Satan’s Bait - Offense as a Christian’s Downfall

Satan's Bait - Offense as a Christian's Downfall

In this insightful Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, likely delivered by Matthew Vander Els, the focus is on a critical yet often overlooked aspect of the Christian walk: the bait of offense. The message emphasizes how easily believers can be ensnared by taking offense at the viewpoints and actions of others, ultimately hindering their spiritual growth and damaging the unity of the Christian community.

The teaching begins by setting the context for a series on Revelation, explaining that it is preceded by a foundational study on the core teachings of Yeshua (Jesus). This preliminary series aims to ground believers in the fundamental tenets of Yeshua's ministry, particularly concerning how his disciples should live. The speaker highlights that apocalyptic literature, like Revelation, is filled with symbolic and sometimes violent imagery that requires a solid understanding of Yeshua's character and teachings to interpret correctly. Without this foundation, believers risk getting caught up in the spectacular aspects of such texts while neglecting the practical implications of Yeshua's message.

The central theme of this particular message is offense, which is presented as a primary tool that Satan uses to distract and derail believers. Offense is likened to bait on a hook, seemingly irresistible at times, but ultimately leading to entrapment. Once someone takes the bait of offense, they become ensnared and can be led away from the path of righteousness and into division and bitterness.

To illustrate the ease with which offense can arise, the teaching uses a humorous video depicting various parenting styles. The video highlights how people often identify strongly with their differences and view those with alternative approaches as adversaries. This tendency to emphasize distinctions and create "sides" can permeate various aspects of life, leading to judgment and conflict.

The speaker makes a crucial distinction between having a different viewpoint and being on a different side of an issue. While certain theological truths about Yeshua unite believers on the same side, differing perspectives on other matters are natural and should not necessarily lead to division. However, when viewpoints are elevated to the level of opposing sides, it fosters a competitive mentality where the goal becomes winning and proving one's own perspective as superior. This can result in a willingness to sacrifice relationships and act in ways contrary to the love and grace that define the Christian faith.

Taking offense often involves creating negative narratives and labels for those who hold different views, excluding them from one's own perceived "group" or "side." This process of othering can lead to feelings of comfort and security within one's own like-minded circle but ultimately breeds isolation and animosity towards those outside. The offense festers within the heart, leading to negative behaviors such as gossiping and the creation of "sacrificial altars" where relationships are willingly sacrificed for the sake of one's own perceived righteousness.

The teaching acknowledges that in a world influenced by Satan, such divisive attitudes are to be expected. However, this should not be the norm within the community of God. Despite the tempting nature of offense, believers are called to a higher standard of love, grace, and unity.

The trap of offense is identified as a deadly weapon that Satan uses to imprison believers, sever relationships, and destroy communities. Offense often arises from experiences of rejection or perceived injustice, whether the information supporting this perception is accurate or distorted by personal hurt. When offended, individuals often avoid direct communication, allowing the offense to fester and redefine future relationships with bitterness.

Pride is highlighted as a key factor in maintaining a state of offensiveness. Pride prevents individuals from honestly acknowledging their feelings and dealing with the root causes of their offense. It distorts perception, hinders growth, and hardens the heart, trapping believers in a cycle of victimhood and hindering forgiveness.

The teaching strongly emphasizes the Christian mandate to forgive. Holding onto offenses and withholding forgiveness is contrary to the principles of God's kingdom. The example of Yeshua's forgiveness on the cross is presented as the ultimate standard for believers to emulate. We are called to see others, even those who hurt us, as broken individuals in need of God's love, mercy, and grace.

The message addresses how contemporary issues such as elections and the COVID-19 pandemic have become significant sources of offense among believers. Differences in political viewpoints or approaches to health measures have led to division and the fracturing of communities. The teaching cautions against equating worldly kingdoms with the kingdom of God and urges believers to maintain unity and grace even amidst strong disagreements on temporal matters.

The importance of having grace for others, even when their viewpoints differ significantly, is underscored. Fellow believers are not enemies, and disagreements on non-essential issues should not lead to the breaking of fellowship. The focus should always remain on Christ and the unifying power of the cross.

Leaving a community of faith due to offense can lead to becoming a spiritual vagabond, constantly searching for a perfect environment that does not exist. Instead of fleeing from adversity, believers are encouraged to develop deep roots in the community where God has placed them, allowing challenges and offenses to become opportunities for growth and maturity. Just as seedlings need to be shaken to develop stronger root systems, enduring and overcoming offenses strengthens believers' spiritual foundations.

When genuinely wronged, the natural human response is to seek retribution. However, as followers of Yeshua, we are called to a different path – the path of forgiveness and non-retaliation. The principle of "eye for an eye" must be understood through the lens of the cross, where Yeshua absorbed offense and offered forgiveness. Believers are required to bear the cross, absorbing hurt and pain without reciprocating it, showing grace and love even to those who may seem undeserving.

The teaching concludes by emphasizing the importance of unity in the body of Christ. The example of Yeshua sharing a meal with disciples holding vastly different political and social viewpoints, such as Simon the Zealot and Matthew the tax collector, illustrates that unity in Christ transcends disagreements on other matters. Believers are called to put down their "swords" of offense, aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another where possible, and live in peace. True identity is found in Yeshua, and the pursuit of love and peace requires placing pride aside and prioritizing relationships within the community of God.

To find more Bible Teachings, click the link.

Application for Everyday Life

• Be aware of Satan's tactic of using offense as bait. Recognize the initial feelings of irritation or disagreement as potential hooks that can lead to deeper issues.
• Distinguish between differing viewpoints and taking opposing sides. Understand that disagreement on non-essential matters does not necessitate becoming enemies.
• Resist the urge to create negative narratives or labels for those with different opinions. Remember that every individual is created in the image of God.
• Practice direct communication and address offenses promptly and privately. Avoid allowing bitterness to fester and spread through gossip.
• Examine your own heart for pride, which often fuels and hides offense. Be willing to admit your own role in conflicts and seek reconciliation.
• Embrace the Christian mandate to forgive, even when deeply hurt. Remember Yeshua's example of forgiveness on the cross.
• Maintain unity and grace within the Christian community amidst disagreements on temporal matters like politics and health. Focus on the shared identity in Christ.
• Have grace for others' differing viewpoints, recognizing that life experiences shape perspectives. Avoid judgment and strive for understanding.
• Commit to planting deep roots in your faith community rather than becoming a spiritual vagabond due to offense. See challenges as opportunities for growth.
• Respond to being wronged with forgiveness and love, following Yeshua's example of non-retaliation. Do not seek revenge or harbor resentment.
• Prioritize unity in Yeshua over the need to be "right" in every disagreement. Focus on restoration and peace within the fellowship.
• Actively seek reasons to build bridges and foster understanding rather than focusing on differences that divide. Aim for reconciliation and peace.

Note: This article contains affiliate links.