Good morning Church!
We are glad to see you back for the online service. God has been faithful all this time and He continues to do so, and we should be glad because we know Him by His name. And His name is, “Jesus!”
As you are aware that we learned about “Offence – Satan’s Bait”, last week. This is a part of our ongoing se ies, “Enemy’s Weapon!” We will continue with Part 2 of the same series from last week.
Let us begin with the Gospel of Jesus Christ…
And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.
Matthew 24:10-12
Let us try and understand that….
What happens when you get offended?
1: Offence will destroy relationships and slow down your spiritual growth.
There are many ways by which people get offended. Mistreatment, not being recognised, not thanked enough, different points of view, etc. are few to name.
Psychologists and medical professionals even say that “They don’t see the things that we do!”
When this happen, it will bear fruits of bitterness, such as hatred, jealousy etc.
2: Offence causes divisions.
If we are offended, many end up with ending their relationships.
Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. Your heart knows that many times you yourself have cursed others.
Ecclesiastes 7:21-22
Wisdom teaches us not to be quick in resenting affronts. Be not desirous to know what people say; if they speak well of them, it will feed their pride, if ill, it will stir up their passion. See that they approve themself to God and their own conscience, and then heed not what men say of them; it is easier to pass by twenty affronts than to avenge one. When any harm is done to us, examine whether we have not done as bad to others.
Churches have fallen because of someone was offended. Being offended creates a stir between congregation, pastor, elders and eventually brings down Church as a whole.
Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.
Ecclesiastes 7:20
Do not hold on to this bait if satan. I encourage each one of you, if something is feeling down in life because of some offence taken, immediately turn your eyes on God. Pray and ask Christ to help you!
3: Offence will betray one another.
And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Matthew 24:10-13
The word of God clearly says that “…the one who endures to the end will be saved”.
Enemy will try to cause things which will try to break you down. Jesus experienced that when Judas betrayed Him. Mary had a chance to sell her perfume instead of using it on the feet of Jesus, while Judas did the opposite. He betrayed Jesus for money. We must control our life in accordance to what is acceptable to Christ otherwise enemy is fulky orepared with his baits to take you down spiritually, physically and you may end up betraying someone.
But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices
Colossians 3:8-9
Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
1 John 3:15
When there is a betrayal, it will lead to hate.
4: Offence will cause to be deceived
And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.
Matthew 24:11-12
There will be many false teachers, however do not misdudge righteous teachers with them.
Who say to the seers, “Do not see,” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us what is right; speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions,
Isaiah 30:10
Many a times, a pastor talks about something where people get offended, while whatever pastor is telling is correct as well. You see here, this is another situation. “A critical word” can change the thinking and people will get offended and this offence will cause deception.
While evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
2 Timothy 3:13
5: Offences will stop the blessings of God
And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:9-11
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,
Matthew 6:14
Sometimes people get offended within their ministries just because of something someone said. Because of this, people walkout from their ministries. A skill that God has given you won’t be used any longer and it is certain wou may experience losing on blessings or being a blessing for others.
And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.
Matthew 24:10
God’s plan is victory in your life, however enemy doesn’t want you to be victorious, which is why satan has his baits such as “Offence”, prepared for you, in order to stop your spiritual growth and blessings from your life.
If you feel that you get offended often, then trust me Church, this is a serious concern and needs to be addressed sooner rather than late, but the question is how? Well the answer is simple, fix your eyes unto the Lord. Seek God’s strength and ask to be filled by His Holy Spirit. Pray and ask God to release you from any bondages and wait unto Him, and trust me, you will be blessed beyond imagination.
Do not allow any offence to grow in your life. Don’t remain an offended person and give it up at the hands of God and live a free life to the purpose God has created you.
We hope you feel renewed with today’s message and look forward to seek God’s help in fighting the enemy’s baits. We look forward to see you again next Sunday. God bless!