🎯 EC SUNDAY MESSAGE SUMMARY
June 7, 2026
Focus: Dealing with Offenses and Unforgiveness (Part 4)
Ministered by Pastor Andrew Norman
God doesn't need our permission to send trials into our lives. Jesus also assured us that offenses must come (Matthew 18:7). They cannot be avoided or aborted; submitting to God's word is the only solution. In the story of Job, we are also reminded that walking righteously does not exempt us from offenses. Therefore, we can either let them be a stepping stone or a stumbling block to fulfilling God's purposes in our lives.
Job suffered greatly but brought His complaints to God without accusing Him wrongfully. He also waited for God's vindication though misjudged by his friends. After Job and his friends argued, a young man named Elihu arose and respectfully challenged his elders. He waited on God's timing and wisdom to speak, which brought truth and correction into the conversation. Out of this moment, we can draw more essential lessons:
- Do not become offended by the way or vessel through which God sends His wisdom.
- If you are the "Elihu" in the trial, do not be afraid of confronting those who need it. 1 Timothy 4:12 encourages us to let no man despise our youth, but be the example of what we preach.
- We simply cannot overcome offense without walking in God's love and wisdom.
Not long after Elihu's response, God Himself confronts Job, and instead of answering Job's questions, He challenges Job and reprimands his friends. Here, we are reminded that God is never obligated to answer any of our questions about our trials. He is God and has the divine right to respond to us and address our situation as it pleases Him.
He is however compassionate and all-wise, hence His every response will be what we need to hear. Therefore, instead of getting offended, maintain a posture of dependency, and reverence, living by every word that proceeded out His mouth. Whether the word comes to rebuke or instruct, its purpose when embraced will make us perfect/ blameless before God (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
God's word will always face opposition from Satan, whose intention is to move us out of Christ's character and into sin. Job's story reminds that even Satan's attacks must be God-approved and the Lord preserves those who fear Him. Considering all this, we never have to struggle to honor God. Greater is He that is in us, than He that is in the world (1 John 4:4).
If you are saved, be encouraged that you are fully equipped by the Holy Spirit to respond with compassion, peace and righteousness in every offensive situation. As long you remain humble, God's grace is readily accessible. Do not get distracted by the offense or try to dodge God's rod of chastening. Chastening is proof of His love and what He uses to reveal your true spiritual location.
If you are not saved, God uses offenses to show you the futility of your own way, and help you see your need for Him. His will is that you respond in humble submission that He may save you from eternal death.
Summarized by: Darien Callum
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Summarized by: Darien Callum
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