Josh McGuire – A State of Unreadiness – Part 3 | Austin CFC | 2023-08-27
Summary
The message emphasizes the continuous need for spiritual readiness, using the analogy of a pilot checking a master caution button to illustrate persistent vigilance. The speaker reviews previous points on unreadiness, stressing that sin, unresolved relationships (requiring apologies), unforgiveness, and neglecting an inner life with Christ are major hindrances to being ready for fellowship with God. True readiness requires addressing these internal issues.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Do we really need to be ready?The speaker reviews previous messages asking whether believers truly need to be ready for Christ's return, trials, or service, noting that multiple biblical verses constantly warn believers to stay on the alert.
Four things that make us unreadyRecapping the second message, the speaker identifies four major hindrances to readiness: unconfessed sin, unresolved interpersonal conflicts, unforgiveness toward others, and having only external religion without an inner life with Christ.
Excuses of land, possessions, and familyThe speaker reviews the previous session on Luke's account where people made excuses—such as buying land, testing oxen, or focusing entirely on marriage and family—rather than responding to the Lord's call.
Following Jesus in Luke chapter 9Reading from Luke chapter 9, the speaker highlights three interactions where prospective followers put their own comfort, family duties, or farewells ahead of immediate obedience to Jesus.
The real problem is selfishnessThe speaker explains that Jesus's strict rebukes target the deeper root of human selfishness, noting that Jesus died on the cross specifically to set believers free from always putting themselves first.
Dealing with the roots like an exposed toothUsing the metaphor of a tree's exposed roots and painful dental issues, the speaker explains that allowing Jesus to deal with our root selfishness hurts, but it stops the tension and arguments in our lives.
The warning of the seventy appointed othersLooking at the passage right after Jesus's interactions in Luke 9, the speaker notes that because those individuals refused to let go of what they cherished, Jesus had to appoint seventy others in their place.
Denying our will just like a root canalDrawing a parallel to a painful root canal procedure, an assisting speaker explains that we must give consent to Jesus to weaken our strong human wills so He can cure our selfishness and accomplish His will.
