Transcript

OffendingWhat does it mean to offend?

What does it mean to be offended?

2

Modern definition: “cause to feel upset, annoyed, or resentful.”• Romans 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor

any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

‒ What about if you offend me by what you say or do?‒ Should my liberties be judged by what makes another Christian upset or resentful?

3

==========================================================Def. 1: Transgress. To do wrong to. To anger or invoke wrath. To wrong another, to hurt or transgress against the brother. (e.g. punch him in the mouth.)==========================================================• Jas 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in

one point, he is guilty of all. ‒ The law. Sex offenders.

• Gen 20:9 Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done.

‒ Not what Rom 14:21 is talking about.

4

• Matthew 16:21-23 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. 23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

‒ Was Jesus saying he was annoyed or upset, that his feelings were hurt? 1. NO, Peter was standing between Jesus’ service of God. Peter made himself a stumblingblock.

5

==========================================================Def. 2: Hinder. To cause to fall or stumble. Hinder in obedience to God; to cause to sin or cause one to invoke God’s wrath; to make them fall/backslide, or neglect duty and stop serving or believing God. ==========================================================

6

• Isa 8:14 And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.• 1Pe 2:7-8 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto

them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

‒ Jesus is an offence? The word of God is an offence?1. Yes, because he causes many to stumble and fall. Causes many to transgress against the commandment of

God.‒ Not because it upsets people, but because it causes many to stumble.

1. May not be angered, but still cannot believe the word. (e.g. the Muslim)

7

• Mat 11:6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.‒ What does this use of offence mean?

• Mat 26:31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.

‒ Offended: Scattered from following the shepherd.

• Mat 26:33 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.• Mat 26:34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night,

before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.‒ Peter was not angry at Jesus, but he was scattered/fallen/stumbled. So offended from

serving God he denied he even knew Jesus (God).‒ Get this: every time Jesus uses the word “offend” it is in this manner!

• Joh 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.• Joh 16:1 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be

offended.‒ He warns them about future persecution so they aren’t offended when it comes!!! ‒ They might wonder if they were really doing right. They might be hindered from serving

God.

• Joh 16:2-4 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. 3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.

‒ Remember, and don’t be offended.‒ And when that persecution comes… woe unto the offender.. what is he doing?

8

9

• Matthew 18:6-9 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! 8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. 9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

‒ This punishment is for those that turn others from Christ. Scatter his sheep.‒ If your hand or eye disrespects you? Angers you?

1. Rather, if it makes you fall away from God. Causes you to fall away from his salvation.‒ If cutting off your foot will save your soul, cut that thing off. ‒ And if cutting off your own members, you should be ready to cut off anyone that offends

you! (father/mother/brother)

10

• Mat 17:24-27 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? 25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? Of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? Of their own children, or of strangers? 26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. 27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

‒ Jesus never wanted to offend anyone.‒ He made sure that none were offended, but by his word alone.

11

• Joh 6:53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.• Joh 6:60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this,

said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?• Joh 6:61 When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at

it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?‒ Jesus is not worried about their feelings of resentment.

• Joh 6:64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.

‒ It’s about their disbelief!

12

• Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

‒ Teaching that you have to do good works to get or keep salvation. That is offensive. ‒ The fact is that it steers people away from Jesus. It is a yoke of bondage, and it offends.

• Don’t assume when you read “offend” in the Bible that it is meant the way that it is used today, as in to “anger or upset”.

Liberty vs OffencesRomans 14

1 Corinthians 81 Corinthians 10

Romans 14

15

• Rom 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.• Rom 14:14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is

nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

‒ What thing in this world is unclean or sinful?‒ Conscience: It’s unclean for him who thinks its unclean. Not to me or anyone else, but to

him!1. Statues. Television. Alcohol/Gambling.

16

• Rom 14:15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.

‒ If the brother/sister thinks it’s wrong, then by doing it in front of them, or by encouraging them to do the same, I’m putting a stumblingblock in their way.

‒ Conscience: Causes them to feel guilty and feel like they have transgressed against God.‒ Its still not sinful in and of itself. But I’ve caused them to stumble. I’ve hurt their relationship

with God. Not charitable.

• Rom 14:20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.

‒ For my liberties.. (movies, alcohol, gambling) do not destroy God’s work, the brother.‒ With offence can be two-fold.

1. I am uncertain whether or not I am transgressing when I eat.2. OR even if I am certain, I may still be putting a stumblingblock in front of another brother.

17

• Rom 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

‒ Not that I hurt his feelings, but that I was an offence/hindrance to his service and relationship with God.

‒ If he does that thing against his conscience, he’s going to feel guilty before God. I weakened him spiritually, i.e. his relationship with God.

‒ Why is it unclean to one and not the other?

• Romans 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

‒ Whatsoever is not done with knowledge/confidence, is done with doubt.‒ Nothing in and of itself is sin, but it is actually sin to transgress against your conscience,

when it tells you something is evil.

