Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian faith, the concept of offense is significant, particularly concerning the behavior and interactions among believers. The Bible provides guidance on how saints should respond to those who cause offense, emphasizing the importance of maintaining unity and purity within the body of Christ.Biblical Instruction on Avoiding Offenders The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of offense in his epistles, urging believers to be vigilant and discerning in their associations. In Romans 16:17, Paul writes, "Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them." This passage highlights the necessity for Christians to be aware of individuals who disrupt the harmony of the church through divisive actions or teachings that contradict sound doctrine. Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 5:11, Paul instructs the church to avoid those who claim to be believers but engage in sinful behavior: "But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or verbal abuser, a drunkard or swindler. With such a man do not even eat." This directive underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Christian community by distancing oneself from those who persist in sin. The Impact of Offense on the Church Offense, particularly when it leads to division or false teaching, can have a detrimental impact on the church. It can cause confusion, weaken the faith of believers, and hinder the church's mission. In Galatians 5:9, Paul warns, "A little leaven leavens the whole batch of dough." This metaphor illustrates how even a small amount of false teaching or divisive behavior can spread and affect the entire community. The Role of Church Discipline Church discipline is a biblical mechanism designed to address offenses within the church. In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus outlines a process for dealing with a brother who sins: "If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector." This process aims to restore the offender while protecting the church from ongoing harm. The Call to Holiness and Unity Believers are called to pursue holiness and unity, avoiding those who cause offense and disrupt the peace of the church. In Ephesians 4:3, Paul exhorts the church to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." This call to unity is rooted in the understanding that the church is the body of Christ, and any division or offense undermines its witness to the world. In summary, the Bible provides clear guidance for saints to avoid those who cause offense, emphasizing the importance of discernment, church discipline, and the pursuit of unity and holiness within the Christian community. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 16:17Now I beseech you, brothers, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which you have learned; and avoid them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library On the Feast of a Holy virgin Thou Shalt not Bear False Witness against Thy Neighbor. Homilies on the Epistles to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. Instructions to Catechumens. Matt. xviii. 7 Article xxiii (xi): of the Marriage of Priests. Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity the Christian Calling and Unity. Article xxviii: of Ecclesiastical Power. 2 Cor. xi. 21 On Family Religion 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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