Humility and Grace: The Path to Justification
Summary
In today's reflection on the parable from Luke 18:9-17, we delve into the profound contrast between two men who went to the temple to pray: a Pharisee and a tax collector. This parable, spoken by Jesus, is directed at those who trust in their own righteousness and look down on others. The Pharisee, confident in his own moral standing, prays with pride, thanking God that he is not like other sinners. In stark contrast, the tax collector stands at a distance, unable to even lift his eyes to heaven, and pleads for God's mercy, acknowledging his sinfulness.
This parable is a powerful reminder of the danger of self-righteousness and the importance of humility before God. The Pharisee's prayer is filled with self-congratulation, highlighting his fasting and tithing, yet he fails to recognize his own need for God's grace. The tax collector, on the other hand, brings nothing but his brokenness and a plea for mercy, embodying the true spirit of repentance.
The core message here is about justification by faith and grace alone. The tax collector, despite his societal status as a sinner, goes home justified because he relies solely on God's mercy. This parable challenges us to examine our own hearts and question whether we are relying on our deeds or on Christ's righteousness for our salvation. It underscores the truth that no amount of good works can earn us a place in heaven; it is only through faith in Jesus and His finished work on the cross that we are justified.
As we reflect on this parable, let us be reminded that our eternal destiny hinges not on our own righteousness but on our trust in Christ. May we approach God with the humility of the tax collector, fully aware of our need for His grace and mercy.
Key Takeaways:
- The Danger of Self-Righteousness: The Pharisee's prayer reveals a heart that trusts in personal achievements rather than God's grace. This self-righteousness blinds us to our own need for mercy and can lead to spiritual pride. True righteousness comes from recognizing our dependence on God, not from comparing ourselves to others. [10:49]
- The Power of Humility: The tax collector's humble posture and plea for mercy demonstrate the heart God desires. Humility opens the door to God's grace, allowing us to receive His forgiveness and justification. It is in acknowledging our sinfulness that we find the path to true righteousness. [20:59]
- Justification by Faith Alone: The parable underscores the doctrine of justification by faith alone. The tax collector's justification is not based on his works but on his faith in God's mercy. This reminds us that our salvation is a gift from God, not something we can earn. [22:44]
- The Role of Grace in Salvation: The Pharisee's reliance on his own deeds contrasts with the tax collector's reliance on God's grace. Salvation is not a joint effort between us and God; it is entirely by His grace. Our role is to trust in Christ's righteousness, not our own. [24:43]
- Eternal Perspective: The parable challenges us to consider our eternal destiny. Are we trusting in our own righteousness, or are we relying on Christ's finished work? Our answer to this question determines whether we go home justified, ready to stand before God. [27:55]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:24] - Introduction to the Parable
- [01:17] - The Importance of the Parable
- [02:08] - Prayer for Understanding
- [02:59] - The Weight of Eternal Destiny
- [04:40] - Audience of the Parable
- [05:40] - Trusting in Self-Righteousness
- [06:26] - Evangelism and Common Responses
- [07:10] - The Question of Justification
- [09:25] - The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
- [10:04] - The Pharisee's Self-Righteousness
- [11:39] - The Tax Collector's Humility
- [13:13] - The Pharisee's Prayer
- [14:41] - Theological Reflection on Grace
- [16:12] - Pelagianism vs. Augustinianism
- [18:40] - The Pharisee's Confidence
- [20:03] - The Tax Collector's Plea
- [22:44] - Justification by Faith and Grace
- [24:43] - The Meaning of Justification
- [27:06] - Going Home Justified
- [28:39] - Final Reflection and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 18:9-17
---
Observation Questions:
1. What are the key differences in the prayers of the Pharisee and the tax collector as described in Luke 18:9-17? [10:04]
2. How does the Pharisee's prayer reflect his attitude towards his own righteousness and others? [13:13]
3. What is the significance of the tax collector standing "afar off" and not lifting his eyes to heaven? [20:59]
4. According to the sermon, what does Jesus say about those who exalt themselves versus those who humble themselves? [01:17]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector illustrate the concept of justification by faith alone? [22:44]
2. In what ways does the Pharisee's attitude demonstrate the danger of self-righteousness? [10:49]
