Hope Cathedral

The Battle Against Offense


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This message continues the series by emphasizing that the real war is internal, not external. It’s easier to blame others, but spiritual maturity demands we examine ourselves.


Recap of Parts 1 & 2:

* Tradition: Keeps us stuck in the past, resistant to change, and limits God's move.

* Religion: Focuses on form over transformation, blocks God's power, and prioritizes appearance over relationship.

Part 3: Offense – A Trap That Derails Destiny


Key Scripture:

Luke 17:1 (NKJV) – "It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come."

Jesus makes it clear: Offenses are unavoidable, but how we handle them is our responsibility.


What Is Offense?

* Offense is a satanic trap (Greek: skandalon – a baited trap).

* It is designed to steal your blessings, destroy relationships, fracture churches, and delay your destiny.

* When you're offended, you get stuck in time – emotionally and spiritually frozen in the moment of the hurt.


Common Sources of Offense:

* Small slights (someone didn’t speak to you).

* Misunderstandings.

* Betrayals, disappointments, or unmet expectations.

* Even hearing a sermon on a topic like tithing or truth can offend people.


Key Insights:

1. You control whether you get offended.

* Offense is a choice.

* Don’t let small things derail your faith.

2. Offense poisons your perception.

* You start seeing people through the lens of past hurts.

* Leads to distrust, bitterness, and judgment.

3. Holding on to offense halts your progress.

* You may grow older but regress spiritually.

* Time stops where offense is held onto.

4. Offense is emotional debt.

* Rehearsing the offense is like paying interest on a debt Jesus already canceled.

5. Maturity means letting things go.

* Sensible people overlook offenses (Proverbs 19:11).

* Letting go is taking your power back.


Practical Applications:

* Let it go. Don’t let offenses live rent-free in your heart.

* Don’t magnify small things. Not everything is a personal attack.

* Don’t make life decisions (like relationships) from an offended place. You may miss blessings.

* Don’t let offense silence your calling. Keep serving God despite the hurt.


Offense in the Church:

* Many people leave churches due to offense, not doctrine.

* People get offended by truth (especially about giving, accountability, etc.).

* But don’t confuse offense with conviction—God uses truth to transform.


Closing Call:

* Don’t live your life in spiritual regression.

* Offense is a choice and a trap—one that will steal your future if you let it.

* Release the offense, trust God with your hurt, and move forward into your calling.


In conclusion:Offense is unavoidable, but staying offended is a choice. Let go of the pain, or you’ll forfeit your purpose. Grow in spiritual maturity by refusing to be trapped by the enemy's bait.



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Hope CathedralBy Trevón Gross

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