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OVERCOMERS - Part Five

Overcoming Offenses

7th April 2000

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7.45pm-9.30pm

 

WELCOME (15mins): Warmly welcome everyone, introducing newcomers.

                                       Ask each person to share how they have been offended in the

                                       past and what was the outcome (make it as light hearted as

                                       possible.)                                                   

 

                                                                                                              

WORSHIP (30 mins): Ask the worship leader to choose songs on God's healing of

                                     bitterness etc. (eg. O Lord Your tenderness)

 

WORD      (45 mins) : Read through the material (OP1) together - the facilitator can     

                                     ask different individuals to read different sections and

                                     relevant verses.

                                     After each point allow a discussion time asking individuals

                                     to share their own experiences.

 

                                     Pray for each other in the light of the lesson.

 

                                    

WORKS     (15mins): The last 15 mins are the most importance ones! Take time

                                     praying for non-believers and people with problems. Pray for

                                     any upcoming events.

                                        

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OVERCOMERS –PART FIVE

Overcoming Offenses

Member’s Sheet

 

Read together: “The word ‘offence’ in the Bible has two meanings - It can refer to ‘sin’ (as in Romans 4:25) or to a ‘stumbling block’ that causes others to fall (as in 2 Corinthians 6:3). We will consider the second meaning. Many, many Christians have stumbled at the offences of others which has obstructed their Christian walk and blunted their service for the Lord. Offenses create disharmony and friction in the Body of Christ; opens up the breaches for Satan to enter in; sets Christians at war with one another, instead of against the powers of darkness. The Church thrives on persecution, but crumbles under offences.”

 

Ask individuals to give examples of where Christians have stumbled badly at an offence.

 

There are three relationships we may have to offences….

(1)     We may be guilty of giving offence – Read Luke 17:1-2 and Acts 9:1-4. To offend a Christian is actually to launch an attack upon who ? Discuss.

There are basically two ways we can offend others – what are they ?

Way 1: Read James 3:2 – What is this way ? Discuss.

Way 2: Read Romans 14:21; 1 Corinthians 8:13 – What is this way ? Discuss.

There are two groups of people we need to beware of offending – who are they ?

Group 1: Proverbs 18:19 – What group is this ? Discuss.

Group 2: Colossians 4:5 – What group is this ? Discuss.

 

Read Acts 24:16; Romans 16:17 and Philippians 1:10 – How can we avoid offending others ? Discuss.

 

Some people will be offended at the truth. Jesus was a ‘Rock of Offence’. People stumbled over Him and still do today.

Do we compromise truth in order not to offend ? Discuss.

Read Matthew 15:12-14 and 17:27 and discuss where you as a group feel the balance is to be drawn.

 

(2)     We may be on the receiving end of an offence.

Read together: “Offences sift us out (Matthew 13:21) They often reveal weaknesses in us that we and others may be blind to. Jesus taught a lot aboutdealing with offences – Read Luke 17:1-5 for some of that teaching. As we grow in the Word and the Spirit we can learn to overcome offences (Read Psalsm 119:165). “

Read Galatians 2:20 – Can a dead person be hurt or offended ? Discuss.

In the light of Romans 6:11 how can a believer tackle this problem in a practical manner?

What example can you share either from Scripture or personal  acquaintance where God’s grace turned a lion into a lamb ?

Read these practical pointers together….

i.                      Don’t run from offences you will only take the problem with you.

ii.                     Determine never to stumble at an offence but use it as a stepping-stone.

iii.                    Seek reconciliation not self-justification (Matthew 18:15)

iv.                   Commit your way to the Lord. Allow Him to vindicate (pray and bless them).

v.                    Don’t allow a root of bitterness to come in – it will only destroy you.

 

(3)     We may be able to destroy an offence.

            End the time by looking at how we can destroy an offense -

            Read Isaiah  52:7 and Matthew 5:9 - In what ways did Jesus make peace between God                

            And man; and between man and man ? What are some of the costs of being a

            Peacemaker ?  How can we engage more in destroying offenses ?

 

 

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