What Jesus Did! 'Religious Superiority Before Spiritual Encouragement?' — Luke 11:52

Monday, August 7, 2023

Multiplication of Ministry: Year-End Information

Key dates and details about our year-end ministry transition and financial support.

 See Details
[Jesus continued,] "What sorrow awaits you experts in religious law! For you remove the key to knowledge from the people. You don't enter the Kingdom yourselves, and you prevent others from entering."
— Luke 11:52 NLT

Key Thought

Unfortunately, some who are new to Christianity have the genuineness of their faith squelched by a group desire to be religiously superior. Rather than encouraging, helping, and blessing those who are newer in the faith, these folks seeking superiority turn faith into legalism and corrupt the Good News message of Jesus. The way they live their religion drives away people who are seeking God and breaks the Good News message of those who are new to the faith. Let's always make sure that we don't impose demands God doesn't require. Even more, when folks have areas where they need to grow in their obedience to God, let's be there to help, not to criticize.

Today's Prayer

Father, please forgive me for the times I've not stuck close enough to new Christians. Give me eyes to see their struggles and a heart that is willing to help those who are new in the faith. Use me to be a load-lifter and load-bearer for these new disciples, not a load-imposer. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 11:52 NLT — [Jesus continued,] "What sorrow awaits you experts in religious law! For you remove the key to knowledge from the people. You don't enter the Kingdom yourselves, and you prevent others from entering."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, August 7, 2023

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Standing in the Light' (Ep. 5:7)
"Dear Father, Keep me from being silent when your cause is threatened by evil people, even though I and my family and the people I care about may..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
1 Peter 3:12
"For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Blaise Pascal:
"There is nothing that we can see on earth which does not either show the wretchedness of man or the mercy of God. One either sees the powerlessness of man..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'God's New Temple' (Re. 3:13)
"[In his revelation to John, Jesus said,] "Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.""

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!