3. How does the tax collector's plea for mercy exemplify true humility and repentance? [20:59]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of grace in our salvation, and how does this contrast with the Pharisee's reliance on his own deeds? [24:43]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own prayer life. Do you find yourself more like the Pharisee, focusing on your achievements, or like the tax collector, acknowledging your need for God's mercy? How can you cultivate a more humble approach in your prayers? [13:13]
2. The sermon highlights the danger of comparing ourselves to others. In what areas of your life do you find yourself falling into this trap, and how can you shift your focus to God's grace instead? [10:49]
3. Consider the concept of justification by faith alone. How does this understanding impact your view of salvation and your relationship with God? [22:44]
4. The tax collector's humility opened the door to God's grace. What practical steps can you take to embrace humility in your daily interactions with others? [20:59]
5. The sermon challenges us to examine whether we are relying on our deeds or on Christ's righteousness for our salvation. How can you ensure that your faith is rooted in Christ's finished work on the cross? [24:43]
6. Reflect on the eternal perspective presented in the parable. How does this perspective influence your daily decisions and priorities? [27:55]
7. If you were to stand before God today, what would your response be to the question, "Why should I let you into my heaven?" How does this reflect your understanding of grace and faith? [28:39]
Devotional
Day 1: The Peril of Self-Reliance
The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector highlights the danger of self-righteousness. The Pharisee's prayer is a testament to his reliance on personal achievements, as he lists his fasting and tithing with pride. This self-reliance blinds him to his own need for God's mercy and grace. In contrast, the tax collector's humble plea for mercy reveals a heart that understands true righteousness comes from God alone. This takeaway challenges us to examine our own hearts and question whether we are trusting in our deeds or in God's grace. [10:49]
Isaiah 64:6 (ESV): "We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself relying on your own achievements rather than God's grace? How can you shift your focus to depend more on Him today?
Day 2: The Strength in Humility
The tax collector's posture in the parable is one of humility and repentance. He stands at a distance, unable to lift his eyes to heaven, and pleads for God's mercy. This humility is what God desires from us, as it opens the door to His grace and forgiveness. By acknowledging our sinfulness and need for God, we find the path to true righteousness. This takeaway encourages us to approach God with a humble heart, fully aware of our need for His grace. [20:59]
James 4:10 (ESV): "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you struggled with pride. How can you practice humility in that area and invite God's grace into your life?
Day 3: Faith as the Foundation of Justification
The parable underscores the doctrine of justification by faith alone. The tax collector is justified not because of his works but because of his faith in God's mercy. This reminds us that our salvation is a gift from God, not something we can earn through our deeds. It is only through faith in Jesus and His finished work on the cross that we are justified. This takeaway calls us to trust in Christ's righteousness rather than our own. [22:44]
Galatians 2:16 (ESV): "Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are trying to earn God's favor through your actions? How can you shift your focus to trust in Christ's righteousness instead?
Day 4: The Gift of Grace
The Pharisee's reliance on his own deeds contrasts sharply with the tax collector's reliance on God's grace. Salvation is not a joint effort between us and God; it is entirely by His grace. Our role is to trust in Christ's righteousness, not our own. This takeaway reminds us that grace is a gift, and our response should be one of gratitude and trust in God's provision. [24:43]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude for God's grace in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to express this gratitude today?
Day 5: An Eternal Perspective
The parable challenges us to consider our eternal destiny. Are we trusting in our own righteousness, or are we relying on Christ's finished work? Our answer to this question determines whether we go home justified, ready to stand before God. This takeaway encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on our relationship with Christ and the assurance of our salvation through Him. [27:55]
2 Corinthians 4:18 (ESV): "As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to shift your focus from temporary concerns to eternal truths? How can this change in perspective impact your daily decisions and actions?
