FEAR OF OFFENCE ROSS SMITH
ALL REFERENCES FROM AMPLIFIED VERSION UNLESS NOTED
In view of the continuing furor seething in our nation regarding same sex marriage, and the conflicting and dishonest arguments being thoroughly and aggressively aired on all media by those whose principles are destructive to the divine order of marriage, I have been prompted to examine my/our position and posture required of us as set down in scripture.
This in no way suggesting that we become ambivalent about the matter, but that we see that the war is in the spiritual and so we must contend in the spiritual, the “principalities and powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12) and if we stand for truth then we may/will suffer, but God will win.
Colossians 2:15 [God] disarmed the principalities and powers that were ranged against us and made a bold display and public example of them, in triumphing over them in Him and in it [the cross].
The first part of this study is aligned to how we should behave towards each other, the second part how we should behave towards God, and the way to avoid offence, and the consequences of offence.
IF WE DON’T GET THE FIRST PART RIGHT, THEN I QUESTION IF WE WILL EVER GET THE SECOND PART RIGHT
PART 1. OFFENCE ON THE HORIZONTAL – TO EACH OTHER
Firstly, no true Christian will be offended by these proponents of sin, BUT SURELY, THESE CHRISTIANS MAY, NO, THEY SURELY WILL, BE PERSECUTED. There are scriptural precepts that identify this state, and these two are particularly poignant.
Psalm 119:165 Great peace have they who love Your law; NOTHING SHALL OFFEND THEM OR MAKE THEM STUMBLE.
Matthew 5:11-12 Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous–with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of your outward conditions) are you WHEN PEOPLE REVILE YOU AND PERSECUTE YOU AND SAY ALL KINDS OF EVIL THINGS AGAINST YOU FALSELY ON MY ACCOUNT. Be glad and supremely joyful, for your reward in heaven is great (strong and intense), for in this same way people persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Do we understand what “OFFEND” means? The dictionary says, “Cause to feel upset, annoyed or resentful, act in disregard to laws, rules, contracts or promises”. Should we at any time experience one or more of these sensations, particularly where God’s Word has set the “rules”, then it is the conscience prick or prompt to do a quick, no, a thorough check of our appreciation of God’s Word, for the Psalmist has been unequivocal in stating that the love of God’s law is the perfect antidote for attitudes or feelings that constitute the dictionary definition of “OFFEND”.
It is no wonder that the church of today is evidencing such impotence, it is a stunning indictment of our profession that “Jesus Christ is Lord”, when schisms and factions and unrest and revolt are occurring amongst those who would claim to be Christ’s followers.
We need to be reminded, not just from the pulpit, or from the Bible study, or from another Christian, but from our daily intense reading and study and regards for the Word of God so that we see the fulfillment of the claims the Psalmist has made, and not only be free in our own spiritual life from the bondage of “OFFENCE” but also be a catalyst for the demonstration of what the Lord calls, “MY CHURCH”, and the inherent harmony of that body.
Psalm 119:165 goes on to identify even more benefit from this love of the Word, for we well know that any interruption to fellowship amongst God’s people frequently leads to one, or several people, deciding that they cannot and will not overlook the insensitivity of persons whose tongue has not yet been tamed, and disassociate themselves from fellowship. The resentment retained then results in what Solomon has observed, and truly identifies those who refuse to follow the principles of the Word.
It is noteworthy that Solomon calls them “BROTHER”, as this does not confirm their relationship to the Lord, but just their relationship to each other, for if they were truly “brothers in Christ”, then this fracture should not occur.
Proverbs 18:19 A brother offended is harder to be won over than a strong city, and [their] contentions separate them like the bars of a castle.
It is our great duty as Christians to take care that we do not offend with our lips, and that we improve discourse and converse, as much as may be, and as frequently as judicious, for the good of others.
Is this not good enough reason for us to be acutely aware and alacritous in searching our hearts to rid us of anything that can interfere with our relationship with each other, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, ANY DISRUPTION WITH OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD?
Not only does this highlight the critical nature of not only knowing what the Word says but putting into practice what the Word says. THE DILEMMA WE FACE IS NOT THE STUDY OF GOD’S WORD WHERE WE DON’T UNDERSTAND, BUT IN APPLYING THOSE AREAS WE DO UNDERSTAND.
James no doubt is identifying in chapter 3, a particular group of people who are yet to appreciate the Truth and be able to stand without wavering and overlook the ill-chosen words of some who lacks the love and humility that is required of Jesus’ disciples.
The “WE ALL” is a provocation that suggests we should strive to extricate ourselves from that group of people and get our tongues, and as a consequence, our whole body, under control and show a Christlike nature by curbing our outspokenness, and/or our attitude of “preciousness”!!!
Jamess 3:2 FOR WE ALL OFTEN STUMBLE AND FALL AND OFFEND IN MANY THINGS. AND IF ANYONE DOES NOT OFFEND IN SPEECH [NEVER SAYS THE WRONG THINGS], he is a fully developed character and a perfect man, able to control his whole body and to curb his entire nature.
