Submitted by: Minister M. Smith
Related Scriptures: Genesis 37:1-40:23 & Amos 2:6-3:8
In Matthew 11:6 Yeshua (Jesus) said “how blessed is anyone not offended by me.” Yeshua was warning us about the spirit of offense. This spirit of offense finds its way in when we won’t admit that we are severely unrighteous and desperately in need of deliverance. It preys on those who won’t acknowledge their sin, those who get jealous of others peoples success, and on those who are looking for self-gain rather than self-denial. This is what the twelve patriarchs were torment with. They were offended by the fact that Joseph gave a bad report about them, that he had favor with their father and that Joseph had prophetic visions of his authority over them. Their jealousy grew out of being offended.
The goal of the spirit of offense is to cut off our deliverance. It causes us to feel annoyed, resentful and insulted, causing us to be defensive rather than simply submitting to the Truth. The spirit of offense will cause us to hide our sin, make excuses for our sin, or outright murder to avoid dealing with our sin; leaving us in bondage to the enemy, unable to overcome the torment of defeat, insecurity, jealousy, hatred and murder. The root of the spirit of offense is pride. The only way to be free of pride is to acknowledge that Salvation is found in Yeshua alone, if we are offended by Yeshua then we are destined for famine and death.
However, if we surrender all to Yeshua we can overcome the spirit of offense. We have to be willing to give up what we think we know; our worldly principles and standards are useless. We have to be vigilant by slowing down, not responding so quickly and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us. We cannot allow our own opinion, past hurts or past failures lead us into an agreement with the spirit of offense. Finally, we can overcome the spirit of offense by just admitting that “Yeshua is more righteous than I.” The scripture says that our righteousness is as filthy rags. Not one of us is worthy enough to redeem ourselves. Yeshua is the only one worthy enough to take away the sins of the world. Yeshua overcame death, hell and the grave and He is seated at the right-hand of the Father. Yeshua is crowned with favor and wisdom; how blessed is anyone not offended by Him.
Three Summary Points
Salvation is found in Yeshua alone, if we are offended by Yeshua then we are destined for famine and death. (Acts 4:11-12)
We must be vigilant in our fight against the spirit of offense by slowing down and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us. (Matthew 11:4-6)
Yeshua is the only righteous one. Each one of us must continually confess “Yeshua is more righteous than I.” (Isaiah 64:5)
