Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian faith, the concept of offense is significant, particularly when it pertains to the conduct within the body of Christ. Offense, in this context, refers to actions or behaviors that cause others to stumble in their faith or lead them into sin. The Bible provides guidance on how believers should address such situations, emphasizing the responsibility of the saints to reprove those who cause offense.Biblical Foundation The New Testament provides clear instructions regarding the handling of offenses within the church. In Matthew 18:15-17 , Jesus outlines a process for addressing 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 passage underscores the importance of addressing offenses directly and with the aim of restoration. The goal is not to shame or ostracize but to bring about repentance and reconciliation. Role of the Saints The saints, or believers, are called to uphold the purity and unity of the church. Ephesians 5:11 instructs, "Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." This directive highlights the responsibility of believers to confront sin and not to ignore or tolerate behaviors that could lead others astray. In Galatians 6:1 , the Apostle Paul advises, "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." This verse emphasizes the need for a gentle and humble approach when reproving someone, recognizing the potential for personal temptation and the need for self-examination. Avoiding Offense While reproving those who cause offense is necessary, believers are also called to live in a manner that avoids causing offense to others. Romans 14:13 states, "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 passage encourages believers to be mindful of their actions and their impact on others, striving to live in a way that promotes peace and edification within the community. Church Discipline The process of reproving those who cause offense is part of the broader practice of church discipline. This practice is designed to maintain the integrity of the church and to encourage repentance and spiritual growth. In 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 , Paul writes, "What business of mine is it to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. 'Expel the wicked man from among you.'" This passage indicates that the church has a responsibility to address sin within its own community, ensuring that the body of Christ remains holy and blameless. Conclusion The biblical mandate for reproving those who cause offense is rooted in love and a desire for the spiritual well-being of all members of the church. By addressing offenses with gentleness and humility, believers fulfill their role in maintaining the purity and unity of the body of Christ, ultimately reflecting the holiness and love of God to the world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 32:21And Moses said to Aaron, What did this people to you, that you have brought so great a sin on them? Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 2:24 Library Thou Shalt not Bear False Witness against Thy Neighbor. Matt. xviii. 7 Miscellaneous Subjects. Instructions to Catechumens. The Heinous Sin of Profane Cursing and Swearing Treatise on the Priesthood. Book vi. The Letter of the Church of Rome An Account of the Organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church ... 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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