The Test of Offense

TABLE TALK  

A dinner table discussion guide for your family and friends.

Discussion:  What about Sunday’s message impacted you the most? 

Scripture Engagement:  

When Jesus had finished giving instructions to His twelve disciples, He departed from there to teach and preach in their cities. Now when John, while imprisoned, heard of the works of Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to Him, “Are You the Expected One, or shall we look for someone else?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: the blind receive sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who does not take offense at Me.” - Matthew 11:1-6

“And the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am coming to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and may also believe you forever.” - Exodus 19:9 ESV

“Now when all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled, and they stood far off and said to Moses,
“You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, lest we die.”

“Moses said to the people, “Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.” The people stood far off, while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.” - Exodus 20:20-21 ESV

Main Points:

  • How to deal with offense:

    1. Don’t try to go around it. That’s denial.

    2. Don’t try to get above it. That’s pride.

    3. Don’t try to fight against it. That’s useless.

    4. The only way to approach offense is to go under it. That’s humility.

Questions for Discussion:

  1. Have you ever been offended at God? Explain.

  2. If so, how have you overcome it?

  3. If you are currently offended at God, what is the cause?

  4. Was God responsible for the disappointment?

  5. What is He saying to you about it?

  6. What will you do to move beyond offense to trust?

Praying Together: 

Thank Him. What can we thank Him for? 

Praise Him. What is one thing about who Jesus is that we can praise Him about?

Ask Him. What is a need we have or an area in which we would like to see God break through. 

Listen to Him: What is on God’s heart about your need. What is He saying to you?

Gunter Akridge