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Recap of 4/18/10:
1. Jesus teaches the parable of Matthew 20 to correct a bargaining/haggling spirit exhibited by the disciples (“What’s in it for us?” Matthew 19:27-30) and the “rich young ruler” (Matthew 19:16-26).
2. Believers today sometimes exhibiting a similar bargaining/haggling attitude with God (“If you do this for me … I will do this”). For example: “If you give me this promotion…this job…this house…I will,” or “If you heal me…I will,” or “If you restore this relationship… I will,” or “If you help me pass my next check ride…I will.”
3. The problem with this attitude is it assumes that God needs to be bribed to be good to us when the Scripture is clear that God is already good to us, He is gracious.
4. “If you ask God for a contract, you will only rob yourself, for His is generous with His workers. Be faithful to do your job and avoid watching the other workers, and He will deal with you generously.” (Warren Wiersbe)
5. The bottom line is:
-don’t bargain or haggle with God
-serve Him unreservedly, joyously, lovingly, and without thought of payment (our God is generous and wants to do so much more that we can ask or think)
-if we bargain with God we will be disappointed, critical of Him, and dissatisfied
he sermon file.
