How can we avoid being "offended" by truth like the Pharisees in Matthew 15:12? The Offended Pharisees: The Scene “Then the disciples came to Him and said, ‘Are You aware that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?’” (Matthew 15:12) Jesus had just exposed how their traditions nullified God’s commandments (Matthew 15:3–9). Truth landed, pride bristled, and offense erupted. Recognizing the Roots of Offense • Pride: cherishing reputation over repentance (Proverbs 16:18). • Tradition above Scripture: “You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men” (Mark 7:8). • Hard hearts: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:7-8). • Fear of losing control or influence (John 11:48). • Superficial listening: hearing words without submitting to their authority (James 1:22). Cultivating a Truth-Loving Heart • Humble yourself daily before God’s Word (Isaiah 66:2). • Treasure Scripture above opinion: “Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing can make them stumble” (Psalm 119:165). • Welcome conviction as a gift, not a threat (Proverbs 9:8-9). • Lean on the Spirit, not self-understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Remember truth liberates, not enslaves: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Practical Steps to Guard Against Offense • Daily Bible intake with a surrendered mind—read to obey, not just to know. • Ask the Lord to search and expose hidden resistance (Psalm 139:23-24). • Welcome loving correction from mature believers (Proverbs 27:6). • Compare every tradition, opinion, or feeling with clear Scripture (Acts 17:11). • Respond quickly to conviction—confess, repent, adjust course (1 John 1:9). • Practice slow speech and quick listening: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger” (James 1:19). Warning Signs of Pharisaic Offense • Irritation when a passage challenges a cherished practice. • Defending tradition with emotion instead of Scripture. • Measuring others by human standards while excusing self. • Avoiding passages or teachings that confront sin. • Elevating secondary issues above clear commands of Christ. The Blessing of Embracing Truth • Freedom from bondage to tradition and self (Galatians 5:1). • Growth into Christlike maturity—“speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). • Unshakeable peace (Psalm 119:165). • Fruitful witness: a life aligned with God’s Word draws others to Him (Matthew 5:16). • Eternal reward—“Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28). Closing Encouragement Receive Scripture as the final, faithful word of the living God. When truth confronts, choose humility over hurt, repentance over resentment, and freedom over offense. |
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