Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "offense" often refers to actions or behaviors that lead others into sin or cause them to stumble in their faith. The Scriptures provide stern warnings and denunciations against those who cause such offenses, emphasizing the gravity of leading others astray.One of the most direct teachings on this subject comes from Jesus Christ Himself. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus warns of the severe consequences for those who cause others, particularly the "little ones" who believe in Him, to stumble. He states, "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea" (Matthew 18:6). This vivid imagery underscores the seriousness with which Jesus views the act of leading others into sin. The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of causing offense within the Christian community. In his letter to the Romans, Paul advises believers to be mindful of their actions and the impact they may have on others' faith. He writes, "Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way" (Romans 14:13). Paul emphasizes the importance of love and consideration for fellow believers, urging Christians to avoid actions that might lead others to violate their conscience or fall into sin. In 1 Corinthians, Paul further elaborates on this principle, particularly in the context of exercising personal freedoms. He states, "Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak" (1 Corinthians 8:9). Here, Paul acknowledges that while believers may have the liberty to engage in certain activities, they must prioritize the spiritual well-being of others over their own rights. The theme of avoiding offense is also present in the teachings of the Apostle Peter. In his first epistle, Peter encourages believers to live in a manner that is above reproach, so that their conduct does not become a source of offense to others. He writes, "Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us" (1 Peter 2:12). Peter's exhortation highlights the importance of maintaining a testimony that reflects the character of Christ and draws others toward God rather than away from Him. The biblical denunciation against causing offense serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibility believers have toward one another. It calls for a careful examination of one's actions and attitudes, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Christ and promote the spiritual growth and unity of the body of Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 18:7Woe to the world because of offenses! for it must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offense comes! Torrey's Topical Textbook Mark 9:42 Library Regeneration by Faith. Of Repentance. Matt. xix. 27 Faustus Abhors Moses for the Awful Curse He Has Pronounced Upon ... On the Comparison of the Law and the Gospel An American Reformer. An American Reformer On the Effects of the Sin of Our First Parents Luther Before the Diet. Luther Before the Diet The Evolution of Early Congregationalism the Stone which the ... Resources What does the Bible say about etiquette / manners? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that love covers a multitude of sins? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about grudges? | GotQuestions.org Offence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Offense: All Things That Cause, Shall be Gathered out of Christ's Offense: Blessedness of not Taking, at Christ Offense: Denunciation Against Those Who Cause Offense: Ministers should be Cautious of Giving Offense: Ministers should Remove That Which Causes Offense: Occasions of, Forbidden Offense: Occasions of, Must Arrive Offense: Persecution, a Cause of, to Mere Professors Offense: Punishment for Occasioning Offense: Saints should Avoid Those Who Cause Offense: Saints should be Cautious of Giving Offense: Saints should be Without Offense: Saints should Cut off What Causes, to Themselves Offense: Saints should Have a Conscience Void of Offense: Saints should not Let Their Liberty Occasion, to Others Offense: Saints should Reprove Those Who Cause Offense: Saints should Use Self-Denial Rather than Occasion Offense: Saints Warned Against Taking Offense: The Wicked Take, At: Christ Crucified Offense: The Wicked Take, At: Christ, As the Bread of Life Offense: The Wicked Take, At: Christ, As the Corner-Stone Offense: The Wicked Take, At: The Low Station of Christ Offense: The Wicked Take, At: The Necessity of Inward Purity Offense: The Wicked Take, At: The Righteousness of Faith Related Terms Transgression (70 Occurrences) |
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