Trusting God: Overcoming Offense and Deepening Faith
Summary
### Summary
Today, we conclude our series, "The Bait of Satan," by addressing a challenging topic: not getting offended at God. We live in a world where offense is rampant, and it’s easy to get caught up in it. Over the past weeks, we’ve discussed not taking offense, not giving offense, the cycle of offense, and not offending ourselves. Today, we focus on the most difficult aspect—our offense towards God.
We examined the story of John the Baptist, who, despite his faithfulness, found himself in prison and questioned Jesus, asking if He was truly the Messiah. Jesus responded by listing His miracles and stating, "Blessed is the one who takes no offense in me." This response highlights the importance of trusting God even when our circumstances don’t align with our expectations.
John’s story teaches us that God’s plans are not always our plans. While Peter was miraculously freed from prison, John was beheaded. This disparity can lead us to question God’s fairness and intentions. However, Jesus calls us to trust Him, even when we don’t understand His ways. Our faith should not be based on our circumstances but on our relationship with God.
We also discussed the importance of deepening our faith. Using the analogy of water levels, we must move beyond ankle-deep faith, where we control our path, to being fully immersed, allowing God to guide us. This requires trust and surrender, especially during tough times.
Faith is not about seeing to believe but believing without seeing. Like Thomas, who needed to see Jesus’ wounds to believe, many of us struggle with doubt. Yet, Jesus blesses those who believe without seeing. Our trials and valleys are where we grow the most, and we must trust that God is working through our difficulties.
Ultimately, we must decide whether to trust God or let our offenses drive us away from Him. Our happiness is not found in our circumstances but in our relationship with God. We must stop chasing mirages and trust that God’s plan, though often mysterious, is for our good.
### Key Takeaways
1. Trusting God Despite Circumstances: John the Baptist’s imprisonment and subsequent beheading, despite his faithfulness, teaches us that God’s plans are not always our plans. We must trust God even when our circumstances don’t align with our expectations. This trust is the foundation of a deep and resilient faith. [04:04]
2. Deepening Our Faith: Moving from ankle-deep to fully immersed faith means surrendering control to God. When we are only ankle-deep, we control our path. But true faith requires us to lift our feet and let God guide us, especially during tough times. This surrender is crucial for spiritual growth. [07:51]
3. Believing Without Seeing: Like Thomas, many of us struggle with doubt and need to see to believe. However, Jesus blesses those who believe without seeing. Our faith should be based on our relationship with God, not our circumstances. This kind of faith is what sustains us through trials. [10:46]
4. Growth Through Trials: Our greatest growth often occurs in the valleys, not on the mountaintops. Trials and tough times stretch and mature us, drawing us closer to God. We must embrace these seasons as opportunities for growth rather than reasons for offense. [12:54]
5. Choosing Trust Over Offense: When we face difficulties, we have a choice: to get bitter or to get better. Trusting God, even when we don’t understand His ways, leads to spiritual maturity and deeper faith. Offense at God only hinders our relationship with Him and our spiritual growth. [25:28]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:55] - Introduction: Offense at God
[01:27] - John the Baptist’s Question
[02:04] - Jesus’ Response to John
[02:40] - John’s Faithfulness and Imprisonment
[03:15] - Comparing Peter and John’s Outcomes
[04:04] - Trusting God Despite Circumstances
[05:21] - Jesus’ Assurance: Trust in His Plan
[06:05] - Dealing with Bitterness
[07:17] - Deepening Our Faith
[07:51] - Surrendering Control to God
[09:02] - Believing Without Seeing
[10:46] - Thomas’ Doubt and Jesus’ Blessing
[12:24] - Growth Through Trials
[14:08] - Trusting God’s Promises
[15:10] - The Danger of Offense
[16:22] - Staying Faithful in Trouble
[18:49] - God’s Deliverance and Our Trust
[20:58] - Understanding God’s Plan
[22:52] - Praying for Deliverance
[24:40] - Joseph’s Story: Rescued Through Trouble
[25:28] - Choosing Trust Over Offense
[28:13] - Loving Jesus for Who He Is
[30:02] - The Challenge and Joy of Marriage
[31:03] - The Mirage of Happiness
[32:36] - Preparation and Growth
[33:22] - Worshiping in the Wilderness
[34:54] - Final Encouragement and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 11:1-6: "When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities. Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, 'Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?' And Jesus answered them, 'Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.'"
