2 Kings 5:1-3 (Introduction)
2 Kings 5:9-10 (Journey and instructions)
2 Kings 5:11-12 (The offence)
2 Kings 5:13-14 (Change of heart and healing)
Many are sidetracked, draw back – because of offenses.
- Expectations will set a trap
- Instructions were not complicated, but unexpected, and he was offended
- He could have missed his miracle, and God’s best
When you mind is offended ..
.. your heart is revealed.
“Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.”
Proverbs 4:23 AMPC
(You’re not responsible of someone else’s heart, only yours. You are responsible for your behavior towards others.)
- Even when someone doesn’t keep the standard towards you: guard your heart.
- Majority of offenses take place like Naaman’s: Prophet didn’t do anything wrong. Naaman expected something different, and got offended. Almost missing his miracle.
Canaanite woman came to Jesus (Matthew 15) seeking help for her daughter .. with determination, humility, and hunger.. she had many opportunities to be offended, but she got her miracle!
“She said, Yes, Lord, yet even the little pups (little whelps) eat the crumbs that fall from their [young] masters’ table.”
Matthew 15:27 AMPC
- Finances, praise of people, accomplishments, education, position in society, good family, influential connections .. if trusted in .. can cause one to be arrogant – setting you up for an offense.
- Be grateful, and keep God your source! Every good thing comes from Him, and you don’t need anything outside of Him. (James 1:16-17)
Offenses:
1) For “good” reason
2) .. and for no reason, like Naaman
Jesus said we should forgive even 7 times, in Luke 17:4-5, if person asks for forgiveness.
- Hurts can take joy out, if we dont handle them, and they pile up!
- Offended person doesn’t want to be hurt again, so they withdraw, and build walls.
Our thoughts are the battleground. Through our thoughts the enemy has access to our lives, if we don’t keep them under submission! (2 Corinthians 10:4-5) Don’t allow any unforgiveness, bitterness or offenses to take root.
- Reality is that acting out of offense as a child of God is always wrong. Most people who leave their home church are offended over something.
- It’s the enemy’s scheme to isolate you, and to take you out from your God-given future, and to steal your miracle.
- Like Naaman, you’ll face situations where you are tempted to be offended.
- Decide that you will not miss God’s best for your life because of offenses!
Related scriptures:
“But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [Prov. 25:21, 22.] To show that you are the children of your Father Who is in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the wicked and on the good, and makes the rain fall upon the upright and the wrongdoers [alike].”
Matthew 5:44-45 AMPC
“And even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and turns to you seven times and says, I repent [I am sorry], you must forgive him (give up resentment and consider the offense as recalled and annulled). The apostles said to the Lord, Increase our faith (that trust and confidence that spring from our belief in God).”
Luke 17:4-5 AMPC
“A brother offended is harder to be won over than a strong city, and [their] contentions separate them like the bars of a castle.”
Proverbs 18:19 AMPC
“For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One),”
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 AMPC
“Anyone who hates (abominates, detests) his brother [in Christ] is [at heart] a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding (persevering) within him.”
1 John 3:15 AMPC
“These six things the Lord hates, indeed, seven are an abomination to Him:”
Proverbs 6:16 AMPC
“A false witness who breathes out lies [even under oath], and he who sows discord among his brethren.”
Proverbs 6:19 AMPC
“Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is honest and proper and noble [aiming to be above reproach] in the sight of everyone. [Prov. 20:22.] If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God’s] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord. [Deut. 32:35.]”
Romans 12:17-19 AMPC
“Never return evil for evil or insult for insult (scolding, tongue-lashing, berating), but on the contrary blessing [praying for their welfare, happiness, and protection, and truly pitying and loving them]. For know that to this you have been called, that you may yourselves inherit a blessing [from God–that you may obtain a blessing as heirs, bringing welfare and happiness and protection].”
1 Peter 3:9 AMPC
“Do not be misled, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse].”
James 1:16-17 AMPC
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