They all began to make excuses Luke 14

They all began to make excuses Luke 14: 18 What’s Your Excuse?

Excuse • An attempt to lessen the blame attached to a fault or offense. An effort to justify an action. (“Excuse”, Google Public Data)

Excuses • Are very prevalent today. Used by a society that refuses to be accountable. • Used in religion and with failures with one’s faith or morality • ARE they acceptable to God?

Excuses in the Bible • Genesis 3: 10 -13 • The very first sin involved excuses and passing blame. • As a result of their sins, they were driven from the Garden and curses pronounced (including death)

Excuses in the Bible • 1 Samuel 15 • King Saul commanded to destroy the Amalekites. He disobeyed • When confronted he blamed the people and “good intentions” (15: 15, 20 -21) • Rejected as king (22 -23)

Excuses in the Bible • Luke 9: 57 -61 • Jesus bids disciples to follow Him. • Some make excuses – “bury my father first” “say goodbye to my family first” • No one having put his hand to the plow and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God (61)

Excuses in the Bible • Matthew 25: 24 -25 • The one talent servant • He made excuses when the master returned • He was condemned as wicked and lazy. Cast into outer darkness (30)

Excuses in the Bible • Luke 14: 15 -24 • Those invited made excuses • “I have bought land” – wanted to do something else • “I have bought oxen” – he put his work before the feast

Excuses in the Bible • Luke 14: 15 -24 • “I just got married” – he put family before this occasion • The master was angry when told • Others were invited and those originally invited, who made excuses, were rejected (24)

Excuses in the Bible • Exodus 3 & 4 • Moses at the burning bush. Called to deliver Israel out of Egyptian bondage • He made 5 excuses (3: 10 -4: 17) The Lord did not accept the excuses. Moses was expected to go. (More on this tonight)

The Christian and Excuses • There are legitimate reasons why things happen • A legitimate reason is the WHOLE situation. It is absolute and complete truth. Usually an exceptional situation • Genuine honesty eliminates the excuses. • YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE!

The Christian and Excuses • There is NEVER a legitimate reason to engage in sinful conduct! • Sin is ALWAYS sin! • 1 Corinthians 10: 13 James 4: 17 • We are without excuse – Romans 1: 20, John 15: 22

The Christian and Excuses • Excuses will keep you from going on to perfection • They are an attempt to escape accountability or the “hard work”. They are an attempt to validate one’s condition! • We have to face up to our sins and failures to conquer them! • Hebrew 6: 1

The Christian and Excuses • Sometimes excuses have some truth in them. • But is it the WHOLE truth? Is it the REAL reason? • Are you accountable? Do you want to change? Cf. John 5: 6

The Christian and Excuses • Legitimate reasons can turn into excuses • If repeated over and over. If there is not attempt to improve or change! • Example: How long is, “I don’t know enough” an acceptable excuse? Cf. 1 Peter 3: 15

The Christian and Excuses • Sometimes the “reason” given is too vague. • “I’m trying”, “But it’s so hard”, “I guess I messed up again” • Again, how long will that be acceptable?

The Christian and Excuses • An excuse is a lie or deceit! • To fail to tell the truth is to lie!!! • Revelation 21: 8 • James 3: 14, “if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your heart…”

The Christian and Excuses • Excuses anger the LORD God • Consider many of the examples – Moses, the talents, those who rejected the invitation • Ecclesiastes 5: 6, “Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, nor say before the messenger of God that it was an error. Why should God be angry at your excuse and destroy the work of your hands? ”

The Christian and Excuses • Excuses are not accepted by God • EVERY example demonstrates this! • Romans 1: 20, 2: 1 • On judgment day, we will answer – Luke 13: 24 -27