1 Corinthians 8

19

• 1Co 8:1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

‒ Knowledge strengthens the conscience.‒ Be careful with that knowledge, it could make you feel superior and be less charitable.

• 1 Corinthians 8:4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.

‒ We know that meat offered to an idol is not unclean, because an idol is just wood/stone.‒ The meat is clean, as long as you know you are not backsliding, fighting against God.

20

• 1Co 8:7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

‒ What makes some Christians weak?‒ We might know that “there is nothing unclean of itself”. So why would it be unclean to those

who believe it is unclean? 1. They are violating their conscience. Their conscience tells them they have transgressed.2. They are not eating a clean piece of steak, they are seeing contaminated steak.

‒ Apply to alcohol, gambling. Why is sin to do those things while doubting?1. Conscience. Lust War.

‒ The more knowledge I have, the less my conscience convicts me of, the less I have to stumble over.

• 1Co 8:8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.

‒ Alcohol does not make you better, or worse. It’s just a thing.

21

• 1Co 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

‒ When I through my knowledge cause my weaker brother to be offended (stumble), or to offend (transgress), I’ve been an offense to him.

‒ Who gets tripped up and falls from rocks and stumblingblocks? The weak, and also…

• Leviticus 19:14 Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I am the LORD.• John 11:9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If

any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.

‒ How could Jesus be an offence, a stumblingblock? Because they are blind to him!‒ Just like the unsaved are blind to the gospel, the weak brethren are blind to much Christian

knowledge. ‒ The brother with knowledge (who can see) will not be offended. ‒ To the wise it is freedom, but to the blind it is a stone of stumbling.

22

• Psalms 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

‒ The perfect/strong Christian, which is “rooted and grounded” in knowledge, does not stumble.

• 1Co 8:10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;

‒ Apply this to alcohol or cigarettes or going to the movies.

• 1Co 8:11-13 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. 13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

‒ “For meat destroy not the work of God” – Rom 14‒ Exercising my liberty is not worth a brother perishing. (e.g. Jesus and the taxes)

Take-Aways

24

• 2Co 6:3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

‒ Christianity should only be blamed for offence of Christ.1. If what you do makes another person hate Christians or God for any other reason than he is offended by

stumbles on faith in Jesus Christ, you’ve done wrong.2. If what I say turns another person off from Christ for any reason other than the truth of scripture, I don’t think

God is pleased with that. ‒ We are putting more obstacles in the way of a blind person, when only Jesus can turn the

lights on.‒ Some will be “offended” no matter what. Some are in the business of being “offended”.

• Jas 3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

‒ The truth is offensive enough. There is no reason to be offensive with our words, or “in any thing”, as well.

‒ But we also aren’t to live in fear of appearing to do evil according to someone else’s conscience.

‒ It comes down to this…

25

• Act 24:16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

‒ How can you have a good relationship with God if your conscience tells you have transgressed against him?

‒ Your conscience should be clean toward men.‒ Your conscience should be clean toward God.

Summary

27

‒ We are not abstaining from other’s opinions of evil.‒ Your opinion does not affect my liberty. Your “perception” is not reality.

• Rom 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

‒ Judge righteous judgment, not according to appearances or to your own conscience.‒ Better yet, just stop judging other people…‒ If my liberty causes a brother to backslide, I shouldn’t do it IN FRONT OF that person.

• Pro 18:19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

‒ The most important thing to take away is this: do not turn people away from God by angering them with your opinions or words. The only thing that should offend them (scatter) coming from us, is the gospel of Christ.

1. We are in the business of winning souls, not fixing America’s social and moral issues. ‒ Jesus never purposely offended (angered) people. They were only offended (angered) by the

truth.

28

• Questions?

• Pray.

Back-up Stuff

Liberty and Offence

31

• 1Co 8:10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;• 1Co 8:11-13 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother

perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. 13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

‒ Apply this to alcohol, gambling, cigarettes, or going to the movies.‒ You have done wrong if you look like you are partaking and make others partake?‒ I don’t care if he is emboldened to eat, only if he perishes. Not get mad, but perish.‒ “For meat destroy not the work of God” – Rom 14‒ Exercising my liberty is not worth a brother perishing. (e.g. Jesus and the tithes)

1 Corinthians 10

33

• 1 Corinthians 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

‒ You don’t benefit from things just because they are lawful.

• 1 Corinthians 8:8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.• 1 Corinthians 10:24 Let no man seek his own, but every man

another's wealth.‒ Profit. But doing, or not doing, lawful things could be beneficial to another’s soul.

• 1 Corinthians 10:25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:

‒ Don’t go looking for sins to stay away from. Do they sell alcohol in there?? Anyone around?‒ Don’t live in fear of “offending”. When evil appears…

• 1 Corinthians 10:26 For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.

‒ Meat/wine does not belong to anyone but the Lord.