2. John 20:24-29: "Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, 'We have seen the Lord.' But he said to them, 'Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.' Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you.' Then he said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.' Thomas answered him, 'My Lord and my God!' Jesus said to him, 'Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'"
3. John 13:7: "Jesus answered him, 'What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What was John the Baptist's question to Jesus while he was in prison, and how did Jesus respond? ([01:27])
2. How did Jesus describe those who are blessed in Matthew 11:6? ([02:04])
3. What was Thomas's reaction when he finally saw Jesus after His resurrection? ([10:46])
4. According to John 13:7, what did Jesus say about understanding His actions?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might John the Baptist have questioned Jesus' identity while he was in prison, despite his previous proclamations about Jesus? ([04:41])
2. How does Jesus' response to John the Baptist's question in Matthew 11:4-6 challenge our understanding of faith and circumstances? ([02:04])
3. What does Jesus' statement to Thomas in John 20:29 suggest about the nature of true faith? ([10:46])
4. How can John 13:7 provide comfort during times when we don't understand God's plans?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when your circumstances did not align with your expectations of God. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? ([04:04])
2. In what areas of your life are you still "ankle-deep" in faith, and how can you move towards being fully immersed and trusting God to guide you? ([07:51])
3. How do you handle doubt in your faith journey, especially when you feel like Thomas and need to see to believe? ([10:46])
4. Think about a recent trial or difficult season in your life. How did it contribute to your spiritual growth, and what did you learn about trusting God through it? ([12:54])
5. When faced with challenges, do you tend to get bitter or better? What steps can you take to choose trust over offense in your current situation? ([25:28])
6. How can you deepen your relationship with God so that your faith is based on who He is rather than what He does for you? ([08:24])
7. Identify one specific area where you need to surrender control to God. What practical steps can you take this week to trust Him more fully in that area? ([07:51])
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God When Circumstances Are Unfavorable
Description: John the Baptist’s story is a powerful reminder that God’s plans often differ from our own. Despite his faithfulness, John found himself imprisoned and eventually beheaded, while Peter was miraculously freed from prison. This disparity can lead us to question God’s fairness and intentions. However, Jesus calls us to trust Him, even when we don’t understand His ways. Our faith should not be based on our circumstances but on our relationship with God. Trusting God despite unfavorable circumstances is the foundation of a deep and resilient faith. [04:04]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where your circumstances did not align with your expectations. How can you choose to trust God’s plan in this situation today?
Day 2: Surrendering Control to Deepen Faith
Description: Moving from ankle-deep to fully immersed faith requires surrendering control to God. When we are only ankle-deep, we control our path. But true faith means lifting our feet and allowing God to guide us, especially during tough times. This surrender is crucial for spiritual growth. It’s about trusting God to lead us, even when we can’t see the way forward. By surrendering control, we allow God to work in our lives in ways we could never imagine. [07:51]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 3: Believing Without Seeing
Description: Like Thomas, many of us struggle with doubt and need to see to believe. However, Jesus blesses those who believe without seeing. Our faith should be based on our relationship with God, not our circumstances. This kind of faith is what sustains us through trials. Believing without seeing means trusting in God’s promises and His character, even when we don’t have tangible evidence. It’s about having confidence in God’s faithfulness and His ability to fulfill His promises. [10:46]
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
Reflection: Reflect on a promise from God that you find difficult to believe without seeing. How can you strengthen your trust in God’s faithfulness in this area today?
Day 4: Embracing Growth Through Trials
Description: Our greatest growth often occurs in the valleys, not on the mountaintops. Trials and tough times stretch and mature us, drawing us closer to God. We must embrace these seasons as opportunities for growth rather than reasons for offense. It’s in the difficult moments that our faith is tested and refined. By trusting God through our trials, we allow Him to shape us into the people He wants us to be. [12:54]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Think of a recent trial you have faced. How can you view this trial as an opportunity for growth and draw closer to God through it?
