“Overcoming Offense — Choosing Life Over the Trap”
POINT 1: OFFENSE IS A TRAP, NOT A FEELING
Key Scripture
Luke 17:1 (NASB)
“It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come…”
Greek Insight:
- Skandalon (σκάνδαλον) = trap trigger, baited snare
👉 Offense is not just emotional—it is a spiritual trap designed to capture you.
Supporting Scripture
Proverbs 18:19 (NASB)
“A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city…”
👉 Offense builds:
- Walls
- Distance
- Isolation
Preaching Emphasis:
- You don’t control what happens to you
- But you do control what you take in
POINT 2: OFFENSE COMES FROM THE WRONG TREE
Key Scripture
Genesis 2:9 (NASB)
“…the tree of life… and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”
Core Truth
Offense grows when we:
- Judge
- Evaluate
- Replay
- Decide right/wrong apart from God
👉 That is living from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
Supporting Scripture
Romans 8:6 (NASB)
“The mind set on the flesh is death…”
Preaching Emphasis:
- Offense says: “I have a right to this”
- Life says: “I trust God with this”
POINT 3: FREEDOM COMES THROUGH FORGIVENESS AND LOVE
Key Scripture
Ephesians 4:31–32 (NASB)
“Let all bitterness… be put away… forgiving each other…”
Greek Insight:
- Charizomai (χαρίζομαι) = to release freely, cancel a debt
👉 Forgiveness is:
- Not a feeling
- A decision to release
Supporting Scriptures
Colossians 3:15 (NASB)
“Let the peace of Christ rule…”
1 Corinthians 13:5 (AMP)
“Love… takes no account of a wrong suffered…”
Preaching Emphasis:
- Forgiveness keeps your heart free
- Love keeps your life aligned with God
CLOSING DECLARATION
Psalm 119:165 (NASB)
“Those who love Your law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble.”
ALTAR CALL / MINISTRY MOMENT
Ask:
- “Who have you been holding onto?”
- “What offense have you justified?”
Lead them to:
- Release
- Forgive
- Return to peace
Offense is a trap, judgment is the wrong tree, and forgiveness is the way back to life.
Harvest of Faith 