Sermon Central
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Take Your Seat
Contributed by Carl Willis on Jul 13, 2005 (message contributor)
Summary: Putting humility into practice
Take Your Seat
May 29, 2005
Luke 14:7 (NLT)
When Jesus noticed that all who had come to the dinner were trying to sit near the head of the table, he gave them this advice:
Best Seat In The House
The quest for status
Being seen with the “in” crowd
Dressing for success
Driving the “right” car
Many make a life of being seen
Matthew 23:6 (NLT)
And how they love to sit at the head table at banquets and in the most prominent seats in the synagogue!
Luke 14:8-9 (NLT)
"If you are invited to a wedding feast, don’t always head for the best seat. What if someone more respected than you has also been invited? [9] The host will say, ’Let this person sit here instead.’ Then you will be embarrassed and will have to take whatever seat is left at the foot of the table!
The Risk of Assumption
The order of seating is determined by the host…not the guest
Proverbs 25:6-7 (NLT)
Don’t demand an audience with the king or push for a place among the great. [7] It is better to wait for an invitation than to be sent to the end of the line, publicly disgraced!
The Risk of Assumption
The order of seating is determined by the host…not the guest
Assumption of status is evidence of a prideful spirit
Assumed status is manufactured and not authentic
Luke 14:10 (NLT)
"Do this instead—sit at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, ’Friend, we have a better place than this for you!’ Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests.
The Honor of Humility
Put service above prestige
The invitation to serve is an honor itself
If God wants you to serve on a “larger” scale…He will invite you to take on a greater role
Service is more important than status
Service brings glory to God
Status brings attention to you
Luke 14:11 (NLT)
For the proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honored."
The Honor of Humility
True humility comes from comparison with Christ
Recognition of sinfulness
Acknowledgement of limitations
True humility is exemplified in service
Directed by Christ
Utilizing your God given gifts and talents
God honors humility
2 Samuel 22:28 (NLT)
You rescue those who are humble, but your eyes are on the proud to humiliate them.
The Honor of Humility
True humility comes from comparison with Christ
Recognition of sinfulness
Acknowledgement of limitations
True humility is exemplified in service
Directed by Christ
Utilizing your God given gifts and talents
God honors humility
Proverbs 29:23 (NLT)
Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor.
The Honor of Humility
True humility comes from comparison with Christ
Recognition of sinfulness
Acknowledgement of limitations
True humility is exemplified in service
Directed by Christ
Utilizing your God given gifts and talents
God honors humility
Luke 1:52 (NLT)
He has taken princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly.
The Honor of Humility
True humility comes from comparison with Christ
Recognition of sinfulness
Acknowledgement of limitations
True humility is exemplified in service
Directed by Christ
Utilizing your God given gifts and talents
God honors humility
James 4:10 (NLT)
When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on him, he will lift you up and give you honor.
**Powerpoint available on request
