Self Pity = Feel sorry for, have sympathy for
Self Pity is enemy for Joyous Living
Example; Oh I am short, Oh I am not beautiful, Oh I am not talented, Oh I am not intelligent
Oh I am Unlucky, Oh I am not privileged so on so forth !!!!
Luk 15:25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. Luk 15:26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. Luk 15:27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. Luk 15:28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. Luk 15:29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:Luk 15:30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. Luk 15:31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. Luk 15:32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
I. We See the Curse of Self Pity (v. 28-30) -. Self Pity destroys our happiness.
“..but he became angry and would not go in….” v. 28
• The older brother was angry and would not go in.
-- Self pity will destroy our usefulness for the kingdom
“..and was not willing to go in and his Father began entreating him..” – v. 28
1. We fail to see where we are needed
2. We can often distract the work of others
3. We can hinder the effectiveness of the whole body
-- Self pity will destroy unity
“..but when this son of yours came..” v. 30
II. We See the Cause of Self Pity (v. 29)
A. Restricted vision causes self pity
1. He could not see beyond himself
2. His favorite words were “I, me and my”
B. Distorted values cause self pity
“…you never killed a kid for me…” – v. 29
1. He did not realize what he had
2. He wanted something that he did not need
C. Wrong virtues cause self pity.
“…for so many years I have served you…”
III. The Cure for Self Pity (v. 31)
A. We need an abiding presence
“Thou are ever with me…”
B. We Should Recognize Our Abundant Provision
“All that I have is yours..”
C. We need to celebrate the achieved purpose
“..for this thy brother was dead and is alive again, was lost and has been found..” – v. 32