Drew Oakley
June 11th 2023
It is true that God loves you just the way you are. But that’s only half the truth. The rest of the equation is that God loves you too much to leave you the way you are. That’s not a cop out. It’s a beautiful reminder of how our heavenly father relates to us.
What common excuses come to mind in these scenarios? They could be excuses you’ve used or heard, or maybe you have some humorous excuses that would finish these sentences well.
I was running late because…
I didn’t do my homework because…
I would have applied for that job, but…
I meant to clean that, but…
I was going to say something in the meeting, but…
I don’t exercise much because…
My spouse and I haven’t done a date night in a while because…
Do you know anyone who excuses behaviors that hurt the people they claim to care most about?
When is the last time someone accused you of making excuses? Your response?
Read Jesus’s parable from Matthew 25:14–30 aloud. Why would Jesus use such harsh consequences as the illustration for the third servant in verses 26–30.
Any excuses come to mind during the message? If so, what fear is at the root of that excuse?
How would Jesus. who truly loves you, respond to your “reasons”?