Entitlement

God is good all the time! And, all the time God is good! Southlake, if I share something with y’all. I hope you don’t get mad at me or change your view point of me. But, I need to share this little bit with you to help introduce a key theme of today’s sermon. Brother and Sisters, just like many of you, I love music. Whether it is gospel, reggae, classical, R & B, or jazz; I love music. About the only type of music I don’t like is that new wave or Chicago house music. That noise just grates on my nerves. You know Southlake, I can listen to some go-go, some blues, some rock and roll, some country music and even some opera. But brothers and sisters, I must admit that I love me some old school hip-hop (Heavy D, Public Enemy, Eric B and Rahkeem, Geto Boys, LL, Beastie Boys, Emenim, TuPac and Biggie). If you put on Rappers Delight from Sugar Hill, I become the greatest rapper the state of Ohio has ever produced and the coldest M.C. that the state of Georgia has ever seen, bar none! If you don’t believe me ask Mariah. I know every word, hook and beat. Yes Sir! Now I told you all of this to get to this point. I was recently in the barbershop and they was playing the most recent Jay Z album and the song “Story of OJ” came on. Now any one who has listened to Jay-Z knows that, as Brother Mitchell would say, he can spit. And of the many things Jay-Z said on that song, what stood out to me was when he said “I ain’t black, I’m OJ”. Southlake, let that thought marinate on your minds for a minute, “I ain’t black, I’m OJ”. That’s deep!In thinking about that statement, it is my personal belief and thought that Jay-Z is trying to convey that sometimes a person, especially a person of color can achieve some form of success and then begin to believe that the rules no longer apply to them. I believe this mentality is known as the “Entitlement Mentality”. An entitlement mentality is a state of mind in which an individual comes to believe that privileges are instead rights and they are expected as just a way of life. Characteristics of an entitlement mentality is:A lack of action or laziness. Sometimes we describe it as just being comfortable. Southlake, I recall when God moved us to appoint Elders for this congregation. I recall how honored and blessed I felt to be considered for such service. But Southlake, I am being very transparent here. I also recall how scared, how anxious and how nervous I was in being able to serve God and this congregation in such a capacity. I recall how hard I worked in my studies and my ministry work. I was committed and I was all in. Then several months ago, Vernon got ill and I was talking with him and he asked me if I would be willing to preach in his place. I initially thought he was joking, but I soon realized that he was dead serious. Southlake, after that call I truly realized that I had begun to coast in my service and committment to God and this congregation. While, I was continuing to do those things I had grown comfortable with, I realized that my passion and zeal to grow and serve God may have ebbed. Brothers and sisters, I had become complacent or in real talk, I had become lazy. I am growing in my knowledge and understanding that it is easier for us as imperfect human beings to think about God’s role in my life rather to reflect on my role in God’s plan, which really removes any sense of entitlement. A complaining nature. Southlake, we complain about the weather, our children, our jobs, church leadership and one another. And, although our complaints can be minor in nature and spirit, they do reveal something about our heart. All complaints are not borne out of a malicious spirit. Job challenges our stereotype of a complainer. In his outcries, Job prays in 10:1-2 “My inner self loathes my life; I want to give vent to my complaint; I want to speak out of the bitterness of my inner self. I will say to God, ‘You should not condemn me; let me know why you contend against me’ ” (). He repeats and recasts his elevated and prolonged complaints in surprising similes: “Did you not pour me out like milk and curdle me like cheese?” (). Self-centeredness or selfishness. This is something that we all must pray about and be on -guard for 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. And if you think not, then you are truly fooling yourself. The scriptures is full of self-centered and selfish behaviour. We are born bent on our own ambitions. It’s in our nature to control and compete. And pride—often the source of this behavior—keenly notices the pride of others. Often, we want to point out the failing of the equally prideful and impose our own wills on them, while neglecting to see these traits in ourselves. In , we find a myriad of characters who are bent on obtaining favor and selfish gain—often at the expense and exasperation of others. Rachel foolishly demands a son of Jacob () and then—because the family dynamics weren’t complicated enough—she has her handmaid bear her a child via Jacob. When she finally obtains a son, she is not joyful—she is triumphant: “With mighty wrestlings I have wrestled with my sister and have prevailed” (). Leah uses bribery and her own handmaid to gain the attention of her neglectful husband, while Laban and Jacob continue circling, using and manipulating one another (, ). Brothers and Sisters, today I have come by to tell you That I Ain’t OJ, I Am Black; but I do want to ask “Who Are You”

