"Have We Become Secular Saints"

Presented on September 7, 2025

Main text: Luke 9:46-56

Preached by Pastor Rich Chasse

Day 1: The Disease of More

Devotional

Have you ever achieved something you worked hard for, only to find yourself immediately wanting more? This phenomenon is so common that NBA coach Pat Riley gave it a name: "the disease of more." After winning a championship, players often struggle to maintain their drive because they've already reached their goal and now want something beyond it. Jesus' disciples faced a similar challenge. After experiencing miracles, casting out demons, and being part of Jesus' inner circle, they began to see themselves as VIPs. Their effectiveness diminished as pride crept in. They started arguing about who was greatest and even suggested calling down fire on those who rejected them. We're not so different. When God works through us, it's easy to begin taking credit, to see ourselves as spiritually elite, or to become judgmental of others who don't measure up to our standards. Success—even spiritual success—can breed pride if we're not careful. The good news? Jesus didn't abandon his disciples when they fell into this trap, and He won't abandon us either. Throughout Luke 9, we see Jesus patiently teaching, correcting, and guiding these flawed followers. He knew their weaknesses but continued to invest in them because He saw beyond their current struggles to who they would become.

Bible Verse

"An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest." - Luke 9:46 (Read Luke 9:46-50)

Reflection Question

In what areas of your life might you be experiencing the "disease of more"—where past blessings or successes have led to pride, comparison, or a sense of entitlement?

Prayer

Lord, help me recognize when pride begins to take root in my heart. Thank You for Your patience with me when I fall into the trap of wanting more recognition, more status, or more power. Teach me to find contentment in serving You, regardless of how visible or celebrated that service might be. Amen.

Day 2: The Power of Dependence

Devotional

We live in a world that celebrates self-sufficiency. From childhood, we're taught to stand on our own two feet, to figure things out for ourselves, to be independent. While there's value in developing personal responsibility, this mindset can become a spiritual liability. The disciples faced this exact problem in their ministry. After successfully casting out demons earlier, they suddenly found themselves powerless when confronted with a particularly difficult case. Confused and embarrassed, they asked Jesus why they had failed. His answer was simple yet profound: "This kind can only come out by prayer." Their symptom was prayerlessness, but the root issue was self-sufficiency—believing they could handle spiritual battles through their own abilities or past experiences. They had forgotten that their power came not from themselves but from God. How often do we fall into the same trap? We rely on our knowledge, experience, or talents rather than acknowledging our complete dependence on God. We pray less because we think we've got it handled. We study less because we feel we already know enough. We seek God's guidance less because we trust our own judgment. True spiritual power comes not from developing greater self-sufficiency but from embracing our total dependence on God. It's in acknowledging our weakness that His strength is made perfect.

Bible Verse

"This kind can come out only by prayer." - Mark 9:29 (Read Mark 9:14-29)

Reflection Question

What areas of your life are you trying to handle through self-sufficiency rather than dependent prayer? How might your effectiveness increase if you approached these areas with greater reliance on God?

Prayer

Father, forgive me for the times I've relied on my own strength rather than Yours. I confess my tendency toward self-sufficiency and ask You to remind me daily of my need for You. Teach me to pray without ceasing and to depend on You in all things. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Day 3: Beyond Competition

Devotional

Competition can be healthy in many contexts—sports, business, even academic pursuits. But when competition infiltrates our spiritual lives and relationships, it becomes toxic. The disciples fell into this trap when they began arguing about which of them was the greatest. Can you imagine? Walking alongside Jesus, witnessing His humility and servant leadership daily, yet still jockeying for position and status. Their symptom was a spirit of competition, but the root issue was self-seeking—putting their interests above others and above the kingdom mission. This competitive spirit divides rather than unites. It creates winners and losers rather than brothers and sisters. It focuses on comparison rather than contribution. And ultimately, it grieves the heart of God, who calls us to "serve one another in love." Freedom in Christ doesn't mean freedom to pursue our own interests or elevate ourselves above others. True freedom is found in setting ourselves aside to serve others. It's found in celebrating others' gifts rather than comparing them to our own. It's found in seeking the good of the body rather than personal recognition. When we embrace this understanding of freedom, competition gives way to cooperation, comparison gives way to celebration, and self-seeking gives way to selfless love.

