THE DANGER OF OFFENCES

THE DANGER OF OFFENCES

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 18:6-9

Key Verse: “Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!” (Matthew 18:7)

Supporting Texts: Luke 17:1-4, Proverbs 18:19, Ephesians 4:31-32, Hebrews 12:14-15, Romans 14:13

Description: This study teaches believers about the destructive nature of offences, the danger of causing others to stumble, and the importance of forgiveness, humility, and spiritual maturity.

INTRODUCTION

In Matthew chapter 18, Jesus gave a serious warning concerning offences. He explained that offences would certainly come in a fallen world, yet He also warned about the terrible consequences of causing others to stumble spiritually. Jesus spoke strongly about protecting the weak, preserving purity, and removing anything that leads people into sin or spiritual destruction.

Offences are one of Satan’s most effective tools against believers. Through misunderstandings, betrayal, harsh words, pride, jealousy, unforgiveness, and disappointment, many people become wounded spiritually and emotionally. Offence can poison relationships, divide families, weaken churches, destroy ministries, and hinder spiritual growth.

When offence is not handled properly, it often produces bitterness, anger, resentment, hatred, and spiritual coldness. Some believers withdraw from fellowship with God and others because of unresolved wounds and hurt.

Jesus taught believers not only to avoid causing offence but also to guard their hearts against bitterness and unforgiveness. Christians are called to walk in love, humility, forgiveness, and spiritual maturity.

1. OFFENCES ARE INEVITABLE IN A FALLEN WORLD

Believers will encounter situations capable of producing hurt and offence.

a) Jesus said offences will certainly come (Matthew 18:7)
Because humanity lives in a sinful world, conflicts, disappointments, misunderstandings, and hurtful actions will occur.

b) Human weakness and imperfection contribute to offences (James 3:2)
People often fail through careless words, selfish actions, and emotional reactions.

c) Satan uses offence to weaken relationships and spiritual growth (2 Corinthians 2:10-11)
The enemy seeks to create division, bitterness, and disunity among believers.

d) Spiritual maturity helps believers respond wisely to offences (Proverbs 19:11)
Wisdom and patience help prevent unnecessary conflict and emotional destruction.

Biblical Example:
Joseph suffered betrayal and offence from his brothers, yet he refused to allow bitterness to control his heart (Genesis 37:18-28; Genesis 50:20).

2. CAUSING OTHERS TO STUMBLE BRINGS SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES

Believers must avoid becoming instruments of spiritual harm.

a) Jesus warned strongly against causing little ones to stumble (Matthew 18:6)
God takes seriously the spiritual welfare of those who trust and follow Him.

b) Careless behaviour can damage another person’s faith (Romans 14:13)
Believers must consider how their actions, attitudes, and words affect others spiritually.

c) Wrong influence can lead people into sin and destruction (1 Corinthians 8:9)
Christians are called to live responsibly and avoid becoming stumbling blocks.

d) God expects believers to walk in love and holiness (Ephesians 5:1-2)
A godly lifestyle should encourage others toward righteousness rather than compromise.

Biblical Example:
Eli failed to restrain the sinful behaviour of his sons, and their actions caused great spiritual corruption among the people (1 Samuel 2:22-25).

3. UNRESOLVED OFFENCE PRODUCES BITTERNESS AND SPIRITUAL DAMAGE

Bitterness destroys peace, joy, and fellowship with God.

a) Offence can produce deep emotional wounds and resentment (Proverbs 18:19)
Hurt relationships often become difficult to restore when pride and bitterness take root.

b) Bitterness spreads spiritual contamination (Hebrews 12:15)
Unforgiveness affects not only individuals but also families, churches, and communities.

c) Anger and resentment hinder spiritual growth and prayer (Mark 11:25)
Unforgiveness creates barriers within relationships and weakens fellowship with God.

d) Believers must put away bitterness, wrath, and malice (Ephesians 4:31-32)
Christians are called to forgive others just as God forgave them through Christ.

Biblical Example:
Cain allowed jealousy and offence to grow within his heart until it led to hatred and murder against his brother Abel (Genesis 4:5-8).

4. BELIEVERS MUST PURSUE FORGIVENESS AND SPIRITUAL MATURITY

God calls His people to respond to offences with grace and wisdom.

a) Forgiveness protects the heart from bitterness and bondage (Colossians 3:13)
Releasing offences allows believers to walk in peace and spiritual freedom.

b) Humility helps resolve conflicts peacefully (Philippians 2:3-4)
Pride often prolongs division, while humility promotes reconciliation and unity.

c) Love covers many offences and preserves relationships (1 Peter 4:8)
Genuine love chooses mercy, patience, and understanding rather than revenge.

d) Believers should pursue peace and reconciliation actively (Romans 12:18)
Christians are called to be peacemakers and instruments of restoration.

Biblical Example:
Stephen forgave those persecuting him and prayed for them even while suffering greatly, reflecting the mercy and character of Christ (Acts 7:59-60).

CONCLUSION

Jesus warned believers about the danger of offences because of their destructive spiritual consequences. Offences are inevitable in human relationships, but believers must guard their hearts against bitterness, unforgiveness, and spiritual compromise.

Christians are called not only to avoid causing others to stumble but also to respond to hurt with forgiveness, humility, love, and maturity. Through the help of the Holy Spirit, believers can overcome offence and preserve unity, peace, and spiritual health.

A heart free from bitterness remains open to God’s presence, grace, and continual transformation.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, heal every wound and hurt within my heart in Jesus name

2. Father, remove every root of bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness from my life in Jesus name

3. Lord, help me never to become a stumbling block to others in Jesus name

4. Father, teach me to walk in humility, patience, and love in Jesus name

5. Lord, help me to forgive others just as You have forgiven me in Jesus name

6. Father, deliver me from anger, pride, and destructive reactions in Jesus name

7. Lord, restore every broken relationship according to Your will in Jesus name

8. Father, let peace and unity reign within my life and relationships in Jesus name

9. Lord, strengthen me to overcome every trap of Satan through offence in Jesus name

10. Father, help me to reflect the mercy and character of Christ daily in Jesus name

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. Every root of bitterness and offence shall be uprooted from your life!

2. The peace and healing power of God shall fill your heart completely!

3. You shall walk in love, forgiveness, and spiritual maturity!

4. Every satanic plan to divide and weaken your relationships shall fail!

5. The Lord shall restore peace, unity, and reconciliation where there has been hurt!

6. You shall not become a stumbling block or negative influence to others!

7. The grace to forgive and overcome offence shall rest upon your life!

8. Every spirit of anger, resentment, and malice shall lose its power over you!

9. Your heart shall remain pure, tender, and open to God’s presence!

10. You shall walk continually in peace, wisdom, and victory over every offence in Jesus’ name!