
PASTOR JOHN COWLES
BRIDGE CHURCH
UNOFFENDABLE
IS IT POSSIBLE? - Week 1
Matthew 24:10-13 ESV - And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Mark 6:1-6 ESV – He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2 And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” 5 And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And he marveled because of their unbelief.
HOW TO BE UNOFFENDABLE!
James 1:19-21 ESV - Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
SLOW TO
1 Corinthians 13:1 ESV - If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
WE
Psalm 119:165 ESV - Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.
“Great peace have those who love your word, and nothing shall offend them.”
Proverbs 19:11 NLT – Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.
LEARN TO
People often offend others because they’re broken or they’re fearful or they’re wounded. Hurt people hurt people.
Proverbs 10:12 ESV – Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.
Proverbs 17:9 ESV – Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.
1 Peter 4:8-9 ESV – Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
Jesus never told his followers that they had to be right, what did He say to do, be loving.
Do you want to solidify your point, or do you want to make a difference for the Kingdom of God – you get to decide.
Romans 9:33 ESV – Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.
What will you choose the next time you find yourself being offended?