Connect the Testaments: A 365-Day Devotional with Bible Reading Plan August 6Familiarity breeds contempt, so the saying goes. But the line from Aesop’s fable “The Fox and the Lion” wasn’t meant to imply that we often take those closest to us for granted. Rather, the fox fails to properly acknowledge the lion—the king of all beasts—because he doesn’t know his place. His self-perception is dangerously inflated. The same is true for the fickle Nazarenes who heard Jesus interpret the Scriptures. When Jesus preached in the synagogue of His hometown, the Nazarenes were initially receptive. But when He interpreted the prophet Isaiah’s words in a way they disliked—a way that showed Him as the one who “proclaim[s] release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind” (; see )—they belittled Him: “Is this man not the son of Joseph?” ().

Now many of us more seasoned Saints have read or have heard of Ralph Ellison’s book entitled the “Invisible Man”. Invisible Man is a novel by Ralph Ellison about an African American man whose color renders him invisible, published in 1952. It addresses many of the social and intellectual issues facing African-Americans early in the twentieth century and even still today. Issues such as black pride and nationalism, as well as issues of individuality and personal identity.Essentially, it is a story of an unnamed black man, who lives in an underground room wired with hundreds of electric lights, operated by power stolen from the city's electric grid. This man reflects on the various ways in which he has sought and experienced being socially invisible during his life and how he had grown tired of hiding from the world but is now ready to engage with society and the world. Southlake, “I ain’t OJ, I’m black”. Every physical characteristic I have let’s you that.Yet brothers and sisters, I want to take this story from the physical realm and replace it with characteristics of our spiritual walk. Southlake, this morning I come to ask “WHO ARE YOU and WHO ARE WE”. TRANSITION STATEMENT: Now before you say who are you to ask us this question, just remember that this same question is asked many times in the bible. Throughout the scriptures this question is posed to validate: 1) an individuals actual identity; 2) or what tribe or lineage they come from; 3) or what type of authority had or should be given them; 4) and/or to put an individual back into their place.For example, when we read the Scriptures we read:In , when Esau was seeking the blessings of his father Jacob, Jacob lie in his bed and asked his own son Esau, “Who Are You”? (validating identity)In , we see the Jewish leaders ask John the Baptist on several occasion's as to Who Are You? (authority), we see the question asked, “but WHO ARE YOU, a human being, to talk back to God? (humility) This is one of those self-check questions where a parent may say to a child “Who the ?*# you think you are?” Before finishing of by saying “You ain’t nobody”! And, this question is asked again in which reads: “God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, [12] so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them. [13] Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, ‘In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.’ [14] Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. [15] [One day] the evil spirit answered them, ‘Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?’ [16] Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.” (NIV)Southlake, when I read this scripture, I find myself thinking that God does have a sense of humor. Every time I visualize this scene, I start to chuckle to myself. Yet, if you mediate on this text you will that there is a sharp contrast in this passage of scripture between authentic and inauthentic ministry. The first section shows the power of God manifested through the works of Paul, while the second half shows what happens when someone seeks notoriety, but are not operating in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we contrast the two, I want to take them out of order and look at the second half of the scripture passage first. Seven sons of a Jewish chief priest were attempting to cast out demons “in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches.” The evil spirits replied, ‘Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?’ and then jumped on the brothers and gave them a good whipping. The brothers left the house, humiliated and physically beat-down, and just powerless against the evil spirits. Now before we go further, I just want to remind the church that the scripture tells us as that believers need not fear the dark side because God is greater than the forces of evil. John wrote, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” ( KJV) So we can surmise that these men did not have God’s power; they were imposters, wanting the notoriety that Paul had without the commitment. The evil spirits said to them, ‘Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?’ Transition Statement: SL, I must admit that there have been times when I would have answered this question by saying “I ain’t black, I’m OJ.” Sometimes, especially when we are not grounded in Gods’ Word, we want to be the celebrity and we want the church and our friends to see and know what I have done. When you get time read about Simone the Sorcerer in . Brothers and sisters, I recall back in my sports playing days, I could not wait to get the newspaper after I had a big game. I could not wait to see my name in print and hopefully the bold, big print. I wanted folks to know who I was. I would get mad if it wasn’t and/or the paper highlighted some of my teammates. I grew to understand that I wasn’t playing for the team, but I was playing for myself. That is also why a team that was ranked 4th in the state could not advance out of the district. Our focus and priorities were skewed. SL in order for us to effectively serve God and this community, we must become comfortable and accepting that we will always work in the shadows of God and at times the shadows of one another. Now as I go forward, there are three main points I would like to illustrate in . The first being:Point One: All Glory Belongs to GodThe evil spirits replied, ‘Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?’ The reason the evil spirits knew about Paul was because he had distinguished himself in the way he’d lived. When we read this text, we have to understand that Paul stayed in Ephesus for three years ministering among the people with great results. Luke noted the extent of Paul’s healing power in the opening verses of our text, Paul didn’t actually have to touch sick people to heal them, if someone took a handkerchief that he’d touched and took it to the sick, they would be healed. This was not a power intrinsic in Paul, nor did he deserve any special notoriety because of it, verse 11 makes it clear that God was doing these miracles through Paul. Think about it, Paul enjoyed great healing powers here, but later would be unable to heal himself. Paul writes about this in which reads, “6 Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, 7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (NIV)In , the power of God flows through Paul to heal those who are sick, and in , the grace of God sustains Paul through his sickness. Why didn’t God heal Paul? Paul said it was so that he would not exalt himself.Humility is the shadow cast from a great person. says, “[6] Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you in due time, [7] casting all your care upon Him, because He cares about you.” God chooses to use humble people for his work, people who are not interested in receiving glory, but whose desire is to bring glory to God. TRANSITION STATEMENT: “I will do this!” How many of us has said that as we resolve to get in shape, eat better, save money, study and meditate on the Word more, journal more, read more. My plans escalate, growing grander in scale and depth. Although I succeed in them for a while, I easily become overwhelmed when I can’t live up to the inflated vision I’ve projected for myself.It’s especially easy to do this spiritually. It’s simple to hand out godly advice with a spiritual air, to speak wise words about past failings (read subtext: “Look how far I’ve come!”), and to talk about personal growth. But when we mess up on a colossal scale, it’s humiliating and surprising to all—especially ourselves. “What happened?” we might ask. “I was doing so well!” Point Two: We have to Get Rid of Your Spiritual AirsSimon Peter had a tendency to make grand plans: “Even if they all fall away, certainly I will not!” he declared, proclaiming his loyalty to the Savior (). They’re words to fall flat on your face by. When Jesus found the disciples sleeping, He knew who needed the reprimand and the warning: “And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, ‘Simon, are you sleeping? Were you not able to stay awake one hour? Stay awake and pray that you will not enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak!’ ” ().Jesus’ reprimand should have exposed Simon Peter’s pride, which was parading as loyalty. For all his exuberant claims, Simon Peter lacked true understanding of his nature. When he considered his spiritual state, he was optimistic about his own efforts. No one was more humiliated and more surprised than he when he later betrayed Jesus around a charcoal fire to curious strangers.Our desire to follow Jesus is not the problem. Instead, it is our competitive nature, our pride, that needs to be repeatedly humbled. We need real understanding of our spiritual state—a picture we shouldn’t try to project in any other way—coupled with a total dependency on Him. Paul eloquently tells us in that a war is being waged inside of us. SL, we can only win because of what Christ has done and because of the Spirit’s work in us. To God belongs all the glory. TRANSITION STATEMENT: One of my all-time favorite movies is the movie “Untouchables” with Sean Connery and Kevin Costner. It is about some Secret Service type of police officers who are trying to catch Al Capone. One of the scenes late in the movie shows Sean Connery dying after being shot by Frank Nitty and he turns to Kevin Costner who is supposed to be Elliot Ness and asks him, “WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO DO”? He was asking how committed are you to finishing this work we have begun. Are you willing to go above and beyond, even to death? Point Three: You Must Make a Sacrifice and You Must Be CommittedFor Paul, fame wasn’t an end in itself, but an unwanted consequence of living a substantial Christian life, doing the work of God. His goal wasn’t notoriety, but faithful service. In he wrote, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. [22] If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. [23] I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. [24] But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. [25] Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, [26] so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.” (ESV)Our text provides a stark contrast between a man who lived for Christ who never sought the spotlight and seven brothers who didn’t live for Christ but wanted His power.Jesus said “He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” ( NKJV) Paul gave up his life, for Christ’s sake, and found it.Have you? Have you surrendered your life to Him? If not, you can today. Closing Statement: Southlake, there is a book that was written in the 1850’s that is a literary classic. At one time and for the longest period of time it was the second highest selling book in the United States, behind the Bible. The book I am taking about is called “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” Now, I know if I was to call any of my brothers in the audience an Uncle Tom; I better prepare myself for a fight. But, the real question would be WHY? Is it because of what society has deemed an Uncle Tom? By all accounts we consider an Uncle Tom to be a sell-out, but the question is what are we selling-out too? This is a question you must ask yourself when?????????????Has anybody’s walk with Christ been questioned? Have you been questioned as to your intent and your purpose for giving your life to Christ? Has anyone said to you or questioned because of your walk with Christ “well who are you; who do you think you are?“Southlake I am here to tell you that the character of Uncle Tom ????? is one of the most brave, selfless, honest and pious men you will ever read about. His internal fortitude and make-up made him stand out. Now, I don’t have the time here to give you a full summary of the book. But, in essence, even under the worst conditions (slavery, being sold from his family, beatings and so on), Uncle Tom always prays to God and finds a way to keep his faith. As the novel progresses, the cruel treatment that Tom suffers at the hands of Simon Legree threatens his belief in God, but Tom withstands his doubts and dies the death of a strong Christian man! His character brings to mind our brother Job.SL, just like Job, our walk will not always be easy nor will we always have valley top moments, but brothers and sisters take refuge in the fact that you are children of the Most High! Let’s walk confidently and boldly in doing the work He has commissioned us to do because we know who we are! INVITATION: You may be outside the arc of the covenant relationship promised by Christ and fighting a war in which you are not properly equipped to fight. You can receive God’s full protection by Hearing His Word, Believing His Word, Repent, Confess and Be Baptized. You may be a part of His Body, but in need of restoration and reconciliation now is your time to come and accept His Invitation, as we stand and sing a verse of a song.

