The Bait of Satan: Living Free from the Deadly Trap of Offense

by John Bevere

The issue of offense—the very core of The Bait of Satan—is often the most difficult obstacle an individual must face and overcome.

“It is impossible that no offenses should come” (Luke 17:1).

It is not a question of opportunity to be offended, but what your response will be.

Your RESPONSE

Offended people produce much fruit, such as hurt, anger, outrage, jealousy, resentment, strife, bitterness, hatred, and envy. Some of the consequences of picking up an offense are insults, attacks, wounding, division, separation, broken relationships, betrayal, and backsliding.

“For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me; then I could hide from him. But it was you, a man my equal, my companion and my acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked to the house of God in the throng.”

The closer the relationship, the more severe the offense! You find the greatest hatred among people who were once close.

Only those you care about can hurt you. You expect more from them—after all, you’ve given more of yourself to them. The higher the expectations, the greater the fall.

We expect this in unbelievers, but Paul was not referring to those outside the church. He was talking about those within it. Many are wounded, hurt, and bitter. They are offended! But they do not realize that they have fallen into Satan’s trap.