Topical Bible: Offense: Ministers should Remove That Which Causes

◄ Offense: Ministers should Remove That Which Causes ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the Christian faith, the concept of offense is significant, particularly in the context of ministry and leadership. The term "offense" can refer to a stumbling block or a cause of sin that leads believers away from the path of righteousness. Ministers, as shepherds of their congregations, bear the responsibility of identifying and removing such causes to maintain the spiritual health and unity of the church.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides clear guidance on the importance of addressing offenses within the church. In Matthew 18:6-7 , Jesus warns, "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. Woe to the world for the causes of sin! These stumbling blocks must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!" This passage underscores the severe consequences of causing others to stumble in their faith and highlights the necessity for vigilance in removing such causes.

Role of Ministers

Ministers are called to be vigilant stewards of their congregations, ensuring that nothing within the church becomes a source of offense. In 1 Corinthians 8:9 , Paul advises, "Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak." This instruction emphasizes the need for ministers to exercise discernment and sensitivity, particularly in matters of personal liberty, to prevent causing spiritual harm to others.

Furthermore, in 2 Corinthians 6:3 , Paul states, "We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry." This verse highlights the apostolic commitment to maintaining a ministry free from reproach, ensuring that nothing hinders the message of the Gospel.

Practical Application

Ministers are encouraged to actively seek out and address potential sources of offense within their congregations. This may involve:

1. Teaching and Preaching: Providing sound biblical teaching that clarifies doctrinal truths and moral standards, helping believers to discern right from wrong.

2. Counseling and Guidance: Offering pastoral care and guidance to individuals who may be struggling with issues that could lead to offense, such as interpersonal conflicts or moral failings.

3. Church Discipline: Implementing church discipline when necessary, as outlined in Matthew 18:15-17 , to address unrepentant sin and restore the offender to fellowship.

4. Promoting Unity: Encouraging a spirit of unity and love within the congregation, as emphasized in Ephesians 4:3 , "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

Conclusion

While the Bible does not shy away from acknowledging that offenses will occur, it places a significant responsibility on ministers to prevent and address them. By doing so, they protect the integrity of the church and ensure that the Gospel message is not hindered by unnecessary stumbling blocks.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 57:14
And shall say, Cast you up, cast you up, prepare the way, take up the stumbling block out of the way of my people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

From the Death of Bishop Asbury to the Close of the General ...
... to the Congregationalists, that they took offense, some of ... law for the support of
the ministers of the ... the manner in which exhorters should receive authority ...
/.../chapter 3 from the death.htm

Article vi: of Confession and Satisfaction.
... acquit those who desire, etc.] Therefore ministers in the ... the increase of his resources,
he should not cast ... be prescribed unless the kind of offense were first ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 16 article vi of.htm

Redemption through Blood, the Gracious Forgiveness of Sins
... say, "I am willing to forgive you, but your offense has resulted ... why the pardon of
sin in his case should be more ... with which I sat in a ministers' meeting, and ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/redemption through blood the gracious.htm

The General Conference of 1840
... time of the occurrence of the offense of which ... approval of our discipline, they should
be immediately received and accredited as ministers among us ...
/.../chapter 15 the general conference.htm

Love Worketh no Ill to his Neighbor; Therefore Love is the ...
... to go to such meetings, and see ministers dividing into ... And so it might if he should
go in and utter ... kind, so gentle, so careful to avoid offense, so divinely ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/love worketh no ill to.htm

Fast-Day Service
... God does not usually visit each particular offense in this ... God doth visit us, and
ye should hear the ... Our ministers were great and haughty; they understood the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/fast-day service.htm

Colossians i. 9, 10
... Thus both the rebuke was given without offense, and the ... [713] Perhaps it should be
"second ... From the notion that Christian ministers were the Lord's heritage ...
/.../homily ii colossians i 9.htm

The American Church on the Eve of the Great Awakening --A General ...
... of Lord Cornbury, for the offense of preaching ... four presbyteries, was forty-seven
ministers (Thompson, "Presbyterian ... of early Indian missions should be that of ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter x the american church.htm

The Cambridge Platform and the Half-Way Covenant
... and consultation, in cases of public offense, where the ... was received the Letter of
Many Ministers in Old ... and fearing lest such a summons should involve the ...
/.../chapter iv the cambridge platform.htm

The General Conference of 1808
... As to personal offense toward me, it is out of the ... he therefore greatly desired,
before he should be called ... was received generally, both by ministers and people ...
/.../chapter 7 the general conference.htm