EVENING CLASS DISCUSSION:

An entitlement mentality is characterized with several traits:

A lack of action or laziness. Sometimes we describe it as just being comfortable. Southlake, I recall when God moved us to appoint Elders for this congregation. I recall how honored and blessed I felt to be considered for such service. But Southlake, I am being very transparent here. I also recall how scared, how anxious and how nervous I was in being called to serve God and this congregation in such a capacity. After our appointment, I recall how hard I worked in my studies and my ministry work. I was committed and I was all in. But somewhere along the line, I grew complacent. I figured, I had this eldership stuff down. Then several months ago, Vernon got ill and I was talking with him and he asked me if I would be willing to preach in his place. I almost dropped a load. After that call I truly realized that I had begun to coast in my service and committment to God and this congregation. While, I was continuing to do those things I had grown comfortable with, I realized that my passion and zeal to grow and serve God may have ebbed. Brothers and sisters, I had become complacent or in real talk, I had become lazy. I am growing in my knowledge and understanding that it is easier for us as imperfect human beings to think about God’s role in my life rather to reflect on my role in God’s plan, which really removes any sense of entitlement.

A complaining nature. Southlake, we complain about the weather, our children, our jobs, church leadership and one another. And, although our complaints can be minor in nature and spirit, they do reveal something about our heart.

Self-centeredness or selfishness. This is something that we all must pray about and be on -guard for 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. And if you think not, then you are truly fooling yourself. We are born bent on our own ambitions. It’s in our nature to control and compete. And pride—often the source of this behavior—keenly notices the pride of others. Often, we want to point out the failing of the equally prideful and impose our own wills on them, while neglecting to see these traits in ourselves.

Transition Statement: Southlake, Satan presumed it was his right, his portion, to be exalted. The Enemy desired to be lifted high while Christ went low, to the grave, in the greatest act of service history has ever known.