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Reflecting on biblical passages, this text explores excuses used to avoid serving the Lord. It challenges readers to choose faithfulness over excuses in fulfilling God's will.
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Luke 14:16-24 “…with one accord began to make excuses…”
“It’s not my job.” • Luke 10:25-37 • “Who is my neighbor?” • He was looking for an excuse! • He really didn’t want to fulfill the law! • “Good Samaritan” • They thought it was not their job!
“It’s not my job.” • Luke 10:25-37 • “Who is my neighbor?” • He was looking for an excuse! • He really didn’t want to fulfill the law! • “Good Samaritan” • They thought it was not their job! What Kind of Servants are we: Workers or Excuse Makers?
Mark 7:1-13 • Pharisees questioned Jesus- v.5 • Jesus answered with a Question • Matthew 15:3 – a more important question • Concerned about tradition – laid aside word of God • Pointed out Law of Moses which they set aside.
Mark 7:1-13 • “I’ve already done my part – I don’t have to obey that command.” • Convinced themselves that by doing some other “good deed” they were released. • God does not base His judgments on the number of our deeds!
Mark 7:1-13 • Christians excuse their inactivity pointing back to many years of service • “It’s someone else’s turn now.” • God does not base His judgments on the number of our deeds! • Revelation 2:10 “be faithful until death…” • Galatians 6:9,10
“I’m not capable.” • Exodus 4:10-17 “not eloquent… slow of speech & tongue” • Isaiah 6:8 “Here am I, send me.” • Moses’ own ability was not going to bring Israel our of Egypt – • It was by God’s power! • The End Result of him going? • SUCCESS!
“I’m not capable.” • Most frequently used in excuses today! • “I just can’t do that. Aren’t there more qualified people to do it?” • Moses: “Trust in Self & not God!” • Must trust in power of God & Surety of His Word & not ourselves. • Romans 1:16; Philippians 4:13
“They will never listen anyway.” • Ezekiel 2:3-7 • Common excuse offered today regarding spread of God’s Word • Does not relieve us of our responsibility to teach or do anything • Ezekiel 3:18 • Who would think Saul would be a prime candidate for conversion?
“Indeed, I said to myself…” • 2 Kings 5:1-14 • What if he had told him to do some great thing? • Would he not have done it? • We face this excuse often today. • Raised in denominational doctrines • Truth causes them to say: “Indeed, I said to myself…..”
“Indeed, I said to myself…” • God’s law on Marriage, work of the church, or giving • When taught the truth, offer same excuse, “Indeed, I said to myself…” • Not until Naaman obeyed the command of Elisha that he was healed of his leprosy. • If we submit to commands of the Lord, we will receive the benefits
“Indeed, I said to myself…” • Excuses are never the answer to work that needs to be done! • If it is faithfulness that is commanded, we must be faithful! • If we are commanded to teach others, we must make every effort to teach. • If commanded to serve or worship God in a particular way, must do it
“Indeed, I said to myself…” • Excuses are never the answer to work that needs to be done! • If it is faithfulness that is commanded, we must be faithful! • If we are commanded to teach others, we must make every effort to teach. • If commanded to serve or worship God in a particular way, must do it NO EXCUSES!
How About You? Have You Submitted to the Will of God, or Have You Been Making Excuses? Will You Come?