Three Dangerous Attitudes. (Luke 22: 24-38)
Motivational speakers often point out that attitude is everything. One such speaker said, and I quote, “Attitude governs the way you perceive the world and the way the world perceives you”. Another wrote a book entitled, “Change your attitude change your life”.
Of course, you can talk about motivational speakers without remembering Zig Ziglar who by the way is a Christian and a Sunday school teacher. He said, “Your attitude not your aptitude will determine your altitude”.
I think we would all agree that attitude is important in life but let me suggest that it is particularly important in your spiritual life.
As in every area of life the problem is people are often not aware of their attitude, many people don't have a high level of self-awareness.
However. I think when it comes to that spiritually that lack of insight can be dangerous because you can have some attitudes that are really spiritually harmful to you and you may not even be aware that you have them.
So, what I want us to do is talk about 3 dangerous attitudes.
There's a place in the gospel of Luke where there are several inventions that on the surface don't seem connected and yet it seems to me that all of them reflect at least an attitude that creates a problem for us
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24: A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25: Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26: But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27: For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28: You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29: And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30: so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
(Luke 22: 24-30)
Jesus's response here is to a dispute among the apostles over who would be the greatest in the Kingdom of God and highlights a fundamental principle of his teaching on what it means to be truly great.
True greatness it seems is found in service, not in positions of authority or power. Instead of seeking to lord over others or seeking recognition for one's status, Jesus emphasizes the importance of humility and servanthood.
He contrasts the behaviour of secular leaders who seek to exercise authority and receive titles of honour with the attitude his disciples should embody. In God's Kingdom, greatness is not measured by external markers of success or prominence but by the willingness to serve others selflessly.
Jesus uses the illustration of a table setting to drive home his point. While those seated at the head table may appear to have the highest honour, Jesus reveals that true greatness lies in serving others, even in the lowliest of roles.
Furthermore, Jesus reinforces this principle by demonstrating through his life and ministry examples of servanthood. Despite being the Son of God, he willingly took on the role of a servant, as evidenced by his act of washing the disciples. This act serves as a powerful demonstration of humility and selflessness, challenging his disciples to emulate his example.
In essence, Jesus teaches his disciples that the path to greatness in the Kingdom of God is found in humble service to others. This counter-cultural message still resonates today, reminding believers that true fulfilment of Gods will in your life are found not in seeking personal glory but in sacrificially serving others for the glory of God.
Luke for some reason doesn't bother to record the foot washing scene in his account of this discussion, however, John does in his chapter 13 by placing this discussion during the scene of Jesus washing their feet, so dramatically emphasising That if you want to be great when the Kingdom comes you need to be a servant.
The attitude displayed by the apostles in their dispute over who would be the greatest in the Kingdom of God was one of pride, competition, and a desire for recognition and status. Instead of embodying the humility and servanthood that Jesus taught, they were focused on asserting their own importance and seeking positions of prominence.
This attitude poses several dangers spiritually.
Firstly, it fosters competition among believers, leading to division and strife within the community. When individuals are more concerned with elevating themselves above others, it creates an atmosphere of rivalry rather than unity.
Secondly, this attitude can lead to a misplaced focus on earthly greatness, resulting in a loss of reward in the Kingdom of God. Jesus warns that those who seek to exalt themselves on earth may not receive recognition or authority in the Kingdom.
By prioritizing their own status and recognition over serving others, individuals risk missing out on the true blessings and rewards of God's Kingdom.
Rather than seeking to be great in the world’s eyes, believers should adopt a mindset of selflessness and willingness to serve others. This attitude not only fosters unity and harmony within the community but also aligns with the values of God's Kingdom, where greatness is measured by the extent to which one serves and cares for others.
All right that's the first second of this passage, let's look at the second it begins in verse 31.
And the Lord says.
31: “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32: But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 33: But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” 34: Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”
(Luke 22: 31-34)
In this second episode, Jesus predicts to Simon (Peter) that Satan desires to sift them all like wheat, indicating a time of testing and trial.
Jesus, addressing Peter but also speaking to all the apostles, expresses concern for Peter's faith amidst this trial. Rather than praying for Peter to avoid the trial altogether, Jesus prays for his faith not to fail.
This prayer reveals a deep revelation of grace and highlights Jesus' concern for Peter's spiritual well-being beyond mere avoidance of error.
Despite Jesus' warning and prayer, Peter confidently asserts his loyalty, declaring that he would never deny Jesus, even to the point of imprisonment or death. However, Jesus reveals the harsh truth that Peter will indeed deny him not just once, but three times before the rooster crows the follow morning.
Peter's initial response showcases his overconfidence and lack of understanding of his own weakness. His denial of the impending failure reflects a dangerous attitude of self-reliance and pride.
Jesus' prediction again serves as a humbling reminder of human frailty and the need for dependence on God's strength rather than one's own.
Despite Peter's failure, Jesus' words still offer hope and redemption. He assures Peter that after his restoration, he will strengthen him and his fellow believers.
This demonstrates Jesus' ability to turn failure into an opportunity for growth and service. Peter's denial will become a lesson in humility and reliance on God's grace, ultimately leading to him emerging as a leader in the early church.
Overall, this section illustrates the complexity of human nature, the reality of spiritual warfare, and the importance of humility and dependence on God's strength in the face of trials and temptations. It also emphasizes Jesus' as a compassionate and understanding Saviour who offers forgiveness and restoration to those who falter.
And he says I tell you Peter. At this point he also changed his name to Peter “The Rock”.
The proper attitude revealed here again is one of humility and dependence on the Lord. Instead of overconfidence and self-reliance, acknowledging our own weaknesses and vulnerabilities is essential.
