Topical Bible: Offense: Saints should be Cautious of Giving

◄ Offense: Saints should be Cautious of Giving ►

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In the Christian life, the concept of offense is significant, particularly in the context of how believers interact with one another and the world. The Bible provides guidance on the importance of being cautious not to cause offense, especially among fellow believers, as it can lead to division, misunderstanding, and stumbling in faith.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul addresses the issue of causing offense in several of his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 8:9, he warns, "Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak." Here, Paul emphasizes the responsibility of the stronger believer to be mindful of the impact their actions may have on those who are weaker in faith. The context of this passage deals with the consumption of food offered to idols, but the principle extends to various aspects of Christian liberty.

In Romans 14:13, Paul further instructs, "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 verse underscores the importance of prioritizing the spiritual well-being of others over personal freedoms. The call is to exercise love and consideration, ensuring that one's actions do not lead others into sin or confusion.

Jesus' Teaching on Offense

Jesus Himself taught about the seriousness of causing offense. In Matthew 18:6, 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." This stark warning highlights the gravity of leading others, especially those young or new in faith, into sin or doubt.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to live in a manner that reflects Christ's love and humility, being sensitive to the consciences of others. In 1 Corinthians 10:32-33, Paul advises, "Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in all I do, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, so that they may be saved." The focus is on selflessness and the ultimate goal of edification and salvation for all.

The Role of Love and Unity

The overarching principle in avoiding offense is love. In Colossians 3:14, believers are reminded, "And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity." Love compels Christians to act with sensitivity and care, fostering unity within the body of Christ. By prioritizing love, believers can navigate differences in opinion and practice without causing division or harm.

Conclusion

The Bible calls saints to be vigilant in their conduct, ensuring that their actions do not lead others into sin or confusion. By exercising love, humility, and consideration, believers can maintain unity and edify one another, reflecting the character of Christ in all interactions.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 73:15
If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of your children.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 14:13
Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 8:9
But take heed lest by any means this liberty of your's become a stumbling block to them that are weak.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Philemon i. 6-Apr
... because the bowels of the Saints," as if ... it was not his own arrangement that he should
depart either ... he contracts the time, acknowledges the offense, and turns ...
/.../homily ii philemon i 6-apr.htm

Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity Duty to New and Old Man.
... the factious spirits and monastic saints, who base ... a Christian should guard against
giving offense to anybody ... So then a Christian should be exceedingly careful ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/nineteenth sunday after trinity duty.htm

Having used these means to procure them
... their minds and to take off all offense, unwillingness, or ... in heaven, where you may,
with the saints and angels ... the morning, Oh, what if this day should be my ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/article 2 2.htm

Galatians Chapter ii.
... for the poor among the saints that are ... anxiety lest disingenuousness and duplicity
should receive countenance ... Jerome and Chrysostom explain the offense of this ...
/.../galatians chapter ii.htm

From the Beginning of 1785 to the End of 1786
... believe in the unconditional perseverance of saints; he in ... is dear to save souls
from death, should want what ... sin, he shall, for the first offense, be reproved ...
/.../chapter 1 from the beginning.htm

Regeneration by Faith. Of Repentance.
... that the law of sin remaining in the saints, the guilt ... which God has before ordained
that we should walk in ... much so, that some good men taking offense at their ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 3 regeneration by faith.htm

Faustus is Willing to Admit that Christ May have Said that He came ...
... The entrance of the law made the offense abound, not ... days faith was dim, for the
saints and righteous ... of divorcement, the design was that he should be obliged ...
/.../faustus is willing to admit.htm

Penitence, as Explained in the Sophistical Jargon of the Schoolmen ...
... answer they could give, unless that they should be forced ... punished as a slave for
his offense: the former ... as we everywhere read that the saints received their ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 4 penitence as explained.htm

Of Faith. The Definition of It. Its Peculiar Properties.
... which is uniformly attributed to all the saints, and which ... hell, why the thought
of offending him should seem more ... as has been said, dread the offense even more ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 2 of faith the.htm