The consequences of taking “OFFENCE” are dire, not only is the attitude corrosive and destructive in the social dimension, but even more invasive in the spiritual dimension. Mark is not backward in pointing out the repercussions of our pettiness, where we are not prepared to let the Word of God direct and control my heart and puts into perspective how much we “LOVE GOD’S LAW.
Mark 4:17 And THEY HAVE NO REAL ROOT in themselves, and so they endure for a little while; then when trouble or persecution arises ON ACCOUNT OF THE WORD, they immediately are OFFENDED (Become Displeased, Indignant, Resentful) And THEY STUMBLE AND FALL AWAY.
We must learn firstly, that we must neither GIVE or TAKE offence, and this is completely possible when we are “in tune”, but utterly impossible when we are out of tune. This does not mean that we cannot encourage each other into proper patterns, for it is necessary for us to watch out for one another and remind each other of indiscretions either in behaviour or doctrine. This is possible when we “LOVE GOD’S WORD”, and as a consequence we will “TAKE NO OFFENCE”, and it acts as a good measuring stick for our lives.
Ephesians 4:15 (A) Rather, let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, SPEAKING TRULY, dealing truly, living truly.
Another appropriate gauge is the first two words of the scripture we started out with, that of Psalm 119:165, for it plainly states “GREAT PEACE” before setting down the conditions but placing “GREAT” as the preceding adjective.
Now “GREAT PEACE” is far better than just “PEACE”, it has characteristics that are quantifiable in our lives, and if we need clarity there is none better than:
Philippians 4:7 And GOD’S PEACE [shall be yours, THAT TRANQUIL STATE OF A SOUL ASSURED OF ITS SALVATION THROUGH CHRIST, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, THAT PEACE] WHICH TRANSCENDS ALL UNDERSTANDING SHALL GARRISON AND MOUNT GUARD OVER YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS IN CHRIST JESUS.
We have the promise of “PEACE”, but if we lack that “PEACE” then this is another prompt for us to determine if we are complying or defying.
But there are again preceding verses, for Paul is remonstrating with the Philippians to engage and maintain “HARMONY”, a commodity of scarce proportions where there is any chance of “OFFENCE”.
Again, there are conditions, and to some these conditions are unpalatable, because they prevent me from voicing my objections, from getting on my high horse, from trying to vindicate my performance, or just plain, from taking offence. Note Isaiah states that the peace with be both “INTERNAL and EXTERNAL”.
Isaiah 32:17 And THE EFFECT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS will be peace [internal and external], and THE RESULT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS will be quietness and confident trust forever.
I like this proposal that the peace will be two way, and recalled what Proverbs 3:2 records, for you have heard me say that I intend to live a long time, but I want to do it “PEACEFULLY”.
Proverbs 3:2 For length of days and years of a life [worth living] and tranquillity [inward and outward and CONTINUING THROUGH OLD AGE TILL DEATH], THESE SHALL THEY ADD TO YOU.
We can only have real, true fellowship when we individually and personally examine and exterminate ALL HINDRANCES. If you are not “AT ONE” with God’s people, then you are “AT ODDS” with God’s people. This state however can be rectified, but if it isn’t dealt with Matthew makes it clear as to the consequences.
Joel 2:12 Therefore also now, says the Lord, turn and keep on coming (this is in fact “repentance) to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning [UNTIL EVERY HINDRANCE IS REMOVED AND THE BROKEN FELLOWSHIP IS RESTORED].
Matthew 5:22 But I say to you that everyone who continues to be angry with his brother or harbors malice (enmity of heart) against him shall be liable to and unable to escape the punishment imposed by the court; and whoever speaks contemptuously and insultingly to his brother shall be liable to and unable to escape the punishment imposed by the Sanhedrin, AND WHOEVER SAYS, YOU CURSED FOOL! [YOU EMPTY-HEADED IDIOT!] SHALL BE LIABLE TO AND UNABLE TO ESCAPE THE HELL (GEHENNA) OF FIRE
“OFFENCE” is really double mindedness, for we cannot serve two masters, offence is serving self, and is a compromise of our commitment to the Lord, to serve Him with: –
Luke 10:27 And he replied, YOU MUST LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND; and your neighbour as yourself
James 5:16 Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. THE EARNEST (HEARTFELT, CONTINUED) PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS MAN MAKES TREMENDOUS POWER AVAILABLE [DYNAMIC IN ITS WORKING].
PART 2 OFFENCE AGAINST GOD
This is no doubt the very serious and pointy end of the matter, we can be offensive to one another and that will destroy our fellowship with one another, but if we offend God, then the consequences might be devastating.
Isaiah 8:13 The Lord of hosts–regard Him as holy and honour His holy name [by regarding Him as your only hope of safety], and LET HIM BE YOUR FEAR AND LET HIM BE YOUR DREAD [LEST YOU OFFEND HIM BY YOUR FEAR OF MAN AND DISTRUST OF HIM].
