No One Likes a Third Wheel

Introduction

There is no greater distraction than a third wheel. Being one of the oldest being pestered by little brothers is par for the course. When I began dating, we did not have cell phone usage. Even when cell phones came around more minutes weren’t free until 9 PM. So back in the day we used a house phone. There were multiple phones but only one line. So there were times that my little brothers would pick up another phone in effort to bother me. Maybe you’ve asked someone on a date and you have prepared to get some alone time with the person and they bring someone along, or maybe you end up entertaining more than one person. Or maybe you’ve set up a double date. You and your homie, her and her friend and your friend stands her friend up. Whatever the case may be no one likes a third wheel. A third wheel is a distraction, a third wheel as the poet Kendrick Lamar would say “Kills the Vibe”.

Satan is a third wheel. The bible says he roams looking for someone to devour. Satan infringed on the relationship that Job had with God and became one of the most devastating 3rd wheels of all time. A third wheel is simply a distraction, and Satan is one of the most covert distractions of all time. He doesn’t approach you in an upfront manner, he distracts by putting dissensions and petty back and forth’s in the midst of you and family and friends. He allows competition to supersede collaboration, he uses ego to get in the way of evangelism, he uses confusion to get in the way of christian values. Simply, his goal is to cloud your judgement to keep you from serving God.

The distraction of the enemy is so dangerous because the enemy distracts you long enough to bring the hammer of destruction down during a time that you can’t defend it properly! This is why we have to be focused. We do not have time to be distracted there is too much work to do!

Do Not Be Distracted By the Third Wheel

Luke 22:24 “Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest.”

It’s natural to compare. You can’t log in to social media or watch ESPN for ten minutes before some sort of comparison is brought to the forefront of the conversation. Here’s the issue with comparison, sometimes it adds insecurity that puts the called in a position to believe they are not good enough to do what God has called them to do.

How many times have we had what we thought was a friendly dispute amongst homies turned into a argument in which things are said that we can’t take back. You never know how the devil will desire to use you or others. This is why resisting him is a command, he wants nothing but to kill you and your faith! Dispute in this text is defined as a desire to quarrel, readiness to argue. This was something they were ready to talk about.

Have you ever been ready to argue?

Maybe you heard about something someone said.

You desire to prove yourself, so you’ve been rehearsing your opening statements.

These are nothing more than distractions. Distractions do nothing for us but keep us from getting to our destination at the time designated. Remember Satan using distractions is because he does not have authority over your life. Satan has to ask for permission. Do not give Satan permission by falling victim to his distractions.

1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

God never intended for us to be contentious with one another in the first place. 1 Corinthians 11:16 “But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.”

Understand something we really need to be on guard when things are going well. I’m not saying fall victim to imposter syndrome or survivor’s remorse but what I am saying is that when things are going well find solace in thanksgiving and gratitude!

Compete to Serve

Luke 22:25-27 “And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves.”

Don’t confuse a worldly construct with a spirit dynamic. Understand something, the kingdom of God is not about titles, the kingdom of God is not about status. The greatest in the kingdom is the greatest servant! Regardless of position it’s about service. The best way to combat the distractions of satan is to serve. It’s not about lordship, authority or position it’s about service. This is the reason why Jesus washes feet! This is why Jesus heals the sick, This is why Jesus looks after the widow! It’s all about service!

If you want to rid yourselves of distractions start serving. When you serve you don’t have time to compare, you don’t have time to compete!

The Other Side of Distraction is Communion

Don’t focus on what everyone else is doing focus on what Jesus is doing to pave a way! What sense does it make to persevere through trials just to be distracted and fall victim to the ways and schemes.

We should seek communion with Christ. We should see fellowship with Christ! Listen, our life depends on our ability to fellowship with Jesus. Luke 22:28-30 ““But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials. And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.””

The difference between satan and Jesus is the fact that Jesus proactively blesses and saved us. Meanwhile satan is only interested in what you will do for him. When times get tough, remember the fact that Jesus affirms and provides comfort to the disciples in the midst of betrayal and denial.

1 Corinthians 1:9 “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Philippians 2:1 “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,”

No matter how tough life gets, continue with Christ. Remain in association with Him, don’t leave Him. No matter what life throws at you stay connected to Jesus! Jesus affirms and reminds! What sense does it make to compare who is the greatest when we’ve all been a part of the journey!

Matthew 19:28 “So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

Why are you comparing when Jesus has already given you authority! You already have power to conquer sin, what are you comparing for! It’s time to serve.

We Don’t Negotiate with Third Wheels

Understand we are doing the third wheel a favor by entertaining the third wheel. Honestly we need to understand when we give attention to distractions we are doing the 3rd wheel a favor! Pay attention, Jesus is talking to Peter, but he’s speaking to everyone.

I remember watching an interview of Tim Duncan and Greg Popovich. When Tim Duncan was playing for the spurs he said that Coach Pop would yell at Tim because he could handle it, but he was really speaking to the entire team! Understand Jesus might have said Simon, Simon, but he was referring to everyone! You might not have a position regarded as influential but understand that satan wants to destroy you the same. Understand Jesus might be talking to Peter but He’s preparing all the disciples, it’s not time to compare but time prepare to defend. Understand the point of sifting is to separate the rubbish! Will you survive the test or fall victim to distractions!

No matter you situation or the stage of life you are in try to find communion with Jesus Christ. The longer you refrain from finding fellowship the longer you allow yourself susceptible to the distractions of the devil. No matter where you are, no matter what life looks like come to Jesus. If Jesus could proactively prepare Peter in the midst of denial, He can prepare you where you are right now!

Fifty-Two Invitation Illustrations 9. How Christ Changes a Man

Years ago, some of my young people were holding an open air meeting at the Raven Hill Memorial Park in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It is convenient to where I preach. I was standing listening to these young men and women testify, and I saw a poor man come up the road, under the influence of liquor, and he was holding onto the railings, pulling himself along. I went over and laid my hand upon his shoulder. I said, “Friend, I’d like to tell you that Jesus Christ really loves you.”

He looked at me, and with a thick tongue said, “You don’t know me. If you knew who I was, you wouldn’t even speak to me.”

I said, “Yes, I would. I want to tell you of One who knows everything about you but loves you with an everlasting love, and His name is the Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s go down to church, and we’ll have prayer, and I’ll tell you more about Jesus.”

He said, “I’m not fit to go into any church building.”

I said, “You are absolutely fit, for you know that you are a sinner.”

He said, “I couldn’t walk.”

I said, “I could carry you.” So I carried him. People think I’m a fool anyway, so I might as well live up to my reputation! I carried him down the road.

I believe in this gospel I’m preaching. It’s a transforming gospel. I often talk to Brother Joe. He’s a member of our committee now, an honored man of God. He is well known on the Raven Hill Road. Everybody knows Joe Black. I said, “Joe, what happened when you got in the church?”

“Well, you put me into a room and you left me. You went into the outer building and started praying. When I heard you praying, I started to be sober, and then I started to think, and then, I got on my knees and I started to pray, too.”

God really saved him. Let me emphasize that to you, and if you haven’t got Jesus Christ, you haven’t got life. You can have everything and anything, but you haven’t got life. My earnest prayer is that you will receive Him, that you will be saved from the wrath to come, delivered from your sins, and that you will be born again eternally, of the Holy Ghost. May God do that mighty work in the hearts of sinners for Jesus’ sake!

The third wheel is only for distracting purposes only! Ignore the distractions and pay attention to the reason why you are here in the first place!