Luke 11:14-20

1. Let us notice the variety of ways in which Satan exhibits his desire to injure man.
2. Let us notice the amazing power of prejudice over the hearts of unconverted men.
3. Let us notice the great evil of religious divisions.

"The prayerless man is dead while he lives."

"Let us strive to be of a fair, and honest, and candid spirit in our judgment of men and things in religion. Let us be ready to give up old and cherished opinions the moment that any one can show us a "more excellent way.""

"What are the best remedies against needless divisions? A humble spirit, a readiness to make concessions, and an enlightened acquaintance with holy Scripture."

Questions:

1. Ryle connects the mute spirit with a lack of praise and prayer to God in our day. He calls moralism and avoiding open sin as ‘negative goodness,’ but prayer and praise the result of true Christianity. How does this change the way we see the world around us? How about our own hearts?

2. Ryle warns against a prejudiced spirit towards men and religion, and that, if someone can show us a more excellent way, we need to be open to it. When is the last time someone showed us a ‘more excellent way’ and we listened?

3. 1 Corinthians 15 tells us that there are things – like the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus – that are of first importance. Dr. Mohler of the SBTS has coined the term ‘theological triage.’ Have we ever thought through different doctrines in this light or do we tend to push people away who disagree on anything with us?