psalm 133 - "Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore."
3. Colossians 3:12-13 - "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others."
Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, what is the significance of living under the "commanded blessing" and how is it related to unity? [04:21]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of offenses in our lives, and what metaphor is used to explain their impact? [13:20]
3. What are the stages of unforgiveness mentioned in the sermon, and how do they progress? [16:22]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of forgiveness as a path to freedom? [27:02]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the understanding of God’s goodness and His desire for us to live under His blessing influence a believer’s response to life’s challenges? [04:21]
2. In what ways does unity serve as a powerful tool for evangelism, according to the sermon and John 17? [07:21]
3. How does the sermon suggest that unresolved offenses can lead to division within the church and personal relationships? [11:53]
4. What does it mean to forgive as the Lord forgave us, and how does this principle challenge our natural inclinations? [30:31]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt offended. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in light of the sermon’s teaching on forgiveness? [15:22]
2. Consider your current relationships. Are there any areas where division might be present due to unresolved offenses? How can you work towards unity? [09:49]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of living under God’s blessing through unity. What practical steps can you take to promote unity in your family, workplace, or church community? [07:21]
4. Think about a person who has offended you. What steps can you take this week to begin the process of forgiveness and move towards reconciliation? [24:44]
5. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding of God’s goodness and His desire for your life, especially during challenging times? [04:21]
6. Identify a situation where you might have picked up someone else’s offense. How can you release that and focus on your own path to forgiveness? [22:07]
7. Reflect on the concept of living offense-free. What changes can you make in your daily life to embrace the forgiveness offered through the cross and experience the joy and peace of God’s blessing? [30:31]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing God's Goodness and Blessing
Understanding that God is inherently good and desires good for us is foundational to living under His commanded blessing. This belief helps us accurately interpret life's challenges without attributing them to God's sovereignty. Many believers live outside the blessing of God, evident in their marriages, finances, and family life. God desires to bring every area of our lives under His blessing, which is contingent upon unity. Psalm 133 illustrates that God's blessing is commanded where there is unity, while division is a tool of the enemy. By embracing the truth of God's goodness, we can align ourselves with His purpose and experience His blessings in every aspect of our lives. [04:21]
"For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly." (Psalm 84:11, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to see God's goodness? How can you actively seek unity in those areas to invite His blessing?
Day 2: The Transformative Power of Unity
Unity is where God's blessing is commanded, as seen in Psalm 133. The enemy works through division, often caused by unresolved offenses. Jesus' prayer for unity in John 17 highlights that the greatest evangelistic tool is the unity of the body of Christ. When believers come together in unity, they reflect the love and power of God to the world. This unity is not just about agreement but about a shared purpose and commitment to God's mission. By prioritizing unity, we can overcome the enemy's attempts to divide us and experience the fullness of God's blessing. [07:21]
"Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind." (Philippians 2:2, ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to unity within your church or community this week? What steps can you take to resolve any unresolved offenses that may be causing division?
Day 3: Navigating the Trap of Offense
Offenses are inevitable and act as traps set for us. How we respond to these offenses determines whether we fall into them. Unforgiveness is an infection of the heart that progresses through stages, including anger, bitterness, and slander, affecting not only us but also those around us. Recognizing the progression of unforgiveness can help us address it before it takes root in our hearts. By choosing to forgive, we can break free from the trap of offense and prevent it from hindering our relationships and spiritual growth. [11:53]
"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." (Hebrews 12:15, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a recent offense that has affected you. How can you begin the process of forgiveness to prevent it from taking root in your heart?
Day 4: Forgiveness as a Path to Freedom
Forgiveness is a process that involves choosing the way of the cross. Jesus' forgiveness is immediate, complete, and consistent, and we are called to extend the same grace to others. This path to forgiveness allows us to step out of the trap of offense and into the freedom of God's blessing. By forgiving others as we have been forgiven, we can experience the joy and peace that come from living under God's blessing. Forgiveness is not just a one-time act but a continual choice to release others from the debt of their offenses. [27:02]
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?
Day 5: Living Offense-Free
To live offense-free, we must embrace the forgiveness offered through the cross. Jesus' sacrifice covers all offenses, allowing us to live without carrying the weight of unforgiveness. By forgiving others as we have been forgiven, we can experience the joy and peace that come from living under God's blessing. Living offense-free is a daily commitment to let go of past hurts and choose love and grace instead. This lifestyle not only frees us but also impacts those around us, as they witness the transformative power of God's forgiveness in our lives. [30:31]
"Bear with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgive each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." (Colossians 3:13, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take today to live offense-free? How can you make forgiveness a daily practice in your life?
Quotes
1. "We are all offended in life. We all must deal with offenses. Now offenses are inevitable in this broken planet, but here is the key question: how do I deal with the offenses that come my way? Because that will set the path you walk on, it will set your future, it will determine destiny." [00:48] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God wants to bring every area of your life under his blessing. He wants you to have a marriage full of romance and love and peace. He wants your children to come to a saving faith. He wants to bless your business. He wants to bless your finances so that you can live out Genesis 12, and you can be a blessing to the nations of the earth." [03:00] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God blesses unity and the enemy, demonic forces of hell, work through division. Now as you read that Psalm, you might be like, okay Dave, I get it, but what's the part about the oil that on the head and poured and in the beard and the robe? I just bought a new dress. I don't think I want to get in on that." [05:00] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The greatest evangelistic tool that's been given to the church is the unity of the body of Christ. That's such a powerful thought. Jesus said when the church is walking together in unity, the world, that is the cosmos, those far from God, will look at the bride of Christ and go, wow, there must be a real God in heaven." [07:21] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "It is impossible to live in this world without offense. Could you read that with me? It is impossible to live in this world without offense, Jesus. You're welcome." [11:53] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Unforgiveness is an infection in your heart. You're like, oh, I'm okay. I'll be fine. I'll get over it. They're dead to me. means nothing, no big deal. But whoa, if you got infection, infection will not eradicate itself. You must deal with that offense of a wounded heart." [16:22] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you." [31:51] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "When I survey the wondrous cross on which the king of glory died, it's just a moment. It shifts my heart. God says, I'm inviting you. You can walk out of the snare. You can step out of those four levels and walk back into freedom because of what Jesus has done on the cross." [32:45] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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