Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of "offense" often refers to stumbling blocks or causes of sin that lead individuals away from righteousness. The inevitability of such offenses is acknowledged in Scripture, highlighting the challenges believers face in a fallen world.Biblical Acknowledgment of Offenses The Bible recognizes that offenses are an unavoidable part of human existence. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus Himself warns of the certainty of offenses: "Woe to the world for the causes of sin! These stumbling blocks must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!" (Matthew 18:7). This passage underscores the dual reality that while offenses are inevitable, there is a grave responsibility on those who cause them. The Nature of Offenses Offenses can take many forms, including false teachings, temptations, and actions that lead others into sin. The Apostle Paul addresses this in his letters, urging believers to be mindful of their actions and their potential to cause others to stumble. In 1 Corinthians 8:9, Paul advises, "Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak" . This highlights the importance of exercising Christian liberty with consideration for the spiritual well-being of others. Responsibility and Accountability While offenses must come, Scripture places a significant emphasis on the responsibility of individuals to avoid being the source of such offenses. Jesus' warning in Matthew 18:7 is a sobering reminder of the accountability that comes with causing others to sin. The severity of this responsibility is further illustrated in Luke 17:1-2, where Jesus states, "It is inevitable that stumbling blocks will come, but woe to the one through whom they come! It would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and to be thrown into the sea than to cause one of these little ones to stumble" . The Role of Believers Believers are called to be vigilant and proactive in preventing offenses. This involves living a life that reflects the teachings of Christ and being mindful of the impact of one's actions on others. In Romans 14:13, Paul exhorts, "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" . This call to action emphasizes the importance of fostering a community where love and edification prevail over judgment and division. Conclusion The inevitability of offenses in the world is a reality that believers must navigate with wisdom and grace. While offenses must come, the call to avoid being the source of such stumbling blocks is a profound responsibility that requires a commitment to living out the principles of the Gospel. 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 Library The Desolations of the Lord, the Consolation of his Saints Marah; Or, the Bitter Waters Sweetened Of Uncharitable Truth. Chapter xlix On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians The General Conference of 1840 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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