As the apostle Paul warns in 1 Corinthians, when we think we stand strong on our own, that's precisely when we are most susceptible to falling.
Recognizing our own limitations and weaknesses allows us to remain vigilant and dependent on the Lord for guidance and strength. It's a posture of constant reliance on God rather than self-assuredness. This attitude nurtures a deeper trust in God's provision and protection, guarding us against the pitfalls of pride and self-reliance.
In essence, the proper attitude is one of humility, recognizing our own frailty and continual need for the Lord's guidance, strength, and grace.
There is a third section in this passage just pick it up at verse 35.
35: Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything? “Nothing,” they answered. 36: He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. 37: It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfilment.” 38: The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.” “That’s enough!” he replied.
(Luke 22: 35-38)
Now, at this point, he reminds them that prior to this, when he sent them out, he told them not to take anything with them. Remember that: don't take anything with you.
He then explained that they would be welcomed into the various villages they went into, and people would put them up and treat them with the greatest respect and give them hospitality.
In fact, he said if you come to a village that doesn't do that, he told them to dust off your feet and go to another town.
Well, he says here, I'm going to send you out again. But I'm about to die this time so this time, I'm telling you to take provisions and take a sword. Now, the question becomes: Did he mean to take a sword literally? And the answer is, of course not.
Just a few verses after this, Peter will cut off the soldier's ear. That's coming in verse 51. So, it's not very far from here.
But, no, that's not what I'm talking about, I think what he means by that, is you've got to be as determined as the warrior with a sword that you're going to serve me when you get out of here.
You've got to have that determination, but you've got to have me too. So, he says, look, here's what's going to happen. Remember Isaiah 53? He's going to be numbered among the transgressors”.
Instead of hospitality, this time they're going to treat you like somebody that follows a criminal. So, you've got to be prepared for this. And you just need to know up front and ahead of time, that's what's going to happen to you.
And how did they respond? "Sword and the Spirit. The sword is the Word of God and along with the Spirit you can handle anything.
We can handle it. Bring it on." That's the attitude.
However, it’s very dangerous to have this attitude if you don’t have th sword and the Spirit. It's dangerous because, for the simple reason, you are not really prepared.
You’re going to get blindsided. So, I say that is a dangerous attitude unless you have the Lord with you in Word and Spirit.
How are we doing? Do you identify with any of these dangers? How about all three?
All right. Here's what I'm suggesting: There are three attitudes here, and I'm calling them dangerous attitudes.
But the first one is, "I am the greatest."
The second one is, "I will never fall."
And the third one is, "I am prepared, and I am sufficient to handle whatever happens."
Now, close by let's examine why are these three wrong attitudes and why they're dangerous.
Firstly, claiming to be the greatest is perilous because it leads to loss of reward. When you think you're the greatest, you're less likely to engage in serving others, and you miss the reward of doing that both in this life and the life to come.
Secondly, believing that you'll never fail sets you up for a fall. It's dangerous to assume you're immune to failure and by doing so it leaves you unprepared when challenges arise.
Lastly, the attitude of "I can handle this on my own". This will often get us in trouble because we're blindsided by unexpected difficulties. This attitude stems from a false sense of self-sufficiency and leads to being unprepared for the tough times.
That’s the wrong attitudes, now, let's talk about the right attitude.
Instead of saying "I can handle this," it's crucial to acknowledge our need to hear what God says and depend on Him. We must listen to His instructions and rely on His guidance.
But how do we hear from God?
The answer lies, in the Scriptures. Everything we need to know about God's will is found in His Word. We don't need to wait for an audible voice; we simply need to read and meditate on the Word.
In fact, if you want to hear God speak, read the Bible out loud.
I want to emphasize the importance of this point.
In the book of James, Paul's letters, and even Peter's teachings, they all start by addressing trials. This suggests that facing challenges is an integral part of the Christian journey.
Therefore, instead of focusing solely on the blessings of salvation, we should also prepare each other and particularly new Christians for the trials they'll inevitably face. Yes, life may get tougher as a Christian, but with the Holy Spirit's help, we can navigate through any challenge.
So, here's the crux of it: Jesus warned them, and Scripture warns us.
Therefore, the right attitude is recognizing that we can't navigate life successfully unless we listen to the Lord and depend on Him.
Once we have that attitude straight, we'll understand that failure is a distinct possibility if we don't rely on the Lord.
And if we grasp that concept, we'll realize that our purpose is to serve others, serving God in the process.
So, let's replace those three dangerous attitudes with some very good ones. We need to listen to the Lord, depend on Him, acknowledge our capacity to fall, and embrace the role of a servant.
A believer's confidence should stem from a humble trust in the Lord, not from anything else. As one author put it, “True strength is found in reliance on God's power, not in self-confidence”.
To conclude, let's borrow from those motivational speakers again, but apply their wisdom to spiritual matters.
It could indeed be said that spiritually, attitude is everything. Changing your attitude can indeed change your life. And as Zig Ziglar wisely said, it's not your aptitude but your attitude that will determine your altitude, and I say that is true also spiritually.
So, let's strive for the right attitude, even if we fall flat on our face from time to time.
Now I bookended today’s episode with a quote from a famous motivational speaker. But to close let me give you the quote From Solemn In proverbs chapter four he says.
Then the Lord taught me, and he said to me,
“Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live.
(Proverbs 4: 4)
I think that's what this passage illustrates Keep your heart, in other words keep your attitude right because by doing that you are able to not only keep God’s commands, but you can also understand the world better and live a faithful and holy life in it.