Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come…” Luke 17:1a Skandalon = The part of the trap to which the bait is attached, hence, the trap or snare itself. A stumbling block. What is “Offense”?

The closer the relationship, the more severe the offense. For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; Then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me; Then I could hide from him. But it was you, a man my equal, My companion and my acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, And walked to the house of God in the throng. Psalm 55:12-14 What is “Offense”?

“An offense usually occurs when you see, hear, or experience a behavior that is so different from what you expected that it causes you to falter, totter and wobble in your soul. In fact, you are so stunned by what you have observed or by a failed expectation that you lose your footing emotionally. Before you know it, you are dumbfounded and flabbergasted about something. Then your shock turns into disbelief, your disbelief into disappointment, and your disappointment into offense.” – Rick Renner

Those who are in quarrels or opposition fall into a trap, & are held prisoner to do the Devil’s will. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.2 Timothy 2:24-26 What is “Offense”?

Offended people fall into two major categories: Those who have been treated unjustly. Those who BELIEVE they have been treated unjustly. Types of “Offense”

Those who BELIEVE they have been treated unjustly. conclusions drawn from inaccurate information. information accurate, but conclusion is distorted. AVOID: Assumption AppearanceHearsay Types of “Offense”

The Fruit of Offense: Bitterness Strife Unforgiveness Envy Anger Resentment Types of “Offense”

PRIDE: Not admitting your true condition, keeping the offense hidden. View yourself as a victim. Keeps you from truth. Hardens your heart. Dims your eyes of understanding. Keeps you from the truth. World’s Way of Dealing with “Offense”

Walls of Protection: A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, and contentions are like the bars of a castle. Prov 18:19 We construct walls, when we are hurt, to safeguard our hearts and prevent any future wounds. Love does not seek its own, but hurt people become more and more self-seeking and self-contained. When we filter everything through past hurts and rejections, we find it impossible to believe God. If we don’t risk getting hurt we cannot give unconditional love. World’s Way of Dealing with “Offense”

Revenge: Do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Rom 12:19 Revenge perpetuates cycle of offense. “Chain of Pain” (Matthew 24:10-12): Offense/Betrayal – Hate – Deceit – Lawlessness – Love Gone Cold. Commit the situation to God. 1 Peter 2: World’s Way of Dealing with “Offense”

Refining Like Gold: “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire…” Rev 3:18a - A pure heart is like pure gold – soft, tender and pliable. - If we don’t deal with offense it hardens your heart, - God refines with afflictions, trials, tribulations, the heat of which separates impurities such as unforgiveness, strife, bitterness, anger, envy. (1 Peter 1:6-7) - Sin easily hides where there is no heat of trials and afflictions. God’s Way of Dealing with “Offense”

See Correctly: “and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.” Rev 3:18c When we blame others and defend our position, we are blind. Harboring offense keeps us from seeing our own character flaws. Beware False Prophets, wolves in sheep’s clothing. God’s Way of Dealing with “Offense”

Agape Love: For I am persuaded that [NOTHING], shall be able to separate us from the love of God… Romans 8:38-39 God’s Way of Dealing with “Offense” AGAPE = Unconditional Love = God’s perfect love. PHILIA = Friendly Love, Brotherly Love EROS = Romantic Love

Agape Love: For I am persuaded that [NOTHING], shall be able to separate us from the love of God… Romans 8:38-39 God’s Way of Dealing with “Offense” Without God we can only love with a selfish love – one that cannot be given if it is not received and returned. God calls us to love beyond philia and eros. Matt 5:43-48 When you sow the love of God you will reap the love of God, (though you may not harvest from the field in which you sowed. Gal 6:8-9).