Untitled Sermon

THE SEATS AT THE WEDDING Luke 14:8–11

The number one enemy of the Christian is self! Satan uses self to destroy the Christian through: (1) ambitions and desires which oppose God’s will, (2) attitudes which control our lives, (3) affections for “things” (1 John 2:15–17). If Christ is our Lord and master, self will not be in control. We cannot serve two masters—Matt. 6:24. I. Selfishness—v. 8 A. Seeking—v. 8a. Don’t seek the best for selfish reasons. Paul said, “Not I, but Christ …”—Gal. 2:20. B. Sharing—v. 8b. Shame of displacement may come to him who seeks to take highest honors for himself. Paul was a great man, but he said he was the chief of sinners—1 Tim. 1:15. Paul practiced humility. II. Shame—v. 9 A. Reservation—v. 9a. “The host will bring him over to where you are sitting and say, ‘Let this man sit here instead’ ”—LB. Learn to live the crucified life—Gal. 2:20. B. Result—v. 9b, “And you, embarrassed, will have to take whatever seat is left at the foot of the table”—LB. Spell JOY … J—Jesus O—Others Y—Yourself. III. Sincerity—v. 10 A. Humble acceptance—v. 10a. Accept the low, unimportant place. 1. Practice—James 4:10. Humble yourself. This involves denying self—Luke 9:23. 2. Personality—1 Peter 5:5. (a) Submit to the elder. (b) Be clothed with humility. (c) God resists the proud. B. Humble advancement—v. 10b. 1. Promise—1 Peter 5:5b. He gives grace to the humble. 2. Position—James 4:10b. If we humble ourselves, He will lift us up. IV. Spirituality—v. 11 A. Self-honor—v. 11a, “For everyone who tries to honor himself shall be humbled”—LB. 1. Satan’s pride—Isa. 14:13. Satan wanted to be above God and was cast out of heaven. 2. Selfish pride—Mark 10:35–37. James and John wanted to sit on the right hand of Christ in heaven. B. Spiritual honor—v. 11b, “And he who humbles himself shall be honored”—LB. Be faithful in small things—Luke 19:17. Then you will receive greater responsibilities. (See also Ps. 91:14). When Christ is first in your life, you will not seek honor or fame—you will seek to please Him. As you do this, you will remain humble before Him. Humility will be rewarded both in this life and in eternity.

Croft M. Pentz, Outlines on the Parables of Jesus, Sermon Outline Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1980), 21–22.