Britches Too Big

1 Corinthians 11:1: Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

When we follow a preacher that is too big for his britches we have trouble knowing if Jesus is leading him or not. There are some preachers who, when they preach, you focus on them. There are other preachers who, when they preach, you focus on the Lord Jesus Christ.

When we follow an inflated man we can*t see the fellow in front of him or even be certain there is someone in front of him. We should always follow mortal men who are small enough so that we can see who they are following.

Some lenses make things larger when you look through them. Other lenses make things smaller when you look through them. We should always desire preachers that magnify the Lord Jesus Christ and not themselves.

Cult leaders always try to shrink the importance of the Lord Jesus. Self-important evangelicals do some of that too.

John 12:32: And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

A preacher*s job is to lift up Jesus.

J. Vernon McGee preached to thousands. A sermon that he remembered as special was early in his ministry when a young boy told him afterwards with a tear in his eye: I didn*t know Jesus was so wonderful.

McGee also had it right when he said: The most dangerous place for a Christian is that place where other Christians admire him.

Acts 14:11-15: And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. 12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. 13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. 14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, 15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

Here are some tests for your preacher. When he finishes a message, what are you thinking about? Going home for lunch? About Jesus? About the preacher? Did he convince you that Jesus is wonderful? Did he encourage you to feel good about yourself? Or about him? Or about Jesus? Do you feel good about him because he directed your thoughts to Jesus? Was he eloquent? Was he eloquent about Jesus?

Care to discuss Britches Too Big with Ron?

He'd also like to hear your prayer requests