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

Monday, August 7, 2023

[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

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Avoid People Who Cause Divisions' (Ro. 16:17-18)
"I urge you, my friends: watch out for those who cause divisions and upset people's faith and go against the teaching which you have received. Keep..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Matthew 5:14-16
""You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.""
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Richard Baxter:
"The longer you delay, the more your sin gets strength and rooting. If you cannot bend a twig, how will you be able to bend it when it is a tree?"
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Evidence of Righteousness' (2 Th. 1:3-12)
"Dear Father, Thank you now, and every day, for every loyal soul whose faith is growing abundantly, whose love for others is increasing, whose stance...."

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!