Does not this verse stimulate a response in our heart that unless we have that Holy Awe of God, recognising that it is He Who owns us, it is He Who preserves us, it is He Who gives us every breath we breathe, and yet so often we scorn Him by our behaviour, both in our neglect of our regard for Him, and secondly by our inappropriate response to each other.
Moses and Aaron missed out on entering the Promised land simply because they ignored this principle and offended the God they served.
Numbers 20:12 And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, Because you did not believe in (rely on, cling to) ME TO SANCTIFY ME IN THE EYES OF THE ISRAELITES, you therefore shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.
See how important it is that we hold each other in esteem and respect so that we do not trivialise the task of letting our lives be a reflection of the Lord we serve, and so often by our negligence we influence other people into the same aberrations of behaviour and ignore the possible consequences.
Moses self-assertion in his unadvised speech came from unbelief, or forgetfulness of his dependence. Moses expressed his displeasure and resentment to the Israelites, here he sinned in passion and in so doing was “OFFENSIVE”, both to God and man.
This opinion is formed by Moses’ expression used in Numbers 20:10, as his address to the Israelites was to call them “REBELS”, and maybe he had compelling cause to view them as such, but it was not good enough reason to be offensive in his representing God, and secondly, he seems to have elevated his ego by saying “must we bring you water out of this rock?
Numbers 20:10 And Moses and Aaron assembled the congregation before the rock and Moses said to them, hear now, you rebels; MUST WE BRING YOU WATER OUT OF THIS ROCK?
We must never PRESUME, as Moses has done here, for it is regarded by God as an intrusion into His realm of both responsibility and ability. No matter how anyone else acts or says, God alone is the one Whom we must regard and fear with such Holy Awe, because “He has absolute power of life and death”.
James 4:12 ONE ONLY (speaking of God) is the Lawgiver and Judge Who is able to save and to destroy [THE ONE WHO HAS THE ABSOLUTE POWER OF LIFE AND DEATH]. [But you] who are you that [you presume to] pass judgment on your neighbour?
Paul then addresses our situation, in the here and now, with confronting language suitable for the seriousness of the situation. His introduction, “AND DO NOT” is not a recommendation but a direct order, for Paul is acutely aware of the consequences of OFFENCE AGAINST GOD. His recognition of the One to whom he refers is also graphic, “HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD”, not just the Holy Spirit, but inferring the Trinity.
What is it then that causes such significant impact upon the Holy Spirit of God that He can be “GRIEVED”, or “OFFENDED”? The causes are several, but one is very significant.
We are aware of most of these “OFFENCES” and because we are spiritually inclined, we try to avoid the first five areas of Ephesians 4 nominated in verse 25 to verse 29 and also verse 31, but tend to ignore verse 29, in that we are irresponsive to the promptings, the pricks and goads, the circumstances and events that are intended to raise our awareness of our God.
- Open and gross sins
- Anger
- Licentiousness
- Ingratitude
- NEGLECT
- RESISTANCE
It is this last condition that causes the most disruption to a harmonious relationship with God. CHRISTIANS OFTEN RESIST THE HOLY SPIRIT; He cautions us to be dead to the world; yet we forge on with our selfish plans for gain or fame, or to assert ourselves in our contact with others, disregarding the clarity of scripture by pursuing our own goals and ambitions, and as a consequence, we isolate ourselves from God because of our “OFFENCE” and cause God “GRIEF”.
Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [DO NOT OFFEND OR VEX OR SADDEN HIM], by Whom you were sealed (marked, branded as God’s own, secured) for the day of redemption (of final deliverance through Christ from evil and the consequences of sin).
To be cleared of any indictment in this respect, Paul further appeals and pleads with the church at Philippi to expend great effort in avoiding offending the Lord, not only by asking them to reflect on the instructions and examples he had left them, but to use their best efforts to achieve the desired result. He asks that there be “NO RESISTANCE” in the following terms
- Work out
- Cultivate
- Carry out to the goal
- Fully complete
But then goes on to give the parameters within which to achieve the result.
- Reverence
- Awe
- Trembling self-distrust
- Serious caution
- Tenderness of conscience
- Watchfulness
- TIMIDLY SHRINKING FROM WHATEVER MIGHT OFFEND GOD AND DISCREDIT THE NAME OF CHRIST).
Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, TIMIDLY SHRINKING FROM WHATEVER MIGHT OFFEND GOD AND DISCREDIT THE NAME OF CHRIST).
So, dare I suggest that we have a very concise and precise compendium of behaviour patterns and character specifics, that are not obscure in their intention, nor impossible in the implementation.
The most rare and extraordinary ability is again the last one, for we are reticent to be seen as “shrinking violets” when we have something to do, but in this instance, there is such good advice, and such a good outcome, for our demonstration will serve to avoid “OFFENCE”, but also, we will be able to “GIVE CREDIT” to God by our life of contrast. (Ephesians 5:11)
SELAH
Ross Smith 