Is it always wrong to be self-concerned? There's a difference between seeing what we need and always putting ourselves first. Pastor Steve used Luke 14:1-6 as a basis for our study.
If we invite the preacher for dinner, a selfish attitude would say, "I'm providing him with a meal." The preacher's selfish attitude might say, "I'm giving them of my precious time." Contrast that with a selfless view on the part of a host, "I'm grateful he's spending time with us." The selfless preacher might say, "They're blessing me in the best way they know how."
Jesus used a parable to teach the people at the feast. A parable is a made-up story to present a truth from the Word of God. The host invited both Jesus and the man with dropsy to the meal. Was he being set up, tested? When Jesus saw how some of the guests chose the best seats, he taught them a parable.
People try to hide their selfishness. They'll use all kinds of excuses. In the parable, Jesus showed an angry host when they refused to come. Some said they couldn't attend because of financial reasons. Others begged off due to family concerns and business. They didn't value the host or the invitation.
Selfishness and faithfulness cannot exist together. However, if the enemy can't get you to be selfish, he'll try to sell you on the wrong kind of selflessness. Jesus wants us to help the poor, but the enemy wants us to think it's wrong to have anything. Well, how can we assist the poor if we have nothing? We can be selfish when we have little or nothing. "Look what I'm doing for you God."
The entire message will soon be on the website sermon player. It can also be downloaded to your MP3 or podcast.
No comments:
Post a Comment