The Spirit of Offense is Relentless

I am reading chapter 17 of the book of Luke. And as the Holy Spirit gives me discernment, I want to share it with you.

Jesus starts off warning us that offenses will come. And that they will be many. Several times a day. Everyday. So, expect them.
“Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Stumbling blocks [temptations and traps set to lure one to sin] are sure to come, but woe (judgment is coming) to him through whom they come!'” (Luke 17: 1, AMP).

Listen, “Be still before the LORD; wait patiently for Him and entrust yourself to him; Do not fret (whine, agonize) because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. (Now pay attention!) Cease from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret; (In other words, do not worry!) It leads only to evil (Psalm 37: 7-8, AMP).

Let me say this to you. As I bring this to your attention. I am also ministering to myself.

Discern The Spirit of Offence

The KJV reads, “It is impossible but that offences will come…This is where you must remember that we are not fighting against flesh and blood.
So let petty rest in itself. And know that God will recompense this behavior.

We are warned that when we dwell on their offenses in unforgiveness, we become stagnant. And the pity party begins.
See the devil will keep whispering that thing in your ear. To distract you. To trap you.

As you entertain their foolishness and these entities, unable to focus, being paralyzed, you will ultimately die. In every form and sense of the word.

God has already told us how important we are to Him. And He reiterates it here. “It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones” (Luke 17: 2, AMP).

The Antidote to Conquer Offence

It is written, “And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him” (Luke 17: 4, KJV).

Now let me deviate for a moment. Because many of us will think that this is too much. But I want to clarify the importance of forgiveness. As an integral part of transcendence.

What you must remember is that we are at war. Spiritually. These are inconsequential and unrelenting. Familiar spirits that will not give up.

Pay attention. “Then came Peter to Him and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven” (Matthew 18: 21-22, KJV). Confirming that they should expect to be offended.

The Importance of Perseverance

The Holy Spirit is giving me this impartation. This was God’s judgment against the Israelites because of their disobedience and lack of trust. After He already made a way of escape for them.

“And the LORD’s anger was kindled against Israel, and He made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation, that had done evil in the sight of the LORD, was consumed” (Numbers 32: 13, KJV).

So let me put this here. At the time that they were numbered there was a total of 601, 730 males who were able to go to war. And of them, there were only two, Joshua and Caleb, that did not die in the wilderness.

I felt impressed to point this out because there remain many who believe that once saved always saved. Or that privilege and entitlement and any other foolish doctrine will save them.

It is Only by His Spirit

Yet I digress. Here is wisdom. Because His disciples recognized that this would be impossible for them. “The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith [our ability to confidently trust in God and in His power]'” (Luke 17: 5, AMP).

I need to verify this with what was in my spirit this morning. In my thankfulness it was given to me to pray, that it was not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit.

The importance of humility is essential. See Jesus then pointed out the selfish nature of man. As a warning. To not expect a reward or acknowledgment from them.

Quit Expecting Man to Give What is Not in Him

“Which of you who has a servant plowing or tending sheep will say to him when he comes in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat?’ Will he not instead say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat, and appropriately clothe yourself [for service] and serve me while I eat and drink?'” (Luke 17: 7-8, AMP).

Let’s stop for a moment. Because we see this every day. Jesus is showing that we must be resolute. And how that at the same time, most people care nothing about you being tired, your feelings, or what is going on in your personal life.

Professionalism is expected. Even if it is not reciprocated. In other words, “You better not have an attitude about whatever I tell you to do”.

Show Your Faith by Your Works

“He does not thank the servant just because he did what he was ordered to do, does he? So you too, when you have done everything that was assigned and commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy servants [undeserving of praise or a reward, for we have not gone beyond our obligation]; we have merely done what we ought to do'” (Luke 17: 9-10, AMP).

Don’t misinterpret why Jesus commanded us to say this. The key is to remain lowly.

Because where many fall off, is when they begin to display arrogance. As if we are owed anything.

Remember, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling”.

Keep it in perspective. Faith is a facilitator of works.

As His children, Jesus requires this of you. But the difference is, He truly loves you and wants the best for you. Know this, He is called “GOD THE FATHER” for a reason. Most people care nothing for you. They don’t care for themselves. And yet and still, they are all about themselves. So again, keep it in perspective.

The Importance of Thankfulness

Now as I close, I want to show you how our Father confirmed what Jesus just told the disciples.

Meditate on this because there are many who are deceived that they are and remain saved. And that they are owed for their dispensation.

“While Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem, He was passing [along the border] between Samaria and Galilee. As He entered a village, He was met by ten lepers who stood at a distance.

These men showed reverence and respect in that moment by not coming near. Although spiritually, the indwelling demons, that have been making them sick, would not have wanted to be cast out.)

Ask, Believe, and Receive

“And they raised their voices and called out, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us! When He saw them, He said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were [miraculously] healed and made clean. (After they obeyed in faith).

“One of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, glorifying and praising and honoring God with a loud voice; (Did you get that? 1 out of the ten) and he lay face downward at Jesus’ feet, thanking Him [over and over]. He was a Samaritan.

Let me add that the other nine were mentally incapable or oblivious to the fact that they had been healed. Ungrateful, unthankful, and unable to correctly process what was happening. They didn’t see this as being a problem.

“Then Jesus asked, ‘Were not ten [of you] cleansed? Where are the [other] nine? Was there no one found to return and give thanks and praise to God, except this foreigner?” (Luke 17: 11-18, AMP).

The Revelation

Many suffer from low self-esteem and self-worth. They don’t know who they are and rely on man-made titles and credentials. They look for awards and praises and to be honored by them.

Not only have you received your reward in full. You should not expect to receive anything from God. You have forfeited His grace and glory. Is it truly worth it?

Remember to stay focused. And remain humble.

And know this, “And He said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake, who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting” (Luke 18: 29-30, KJV). So, you can expect God’s favor. His goodness. In the land of the living.

The confirmation. “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]” (John 10: 10, AMP).

Always coming from a place of love and in truth. Thank you.

Originally written on August 12, 2023.