Bible Verse

"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love." - Galatians 5:13 (Read Galatians 5:13-16)

Reflection Question

In what relationships or ministry contexts have you found yourself competing rather than cooperating? How might adopting an attitude of service change those dynamics?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You modeled true greatness through service and sacrifice. Forgive me for the times I've sought to elevate myself above others. Transform my competitive spirit into a heart that genuinely celebrates others and seeks to serve. Help me use my freedom not for self-promotion but for loving service. Amen.

Day 4: Compassion Over Judgment

Devotional

It's striking how quickly righteous zeal can morph into self-righteous judgment. The disciples demonstrated this when a Samaritan village rejected Jesus. Their response? "Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?" They were ready to obliterate an entire community for the sin of not welcoming Jesus. What's particularly revealing is how they cloaked their lack of compassion in religious language. They weren't just angry—they were righteously indignant. They weren't seeking personal vengeance—they were defending Jesus' honor. At least, that's how they justified it to themselves. This pattern continues today. We can easily disguise judgment as discernment, condemnation as concern, and harshness as holiness. We can use religious vocabulary and biblical references to mask what is, at its core, a failure to love as Jesus loved. Jesus' response to the disciples was clear: "You do not know what kind of spirit you are of." He reminded them that His mission was to save, not condemn. The same is true for us. We are called to be agents of redemption, not destruction—ambassadors of reconciliation, not rejection. True godliness is marked not by how strongly we condemn sin in others but by how deeply we extend compassion to sinners—just as Christ has done for us.

Bible Verse

"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." - John 3:17 (Read Luke 9:51-56)

Reflection Question

Where might you be masking judgment or condemnation behind religious language? How can you maintain biblical convictions while still extending Christ-like compassion to those who differ from you?

Prayer

Merciful God, forgive me for the times I've been quick to judge and slow to show compassion. Guard my heart against self-righteousness and help me to see others through Your eyes of love. Make me an instrument of Your grace rather than a voice of condemnation. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Day 5: Daily Return to the Cross

Devotional

The disciples' struggles with power, unity, and compassion weren't unique to them—they're the same battles we face today. And the solution remains the same: a daily return to the cross. At the cross, we confront our complete insufficiency. We acknowledge that we bring nothing to our salvation except the sin that made it necessary. This humbling reality crushes self-sufficiency and reminds us that any spiritual power we experience comes not from ourselves but from God. At the cross, we witness the ultimate act of selfless love. Jesus set aside His rights and privileges to serve humanity through sacrifice. This example demolishes our competitive spirit and calls us to die to self-interest for the sake of others. At the cross, we experience undeserved mercy. Though deserving condemnation, we receive compassion. This transformative grace enables us to extend the same mercy to others, even those who reject or oppose us. The cross isn't just the historical event that secured our salvation—it's the daily reality that shapes our character and ministry. By returning to it regularly, we're reminded of truths that counter our natural tendencies toward self-sufficiency, self-seeking, and self-righteousness. As we conclude this week's devotions, commit to making the cross your daily reference point. Let its message of grace, humility, and sacrificial love shape how you relate to God and others.

Bible Verse

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile." - Romans 1:16 (Read Romans 1:8-17)

Reflection Question

How might a daily, intentional focus on the cross change your approach to ministry, relationships, and personal spiritual growth in the coming week?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the cross—for what You accomplished there and for what it continues to teach me. Draw me back to this central truth daily. Let the reality of Your sacrifice shape my character, crush my pride, and fuel my love for others. May I never move beyond the cross but find in it the power for transformed living. Amen.