Walking in Humility 3

When things get in the way

Continuing in the humility series (Recap) last week- learn to listen

Three things that can delay or stop God from answering our prayers:

1. Who we think we are,

2. How we think God should answer us

3. Not acting when told because of what we think we know

The story of Naaman we gained insight into listening to God’s wisdom in spite of what it looks like

Matthew 19:16-22 “And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.”

Three hindrances to walking with God

1. Recognition of God

The man approached Christ with a question of how to earn his way into heaven (viewing Christ as merely a good teacher)

Honoring Christ two commands

Matthew 19:19 (ESV)

…and, you shall love your neighbor as yourself

Unwilling to share his fortune the rich young ruler could not reduce his wealth to bring up his neighbor

Love the Lord your God

Matthew 22:37 “And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”

The rich young ruler loved his possessions above any and everything else

Exodus 20:3 ESV

“You shall have no other gods before me.

How do get from under this burden

Matthew 19:23-26 “And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.””

Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”