Day 5: Choosing Trust Over Offense
Description: When we face difficulties, we have a choice: to get bitter or to get better. Trusting God, even when we don’t understand His ways, leads to spiritual maturity and deeper faith. Offense at God only hinders our relationship with Him and our spiritual growth. By choosing to trust God, we open ourselves to His guidance and allow Him to work in our lives. It’s about letting go of bitterness and embracing the peace that comes from trusting in God’s perfect plan. [25:28]
Psalm 37:5-6 (ESV): "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt offended by God’s actions or lack thereof. How can you choose to trust Him and let go of any bitterness today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "You love God. You don't want to go to hell. You want to serve God. But you're a little low key mad at Him at times. Because life doesn't go the way that we want to. And you're like I thought I was serving you. I'm doing all these things. I'm doing everything that I know how to do. And life didn't turn out the way that I thought it would. And I'm a little mad at you God. Because I thought you'd do me better than that. I mean I'm doing my best." [00:55] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Because here's my heart for you as a pastor. I'm praying that you and I would fall so in love with Jesus for who He is, not for what He does. For who He is to us. Because so many times we get upset at God. We get mad at God because He didn't do this and He didn't do that and He didn't come through here. And we get mad and God said, but I haven't changed. If you'll trust me for the long, this is a marathon, not a sprint. I'm in this for the long game. And I'm doing things that you may not see right now. But if you'll trust me and hold on, I'll get you there." [08:24] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There are those that have to see it to believe it, but there are those that believe it even when they haven't seen it, and they're blessed. That's where the blessing comes from, is when you don't see what you're looking for, but you believe it's still there. It's when you haven't seen your victory yet, but you believe your victory's on the way. So if you haven't seen your breakthrough, and you're still hanging in there chasing after God, the Bible says you're going to be blessed." [11:23] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Don't despise your tough times, church. We all have them. Because do you realize you grow more in your tough times than you do in your good times? We grow more in the valley than we do on the mountaintop, but we want those mountaintop experiences. But guess what? Sheep come in the valley. Goats stay on the mountaintop. And the Bible says he's going to separate the sheep from the goats, and there's a lot of goats that come to church seeking a mountaintop experience. And God says, but the luscious green is greatest. The greatest grass is in the valley." [12:24] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you're mad at God, you're mad at the wrong person. If you're offended at God, you're offended at the only one that can help you. And here's some tough words. It's time to grow up. Because face it, everybody goes through stuff. Let me say that again. Everybody goes through stuff. My something isn't going to be the same as your something. But we're all going to go through something. But the one thing you've got to be careful of is when you're going through trouble is thinking you're the only one." [25:28] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "And we can take offense in so many different ways. But as believers, we've got to learn, if we stay offended at God, we're never going to be able to minister to the world. We've got to learn to be able to give answers to people that are offended by God and that are hurt with God because those people are out there. And so we've got to settle this issue for ourselves because I think we can even get offended at God and maybe not even realize it. And it starts out with a little bit of a root of a bitterness in our soul because we saw someone else get delivered. Like Peter." [06:05] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And through it all, here's what I can tell you. God's in the process of delivering me. He's in the process of delivering you. And he's walked with Kelly and I every single step of the way. And we're closer as a husband and wife and stronger than ever before. Still wouldn't mind seeing a little Old Testament vindication every once in a while. But I'm trusting God. Amen. God is going to give you and he's going to give us the strength to walk through what we're going through. We just got to keep walking with him. Because he's helped me to forgive and not hold on to bitterness. I can honestly say that as your pastor today, I'm standing on this stage today with a pure heart. Not offended. Not angry. Working through the hurt." [19:39] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "See, we often tend to pray for God to get us out of what we're in. But instead, God often brings us through what we're in. Sure, I would have prayed for the instant deliverance. How about you? I'm not going to sign up and say, God, I want the life that Peter had to live. Joseph had to live. No. That doesn't mean we didn't continue to pray for our deliverance. What it does mean is I'll keep serving and trusting him. I may not understand it now, but I will understand it one day. Because I've gotten mad. I've gotten offended at God. And God, if you don't love me more than that, then I'm done. Because a lot of people get offended. And I'm not belittling anybody's trouble. But the question is, do we trust God?" [22:52] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And if anybody knew trials and troubles, it was Joseph. Acts 7-9 says, Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him and he rescued him from all his troubles. And he gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain. The goodwill of Pharaoh, king of Egypt. See, God was with Joseph every single step of the way. Every hardship he went through brought him one step closer to his destiny. See, because when God is for you, it doesn't matter who's against you. And if you know Joseph's story, it wasn't that he got rescued from trouble. He got rescued through his trouble." [24:40] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And as believers, we gotta grow up. And God said, I led you through the wilderness for 40 years to humble you, to get you ready, to weed out of you what was in you. They were in that wilderness because they couldn't keep their mouth shut and couldn't get their attitude adjusted. I ain't gonna stay in the wilderness because of my attitude and not preaching this message today because I don't wanna stay in it because of yours either. Amen? So iron sharpening iron, that's why we have connect groups. So you can look at that person across the room and say, I love you, but you gotta get it together. Because if you won't worship God in the wilderness, you won't worship him. Amen. In the promised land." [33:46] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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