October 29, 2019 LIVING WATER CAC DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE : TOPIC – DON’T BE AN OFFENCE TO OTHERS
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THE LIVING WATER CAC
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
– International Internet Day
TOPIC – DON’T BE AN OFFENCE TO OTHERS
Read Matthew 18:6-9
6. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
7. 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!
8. Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
9. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
MEMORISE: Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offence (Romans 14:20)
EXPOSITION
From the original language of the New Testament, the word, offence, referred to the part of the trap to which the bait is attached. Hence, the word signifies laying a trap in someone’s way. This word describes an entrapment to make other person stumble. Metaphorically, it signifies that which causes error or sin. Therefore, whatever you do to make others stumble, or commit error, or sin is an offence.
Offence is a great sin God hates too much. It is so serious that Jesus had to place a curse on anyone by whom offence comes. In his apostolic authority, Paul also said, ‘Give no offence, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or the church of God’ (1 Cor. 10:32). It is because of this sin, Jesus bitterly rebuked Peter: for being a stumbling block, or snare to Him (cf. Matt. 16:21-23).
How can you put offence before others as a Christian? You can do it ignorantly, just as in Peter’s case in Matthew 16:21-23. You can also do it by abusing God’s grace by carelessly using your Christian freedom to the detriment of some weak Christians (1 Cor. 8:9; Gal. 5:13; cf. Rom. 14:1-23). You may do something that is not a sin on its own. However, if it causes weak believers to stumble, it automatically becomes sin.
For you not to be an offence to others, you must avoid suspicious movements and questionable lifestyle, dressing and utterances. ‘All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify (1 Cor. 10:23).
PRAYER POINTS
1. Help me, O Lord, to live my life carefully in order not to be an offence to others.
2. Holy Spirit, help me to be very careful with acts or thoughts that can cause others to commit error or sin, in Jesus’ name.
3. Pray for repentance for the Christian ministers and Church workers who put offence before others through their aimless, careless and godless living.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Jeremiah 6:24 – 8:22; 1 Timothy 4:10 – 5:14
Author: C.A.C WORLDWIDE
Remain blessed!