Matthew 11:6, Luke 7:23, Luke 17:1-4
God doesn't joke with His children being offended.
This topic about offense is worth looking into because offense is an issue Jesus specifically talked about.
Offense was something Jesus experienced first hand in His life and ministry. Mark 3:5,6, John 15:25
His ministry success offended some people because He had the crowd. Luke 8:4
His birth offended and rattled a King. Matthew 2:1-15
His wisdom offended some people. Matthew 13:54-57
His miracles offended some people. Mark 12:10-14
His assignment offended some groups of people. John 2:19,20
If you are anything like your Master Jesus Christ, expect offense from some people. John 15:18-20
Don't expect everyone to like you.
Don't expect everyone to approve of what you're trying to do, no matter how noble it is.
The disciples of Jesus offended the authorities of the day by doing the right thing.
Joseph's dream offended his brothers.
Joseph didn't make up his dream, his dream was God given. Genesis 37:5-11
There are people who won't like what God has given you.
When God shows His love in your life, some will be offended. Genesis 37:4
If you are good looking not everyone will be happy about it.
If you dress well, not everyone will rejoice about it.
If you are educated, gifted in one way or the other or show prospects in life, don't expect everyone to rejoice with you.
Not everyone was happy Jesus attracted great multitudes of people.
The Pharisees were insecure, the Sadducees didn't understand His doctrine, and the Roman empire saw Him as a threat.
Like Master, like follower. John 15:18-20
If some were insecure, offended and threatened by Jesus there will be people who are insecure, offended and threatened by you.
Even John the Baptist got offended with Jesus at a point, the same John the Baptist who declared Jesus as the Son of God and lamb of God during Jesus's baptism.
Are you offended with Jesus?
Are you offended with God?
Jesus encouraged us to forgive, forgiveness is the cure for offense.
We all have people we can forgive by releasing the offense we have towards them.
We can forgive ourselves because it's possible to be offended with ourselves.
We can also forgive God because we can be offended with God.
What causes offense?
1) When we feel people/a person has let us down (eg. John the Baptist towards Jesus)
2) When the glory or prospects of another is seen, which causes jealousy or envy (eg. Saul towards David)
3) When people disobey (eg. God towards the Israelites)
4) When we feel ignored or our prayers haven't been answered (eg. people towards God)
5) Ignorance- many are ignorant of the benefits of not being offended when you have a right to be offended.
A blessing comes upon you when you choose not to take offense. Luke 7:23
What are the cures for offense?
a) Forgiveness- You can sow forgiveness like a seed and harvest forgiveness from your heavenly Father. Matthew 6:14,15
b) Casting our cares upon God in prayer- 1 Peter 5:7
As the year is coming to an end really fast, let's guard our hearts against offense. Offense is one of the strategies the enemy uses to gain an edge over us.
Olutosin Ogunkolade, a Teacher-Pastor shared this message
God doesn't joke with His children being offended.
This topic about offense is worth looking into because offense is an issue Jesus specifically talked about.
Offense was something Jesus experienced first hand in His life and ministry. Mark 3:5,6, John 15:25
His ministry success offended some people because He had the crowd. Luke 8:4
His birth offended and rattled a King. Matthew 2:1-15
His wisdom offended some people. Matthew 13:54-57
His miracles offended some people. Mark 12:10-14
His assignment offended some groups of people. John 2:19,20
If you are anything like your Master Jesus Christ, expect offense from some people. John 15:18-20
Don't expect everyone to like you.
Don't expect everyone to approve of what you're trying to do, no matter how noble it is.
The disciples of Jesus offended the authorities of the day by doing the right thing.
Joseph's dream offended his brothers.
Joseph didn't make up his dream, his dream was God given. Genesis 37:5-11
There are people who won't like what God has given you.
When God shows His love in your life, some will be offended. Genesis 37:4
If you are good looking not everyone will be happy about it.
If you dress well, not everyone will rejoice about it.
If you are educated, gifted in one way or the other or show prospects in life, don't expect everyone to rejoice with you.
Not everyone was happy Jesus attracted great multitudes of people.
The Pharisees were insecure, the Sadducees didn't understand His doctrine, and the Roman empire saw Him as a threat.
Like Master, like follower. John 15:18-20
If some were insecure, offended and threatened by Jesus there will be people who are insecure, offended and threatened by you.
Even John the Baptist got offended with Jesus at a point, the same John the Baptist who declared Jesus as the Son of God and lamb of God during Jesus's baptism.
Are you offended with Jesus?
Are you offended with God?
Jesus encouraged us to forgive, forgiveness is the cure for offense.
We all have people we can forgive by releasing the offense we have towards them.
We can forgive ourselves because it's possible to be offended with ourselves.
We can also forgive God because we can be offended with God.
What causes offense?
1) When we feel people/a person has let us down (eg. John the Baptist towards Jesus)
2) When the glory or prospects of another is seen, which causes jealousy or envy (eg. Saul towards David)
3) When people disobey (eg. God towards the Israelites)
4) When we feel ignored or our prayers haven't been answered (eg. people towards God)
5) Ignorance- many are ignorant of the benefits of not being offended when you have a right to be offended.
A blessing comes upon you when you choose not to take offense. Luke 7:23
What are the cures for offense?
a) Forgiveness- You can sow forgiveness like a seed and harvest forgiveness from your heavenly Father. Matthew 6:14,15
b) Casting our cares upon God in prayer- 1 Peter 5:7
As the year is coming to an end really fast, let's guard our hearts against offense. Offense is one of the strategies the enemy uses to gain an edge over us.
Olutosin Ogunkolade, a Teacher-Pastor shared this message
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