34

• 1 Corinthians 10:27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.

‒ Devil’s meat? Withhold your liberty because people may be angered? Jesus didn’t do this.

• 1 Corinthians 10:28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:

‒ Why would one say that to you? Why should you not eat? (unsaved vs. saved)‒ For him (soul), and his conscience. The conscience tells you which is winning the battle.‒ If perishing is on the line! It’s still the Lord’s, it’s still clean.

• 1 Corinthians 10:29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?

‒ Not about my conscience, its about the other man’s‒ Not about judgment by the conscience! Its about the guilt, the offence! ‒ Our purpose is then benefiting and edifying the weaker person’s conscience.

1. First edify, then benefit as necessary.

35

• 1 Corinthians 10:30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?• 1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or

whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.• 1Co 10:32-33 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the

Gentiles, nor to the church of God: 33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

‒ Don’t seek your own profit/pleasure. Seek the salvation of the lost, and the strengthening of the brother or sister in Christ.

‒ Seek the profit of every other man’s conscience.1. If your liberty is an offence unto them, they DO NOT profit!2. If your liberty is a liberty unto them, they DO profit!

‒ This is chiefly about salvation! For his soul, and his conscience.‒ When other Christians desire that you don’t partake, they are:

1. Judging unrighteously2. Glorying in appearances

36

• John 7:23-24 If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day? 24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

‒ The Jews got angry at Jesus for doing what was lawful.‒ What is wrong for you is not necessarily wrong for others. Why?‒ We are not ever told to be subject to judgment of another man’s conscience.

• Galatians 6:12-13 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.

‒ Judging and glorying according to appearances.‒ They take the glory and the respect and praise for having good little sheep that keep laws,

ordinances, standards. They don’t give God the glory.

Romans 14

38

• Romans 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.• Romans 14:2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another,

who is weak, eateth herbs.‒ You’re not stronger because you partake, but because you believe that you may partake.

• Romans 14:3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.• Romans 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to

his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

‒ God does not need you to judge his servants for him.

• Romans 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.

39

• Romans 14:6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

‒ You need to only worry about your own relationship with God.‒ Only ask yourself this, is it for the Lord, or for to be seen of men?

• Romans 14:7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.• Romans 14:8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and

whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.• Romans 14:9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived,

that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.‒ If every Christian lived this way, there would be no judgment.‒ If the Christian does what he does for God, he’s within his rights.‒ Where scripture does not condemn you, your conscience is free.

40

• Romans 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.• Romans 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee

shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.• Romans 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself

to God.‒ Just get rid of the judgment. Get rid of the pride.

41

• Romans 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

‒ Judge righteous judgment, not according to appearances or to your own conscience.‒ Righteous judgment is of yourself. ‒ Righteous judgment is according to brotherly love and charity.‒ If my liberty causes a brother to backslide, I shouldn’t do it IN FRONT OF that person.

• 1 Corinthians 11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.• 1Co 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become

a stumblingblock to them that are weak.‒ Is your liberty more important than the brother? Not charitable.

42

• Romans 14:14-15 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.

‒ If I partake knowing that he is grieved.. You’ll be judged for offending the brother. ‒ Putting your liberty ahead of the brother’s profit/benefit.

• Romans 14:16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:‒ You liberty is a good thing, but clean and good becomes evil when it is done in offence.

• 1 Timothy 4:4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

‒ All things are good, all things are clean.1. If you know it is clean. 2. If you are thankful for God’s provision. 3. If you are not putting your liberty ahead of another’s profit.

43

• Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.• Romans 14:18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable

to God, and approved of men.‒ What things? Edifying and benefiting the brethren.‒ Put your meat (liberty) aside if it means another will be offended.

• Romans 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.• Romans 14:20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things

indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.‒ Partaking becomes evil when offence comes.

44

• Romans 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.• Romans 14:22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is

he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.‒ Your liberty is for you, before God. Give thanks for your liberty.‒ Ask no questions, but then if you am made to know that your liberty causes a brother to be

hindered, don’t do it IN FRONT OF that person.‒ When your conscience condemns you, you are fighting against God.‒ If you have no doubt that you are free in that thing, it is allowed. And your liberty can make

you happy.

• Romans 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

‒ Eating with offence.‒ Conscience condemns.

45

• Romans 15:1-3 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. 3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

‒ Liberty is not about pleasing ourselves. We were not made free from sin to live in sin.‒ We should not please ourselves, but God and the brethren FOR edification.‒ We ought to bear the infirmities of the weak.

1. That doesn’t mean we should oppress ourselves.

Summary‒ No where does the Bible say to obey another’s conscience when they judge you.‒ No where does it say that my liberty should be taken away because there might be a weak

brother about. What then would be the point of liberty?‒ But if I know, I should edify and profit (expedient) the soul and conscience of the weaker

man (brother or neighbor).


Top Related