Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian life, the concept of offense is significant, particularly in the context of personal holiness and spiritual growth. The Bible instructs believers to be vigilant in identifying and removing anything that causes them to stumble in their walk with God. This principle is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and is emphasized throughout the New Testament.Biblical Foundation The directive to cut off what causes offense is most explicitly stated in the teachings of Jesus. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus addresses the seriousness of sin and the radical measures one should take to avoid it: "If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell" (Matthew 5:29-30). This passage underscores the importance of personal responsibility in dealing with sin. The metaphorical language of "gouging out" and "cutting off" highlights the drastic action required to maintain spiritual integrity. The emphasis is not on physical mutilation but on the decisive removal of anything that leads to sin. Spiritual Discipline The call to cut off what causes offense is a call to spiritual discipline. Believers are encouraged to examine their lives and identify areas where they are vulnerable to temptation. This may involve removing certain influences, relationships, or habits that lead to sin. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in his letter to the Romans: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2). Transformation and renewal of the mind are essential in overcoming offenses. By aligning one's thoughts and actions with God's will, believers can effectively cut off sources of sin. Community and Accountability While the responsibility to cut off offenses is personal, the Christian community plays a vital role in supporting individuals in this endeavor. The New Testament encourages believers to hold one another accountable and to provide encouragement in the pursuit of holiness: "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted" (Galatians 6:1). This communal aspect of dealing with offenses highlights the importance of mutual support and the shared goal of spiritual growth within the body of Christ. Practical Application In practical terms, cutting off what causes offense may involve setting boundaries, seeking counsel, and engaging in regular self-examination. It requires a commitment to prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance. Believers are called to be proactive in their spiritual journey, recognizing that the pursuit of holiness is an ongoing process. Ultimately, the call to cut off what causes offense is a call to prioritize one's relationship with God above all else. By removing obstacles to spiritual growth, believers can experience the fullness of life that Christ offers and reflect His holiness in their daily lives. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 5:29,30And if your right eye offend you, pluck it out, and cast it from you: for it is profitable for you that one of your members should perish, and not that your whole body should be cast into hell. Torrey's Topical Textbook Mark 9:43-47 Library The Real Presence, the Great Want of the Church Number one Thousand; Or, "Bread Enough and to Spare" Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices. Petilianus Said: "But what have You to do with the Kings of This.. ... Fast-Day Service Homilies on Galatians and Ephesians. Calvin -- Enduring Persecution for Christ Penitence, as Explained in the Sophistical Jargon of the Schoolmen ... Of Uncharitable Truth. Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. 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) |
    |