Sermon Recap: Rob McCorkle - on what stops us dead in our tracks from fulfilling all God has intended for us.

The following is an excerpt From Rob McCorkle’s Book Elevate p 231-232

In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he wrote about those who were trapped by the enemy. He actually referred to “the snare of the devil” (2 Timothy 2:26). The word snare (pagis) refers to a trap, lasso, or noose. This word describes how birds are suddenly entangled and caught in a net. One of the greatest traps the enemy uses against God’s people is an offense. “Then He said to his disciples, ‘It is impossible that no offenses should come’” (Luke 17:1 NKJV). One of these days you’re going to be challenged with an offense. Someone is going to say or do something that hurts you, and if you don’t remain in the Spirit, you will be ensnared by the offense.

The issue is not if you’ll be offended. Jesus clearly said that offenses would come. The issue is will you become trapped by the offenses? It’s a terrible way to live - bound in offenses - because when we’re trapped, we’re easy prey for the enemy. The only Solution that I am aware of is to relinquish your life to Jesus. If you are crucified with Christ and you have died to yourself, then you really can’t be trapped by an offense. Think about it this way: dead people cannot become ensnared by an offense.

Key Scripture

Read through these passages together:

II Timothy 2:26

Luke 17:1

Luke 7:20-23 (John the Baptist)

Galatians 2:20

Discussion Questions

Discuss together, pushing yourself toward transparency. The more we are authentic and humble with one another, the more we can grow in Christ.

Has the enemy ever tried to trap you in an offense?
Have you ever had to let go of an offense that was threatening to trap you? How did you do it?
When we walk with offense our ceiling of intimacy with God and ability to carry out God’s best for our lives shrinks immensely. What can you do to make sure and guard yourself from offense?
Are there any offenses you need to be set from tonight that the group can help you overcome in prayer and repentance?

Prayer

Father, thank you for providing a way out of the trap of offense through your son Jesus. I trust that the cross of Christ has the power to set me free! Search my heart and reveal to me any offense I am holding on to. I now repent of any and all offenses I have harbored toward ____________________(name of person who offended you). I see now that I was never meant to walk in partnership with offense but only in partnership and intimacy with the Holy Spirit. So I ask for your forgiveness for harboring this offense and ask you now Jesus to forgive me and set me free! I now release those offenses and choose to walk with you Holy Spirit! In the name of Jesus, Amen!

Life Application

Do a daily offense check up! Make sure you are not holding anything against anyone. Choose to forgive and to release any offense that tries to trap you.
Continue throughout this week to listen carefully to the Holy Spirit to make sure your life is completely free of offense. Spend some time each allowing God to check your heart.

Don’t Forget

Join us in daily prayer and fasting during the month of January
Share your testimony with someone this week!
Sunday Night Prayer: February 6th

Additional Resources

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Week 3: Revival with Rob McCorkle