When the Bible Hits a Nerve

The Bible offends not because it’s flawed — but because we are.

I. THE BIBLE ISN’T THE PROBLEM

• People don’t hate the Bible because it’s boring or outdated — they hate it because it exposes sin.
• Hebrews 4:12 says the Word of God is living and active… piercing… discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
• Scripture doesn’t just confront behavior — it goes straight to the heart.
• People attack what convicts them.

II. SCRIPTURE CONFRONTS, NOT COMFORTS, OUR FLESH

• John 3:19–20 says people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil.
• Truth doesn’t offend because it’s harsh — it offends because it shines light where people want darkness.
• Sinful flesh pushes back:
  • The sexually immoral hate purity.
  • The prideful hate humility.
  • The greedy hate generosity.
  • The bitter hate forgiveness.
• People don’t reject theology — they reject accountability.

III. PEOPLE DON’T REJECT THE BIBLE BECAUSE IT’S WRONG — THEY REJECT IT BECAUSE IT’S RIGHT

• Romans 1:18 says people suppress the truth in unrighteousness.
• People push back against Scripture not because it’s unclear — but because it keeps confronting sin.
• They don’t want to surrender, so they:
  • Mock it.
  • Twist it.
  • Redefine it.
  • Avoid it.
• The louder the rejection, the deeper the conviction.

IV. THE MORE CULTURE DRIFTS, THE LOUDER THE BIBLE CONVICTS

• We’re not in a neutral world — we’re in a world demanding affirmation of sin.
• Isaiah 5:20 warns against calling evil good and good evil.
• The Bible refuses to bend.
• Even believers sometimes resist Scripture when it touches their personal idols:
  • “I just don’t think God would…”
  • “That was cultural.”
  • “God is love, so…”
• When your theology bends around your lifestyle — you’ve created a false gospel.

V. THE BIBLE DOESN’T NEED DEFENSE — IT DEMANDS OBEDIENCE

• 2 Timothy 4:3–4 warns people will gather teachers to suit their passions.
• The issue is not losing the Bible — it’s losing the desire to obey it.
• We don’t need softer sermons — we need sharper preaching.
• The Bible doesn’t need to be made easier — it needs to be proclaimed clearly.
• The truth sets free when it cuts deep.

VI. IF THE WORD OFFENDS YOU, CHECK WHO’S LORD IN YOUR LIFE

• If the Bible offends you, it’s not flawed — your pride is.
• Truth does not adjust to culture or feelings.
• You don’t edit Scripture — Scripture edits you.
• When you resist, ask:
  • Who’s really Lord in my life — Jesus or me?
• The Bible hits nerves because it forces us to surrender or rebel.
• If you want freedom — you must let God’s Word rule your life.

INVITATION / RESPONSE

• Where are you resisting Scripture?
• Where have you been offended instead of convicted?
• Are you surrendered — or just comfortable?

“The same Word that exposes your sin… also reveals your Savior. But it can’t cleanse what you won’t confess.”

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