Week 1: Introduction — Knowing the Enemy's Tactics

1.Bevere opens by stating that offense is one of Satan's most successful and most-used traps against Christians today. Before reading further, why do you think offense might be more dangerous than more obvious sins like violence or addiction?

2.The title The Bait of Satan uses the image of a fisherman setting a lure. What does the "bait" represent in Bevere's framework, and why is it significant that the bait is often something that seems justified — a real wound, a genuine injustice?

3.Jesus says in Luke 17:1, "It is impossible that no offenses should come." How does this statement reframe the question from "Will I ever be hurt?" to something more important? What is the question Bevere says we must actually be asking?

4.Bevere notes that many Christians are living in a spiritual prison they don't even recognize — one they built themselves through harbored offense. Have you ever looked back on a season of your life and recognized that bitterness or resentment was limiting you spiritually, even though at the time it felt completely justified?

5.The introduction establishes that this book will be difficult to read because it challenges our instinct to protect ourselves and to see ourselves as victims. What is your honest reaction to being asked to examine your offenses rather than your offenders?

6.1 Peter 5:8 describes Satan as a roaring lion "seeking whom he may devour." How does the image of Satan as a predator hunting for vulnerable prey connect to the theme of offense? What makes an offended Christian particularly vulnerable?

7.As you begin this study, is there a specific relationship or situation in your life where you sense the issue of offense might be at work? You don't need to share details, but simply acknowledging it to yourself (and God) is a meaningful first step. Take a moment to do that now.