The Danger of Excuses

Introduction:  A certain man made a great supper and bade many to come.  He sent his servant out at supper time to invite those that were bidden to come for it was all ready.  This man was more than likely among the elite, possibly even royalty.  Surely these that have been invited are already dressed in expectation for this great feast and are only awaiting the knock at the door from the servant.  This, however, is not the case. Each of those who have been invited have some excuse to give the servant as to why they cannot attend.  Who in their right mind would do such a thing?  Surely God’s people would not do such things.  Or would they?

1. THE INVITATION EXTENDED (Luke 14:16-17)
1. Many Were Bidden (Luke 14:16)
2. All Was Ready (Luke 14:17)
2. THE FREQUENCY OF THE EXCUSES (Luke 14:18)
1. They All With One Consent
2. The History of Excuses
1. Adam concerning sin (And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.  Genesis 3:12)
2. Aaron concerning the golden calf (And I said unto them, Whosoever hath any gold, let them break it off. So they gave it me: then I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf.  Exodus 32:24)
3. Moses concerning going to Egypt (Exodus 3:11; Exodus 4:1, 10-14)
4. Gideon concerning deliverance from Midian (And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.  Judges 6:15)
5. The slothful man concerning going out (The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.  Proverbs 22:13)
6. Jeremiah concerning his call to be a prophet (Jeremiah 1:5-7)
3. THE FOOLISHNESS OF THE EXCUSES GIVEN (Luke 14:18-20)
1. The First Excuse My Possessions (Luke 14:18)
1. I have bought a piece of ground
2. I must needs go and see it
3. I pray thee have me excused
2. The Second Excuse My Responsibilities (Luke 14:19)
1. I have bought five yoke of oxen
2. I go to prove them
3. I pray thee have me excused
3. The Third Excuse My Personal Life (Luke 14:20)
1. I have married a wife
2. Therefore I cannot come
4. THE FRUSTRATION OF THE MASTER (Luke 14:21)
1. The Anger of the Master
2. The Rejection of His Invitation
5. THE FINDING OF OTHER GUESTS (Luke 14:21-23)
1. The Places Searched (Luke 14:21, 23)
1. The streets and lanes of the city (Luke 14:21)
2. The highways and hedges (Luke 14:23)
2. The People Invited (Luke 14:21)
1. The poor
1. Not likely to have bought a piece of land
2. Not likely to have bought five yoke of oxen
2. The maimed
1. Not likely to have married a wife
3. The halt
1. Not likely to go prove five yoke of oxen
4. The blind
1. Not likely to go and see the land
6. THE RESULTS OF EXCUSES (Luke 14:24)
1. A Loss of Invitation
2. A Loss of Blessing

Conclusion:  What kind of excuses have you made?  Are you going to miss out on some opportunities because you have failed to accept the invitation?  Drop the excuses and submit yourself to God.