Don't Be Offended
The sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining faith and trust in God despite various offenses and trials we may face in life.
Charles E. Cowman preaches about the importance of not being offended in Jesus Christ, highlighting how challenges and offenses can come in various forms - circumstantial, mental, and spiritual. He emphasizes the need to trust in God's plan even when faced with difficulties, knowing that they are meant to deepen faith, mature character, and draw believers closer to Him. Cowman encourages believers to find contentment and joy in God's purpose, even in the midst of suffering and unanswered questions, as they continue to trust in His love and guidance.
Text
"Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me" (Luke 7:23).
It is sometimes very difficult not to be offended in Jesus Christ. The offenses may be circumstantial. I find myself in a prison-house--a narrow sphere, a sick chamber, an unpopular position--when I had hoped for wide opportunities. Yes, but He knows what is best for me. My environment is of His determining. He means it to intensify my faith, to draw me into nearer communion with Himself, to ripen my power. In the dungeon my soul should prosper.
The offense may be mental. I am haunted by perplexities, questions, which I cannot solve. I had hoped that, when I gave myself to Him, my sky would always be clear; but often it is overspread by mist and cloud. Yet let me believe that, if difficulties remain, it is that I may learn to trust Him all the more implicitly--to trust and not be afraid. Yes, and by my intellectual conflicts, I am trained to be a tutor to other storm-driven men.
The offense may be spiritual. I had fancied that within His fold I should never feel the biting winds of temptation; but it is best as it is. His grace is magnified. My own character is matured. His Heaven is sweeter at the close of the day. There I shall look back on the turnings and trials of the way, and shall sing the praises of my Guide. So, let come what will come, His will is welcome; and I shall refuse to be offended in my loving Lord. --Alexander Smellie
Blessed is he whose faith is not offended,
When all around his way
The power of God is working out deliverance
For others day by day;
Though in some prison drear his own soul languish,
Till life itself be spent,
Yet still can trust his Father's love and purpose,
And rest therein content.
Blessed is he, who through long years of suffering,
Cut off from active toil,
Still shares by prayer and praise the work of others,
And thus "divides the spoil."
Blessed are thou, O child of God, who sufferest,
And canst not understand
The reason for thy pain, yet gladly leavest
Thy life in His blest Hand.
Yea, blessed art thou whose faith is "not offended"
By trials unexplained,
By mysteries unsolved, past understanding,
Until the goal is gained. --Freda Hanbury Allen
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to the concept of offense in faith - 'Scriptural basis: Luke 7:23' - Understanding the nature of offenses
- II points: - Circumstantial offenses - The role of environment in faith - God's purpose in difficult situations
- III points: - Mental offenses - Dealing with perplexities and unanswered questions - Growth through intellectual struggles
- IV points: - Spiritual offenses - Temptation and its purpose - Maturing character through trials
- V points: - The importance of trust in God - Learning to accept God's will - Finding peace in faith despite challenges
- VI points: - The blessings of enduring faith - Sharing in the sufferings of others - The ultimate reward of faithfulness
Key Quotes
“Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” — Charles E. Cowman
“In the dungeon my soul should prosper.” — Charles E. Cowman
“Yea, blessed art thou whose faith is 'not offended' by trials unexplained.” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- Reflect on your current circumstances and seek God's purpose in them.
- Practice trusting God with your unanswered questions and doubts.
- Encourage others who are struggling by sharing your own experiences of faith.