The entitlement problem (Luke 7:1-10)

The narrative of the Roman centurion shows Christ’s unpredictable way of exposing the entitlement of religion as represented by the Jewish leaders. The Lord highlighted that true faith transforms entitlement into a genuine and undemanding attitude. The problem is not claiming our rights and enjoying privileges…the problem is a demanding attitude! People who believe they are entitled are obnoxious controllers! This concerns us all and has led me to see myself; how I became obnoxious in many ways.

The case of entitlement is about: Pride (self-centeredness) Power (force and intimidation) Pressure (guilt and manipulation) Politics (favors and compromise)

The cause of the entitlement problem Hierarchy of Power (desire to be on top) Politics of Favour (demand for special treatment)

Worship of Self (display of self-importance)

Commitment to Self Preservation (destructive aggression)

The curse of the entitlement problem

1. Entitlement imprisons…makes us self-absorbed, unwilling, and incapable of building healthy relationships.

Living a life of manipulated convenience plagued with utter loneliness. Lonely lives are sometimes silent consequences of living an obnoxious life.

2. You deny yourself from living a life of faith in God. Walking by faith…not by sight is the adventure of our spiritual journey. Living a demanding life denies you of this delight and blocks the joy of trusting what only God can do.

3. A life of rigid demands results in deep frustrations, we become control freaks…paralyzed by worry.

The cure for the entitlement problem:

• Encountering truth ( Jesus Christ) There’s no other way out of this mess than a real and personal encounter with Christ! Though this pagan Roman centurion lacked the information about Jesus and the background of a religious life, his brief, deep encounter with Christ made the difference.

• Experiencing transformation (Authentic Change) Such change can only happen when faith in Christ happens. Faith in Christ transforms our being demanding into someone who knows his place and