AVOIDING SPIRITUAL OFFENCE

AVOIDING SPIRITUAL OFFENCE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Mark 9:42-50

Key Verse: “And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched.” (Mark 9:43)

Supporting Texts: Matthew 18:6-9, 1 Corinthians 9:27, Romans 13:14, Galatians 5:16, Hebrews 12:14

Description: This study reveals the importance of spiritual discipline in avoiding sin and living a life that pleases God.

INTRODUCTION

In Mark 9:42-50, Jesus delivers a strong and sobering message about avoiding spiritual offence. He warns against causing others to stumble and emphasises the seriousness of sin in the life of a believer. His language is vivid and deliberate, highlighting the urgency of dealing with anything that leads to spiritual compromise.

Jesus speaks about cutting off the hand, foot, or eye if they cause offence. While this is not a literal command, it symbolises the need for radical action against sin. It teaches that nothing should be tolerated if it threatens our spiritual life or leads us away from God.

This passage calls believers to a life of discipline, self-control, and intentional holiness. Spiritual growth requires vigilance and a willingness to remove anything that hinders our relationship with God. The goal is to live a life that is pure, impactful, and aligned with God’s will.

1. AVOID CAUSING OTHERS TO STUMBLE

Believers must live responsibly, ensuring their actions do not lead others into sin.

a) Causing offence has serious consequences (Mark 9:42)
Jesus emphasised that leading others into sin carries severe judgement, showing that our influence over others must be handled with great care and responsibility.

b) Influence must be used wisely (1 Corinthians 8:9)
Our actions, even when permissible, should be guided by love so that we do not become a stumbling block to weaker believers.

c) We are accountable for our example (Matthew 5:16)
Our lives are meant to shine as light, influencing others positively rather than leading them into compromise or confusion.

d) Love prioritises others’ spiritual well-being (Romans 14:13)
A disciplined believer chooses to avoid anything that could harm another person’s faith or spiritual growth.

Biblical Example:
Paul limiting his freedom (1 Corinthians 8:13) shows how mature believers avoid actions that may cause others to fall.

2. DEAL RADICALLY WITH SIN

Sin must be confronted decisively, not tolerated.

a) Sin must not be entertained (Mark 9:43)
Jesus’ strong imagery teaches that anything leading to sin must be removed completely, no matter how valuable or प्रिय it may seem.

b) Discipline requires sacrifice (Romans 13:14)
Living a holy life demands intentional effort to reject sinful desires and pursue righteousness actively.

c) Ignoring sin leads to destruction (James 1:15)
Sin, when left unchecked, grows and eventually produces spiritual death, making early intervention essential.

d) Holiness requires intentional action (Hebrews 12:14)
Pursuing holiness is a deliberate process that involves making conscious choices to align with God’s standards.

Biblical Example:
Joseph fleeing from temptation (Genesis 39:12) shows decisive action against sin.

3. DISCIPLINE PRODUCES SPIRITUAL STRENGTH

A disciplined life strengthens the believer against temptation.

a) Self-control is essential (1 Corinthians 9:27)
Paul disciplined his body to remain spiritually effective, showing that discipline is necessary for sustained victory.

b) Walking in the Spirit prevents sin (Galatians 5:16)
When we yield to the Spirit, we gain strength to overcome the desires of the flesh.

c) Discipline builds consistency (1 Timothy 4:7-8)
Spiritual growth comes through regular practice and commitment to godly habits.

d) Discipline leads to maturity (Hebrews 5:14)
Mature believers develop discernment through consistent spiritual exercise and obedience.

Biblical Example:
Daniel’s disciplined lifestyle (Daniel 1:8) enabled him to remain faithful in a corrupt environment.

4. A LIFE OF HOLINESS BRINGS PEACE AND IMPACT

Holiness is not only a command but also a pathway to peace and influence.

a) Holiness leads to peace (Mark 9:50)
Jesus encouraged believers to have salt within themselves and live at peace, showing that purity promotes harmony.

b) Holiness preserves influence (Matthew 5:13)
Being “salt” means maintaining a life that influences and preserves righteousness in the world.

c) Holiness glorifies God (1 Peter 1:15-16)
A holy life reflects God’s nature and brings Him honour.

d) Holiness impacts others (Philippians 2:15)
Living blamelessly in a corrupt world makes believers shine as lights, drawing others to God.

Biblical Example:
The early church’s holy living (Acts 2:46-47) attracted others and led to growth.

CONCLUSION

Jesus’ teaching in this passage calls for seriousness in dealing with sin and maintaining a disciplined spiritual life. Spiritual offence is not something to take lightly, as it affects both our lives and the lives of others.

As believers, we must live intentionally, removing anything that leads to sin and pursuing holiness with dedication. When we live disciplined lives, we not only grow spiritually but also become instruments of positive influence in the lives of others.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, help me to live a disciplined and holy life in Jesus name

2. Father, remove every habit that leads me into sin in Jesus name

3. Lord, give me the grace to overcome every temptation in Jesus name

4. Father, help me not to be a stumbling block to others in Jesus name

5. Lord, strengthen my spirit to resist every form of evil in Jesus name

6. Father, teach me to pursue holiness daily in Jesus name

7. Lord, give me self-control in all areas of my life in Jesus name

8. Father, let my life reflect righteousness and purity in Jesus name

9. Lord, help me to walk in the Spirit continually in Jesus name

10. Father, make me a positive influence in the lives of others in Jesus name

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall live a disciplined and holy life!

2. Every sinful habit in your life is broken!

3. You shall overcome every temptation that comes your way!

4. Your life shall not cause others to stumble!

5. You shall walk in righteousness and purity!

6. You shall be strong in the Spirit!

7. Your life shall reflect God’s holiness!

8. You shall influence others positively!

9. You shall grow in spiritual maturity daily!

10. You shall live a life that pleases God completely!