I enjoyed the Sunday School lesson on James 1:21.
Our church service started with a short update from a missionary to the eastern Asian countries like Laos, Thailand, and more. The missionary goal is to “Change the Map” from 1% Christian in these Buddhist countries.
Our Pastor then shared his message from Luke 17:1-6 which he titled “Overcoming Offenses”.
Temptations will come. The enemy is always setting the trap or “skandalon” which is the trigger on the trap.
We live in an Offended culture. Offense will give you the ability to hear things that haven't been said. People seeking offense become paranoid; they set themselves up to be victims. Christians need to learn to live with grace towards others.
‘An offended brother is harder to win back than a fortified city; their contentions separate them like a gate locked with bars.’ Proverbs 18:19. Satan encourages offenses because they serve to divide us and destroy unity. Being offended (or giving offense) can cut off God's blessings working in our lives.
We need to recognize offenses or temptations as an attack from the enemy. Also, we need to be careful that our blunt speaking doesn't offend others. Offenses can be given intentionally or negligently. Be careful of your delivery and your motive.
Paul admonished Timothy in 2 Timothy 4: 22-26:
22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.Christians need to be people of compassion, rebuking with love. Let others see the love and grace that comes from a Christ-like heart.
Taking offense is a lack of faith that God will work it out. We are to forgive and let God be the righteous judge. He will deal with their heart.
If we are to be a counterculture we must increase our faith to handle situations in God's way. Help us to forgive as we are directed. We have a mustard seed as a starter kit.
Offended people are used by enemy. Offense leads to betrayal to anger to deception and eventually walking away from God. We must stand firm and not get caught in being offended in a wicked world. Matthew 24:3-15.
I had to search for a song to day and I think I found a good one: The Jesus Way!
Luke 17:1-6 NIV
17 Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. 2 It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3 So watch yourselves.
“If your brother or sister[a] sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. 4 Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”
6 He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.
Lord, increase my faith to trust You. Help me to show compassion and to show Your Grace in all circumstances.