Quotes
"Also, He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others. Two men went up to the temple to pray. One a Pharisee, the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus within himself. 'God, I thank you that I'm not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I possess.'" [00:16:44]
"I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Again, we got a brief parable from the lips of Jesus, one that is filled with information that concerns our eternal destinies. We would be ill-advised to take this parable lightly." [00:68:22]
"Luke tells us that Jesus directed this little parable to a specific group of people, to people who put their trust and their confidence in their own righteousness. Let me say it again. This parable was directed to people who trusted in themselves and in their own righteousness, and who consequently despised others whom they regarded to be less righteous than they were themselves." [00:30:03]
"Back in 1969, I worked in a church in Ohio, and I was the minister of theology, and my main responsibility was teaching, but I also was the minister of evangelism and I trained over 200 people in the ‘Evangelism Explosion’ program for outreach. I would take 200 people out into the community on a Tuesday night, and we would visit people in their homes and present the gospel to them, but we used the famous diagnostic questions to begin the conversation." [00:59:15]
"Probably, the worst answer ever given to that question I ever heard was from my own son. I said to him when he was a young boy, 'Son, if you were to die tonight and stood before God, and God said, ‘Why should I let you into my heaven?’”, I said, 'What would you say?', and he said, 'I'm dead.' My own son believes in justification by death, that all you have to do to go to heaven is to die, and yet, really in many ways, that is the popular view." [00:53:38]
"How different could they possibly be? The Pharisees were that group of people who separated themselves from the ordinary Am Haaretz, the people of the earth and singularly devoted themselves to righteousness, to obeying the law meticulous, scrupulous in their daily devotion to spiritual duties was required of the people to fast twice a year. These guys fasted twice a week. A man didn't just tithe, but if he found a dime on the sidewalk, he'd make sure that he tithe 10% of that." [00:10:04]
"Here is a man who walks right up to the door of the sacred place of the temple and stands there and raises his head to God, raises his hands in prayer He looks up into the heavens with thanksgiving, 'I thank you, God that I'm not like other men. I see other men who were extortioners and adulterers and robbers and liars and all of that, and I say there but for your grace, ‘Go I’, so thank you, Lord that I'm a pretty righteous fellow.' Now, what do you make of that?" [00:14:11]
"Pelagius said, 'What? Are you asking God to grant you what He commands? You don't need any help from God to do what God commands. If God commands you to do something, doesn't that mean Q.E.D., that you have the moral ability to do it? God would never command you to do something that you can't do.' Augustine said, 'No. I can't do anything without the grace of God.' Pelagius said, 'Look. Grace is a good thing. God has grace. God gives grace, but you don't need it to be obedient.'" [00:15:49]
"Most people still think that they contribute something significant to their own salvation. I'm guessing that this Pharisee was a semi-Pelagian, but you scratch a semi-Pelagian, and inside, there's nothing but Pelagianism left, so it's really a distinction without a difference. This man was Pelagian. He tipped his hat to God for the assistance he got from his favor and from his grace, but in the final analysis, he's standing up there by the holy place supremely confident in his own righteousness." [00:18:30]
"His gaze was on the floor. 'Standing afar off, he would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but instead, he beat his breast saying, 'Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner'.' He had nothing in his hand to bring. He brought absolutely nothing to the table except his sin. He had nothing to offer to God, except his guilt. He didn't come before God and say, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner. After all, I was born and raised in a rough neighborhood, and I was abused as a child and I didn't get the self-esteem I should have had as a human being.'" [00:21:09]
"Then, Jesus ends this little parable by saying, 'I tell you; this man went down to his house justified. That man who couldn't even look up into heaven, who couldn't get near the holy of holies, who could only beat on his chest and repent in sin, plead for the mercy of God, throw himself on the mercy of the court, he walked out of that door and he went unjustified.' Now, you're going to go home sometime today I presume, or if you're on vacation or to be with your family for Christmas at some point. You're going to go home." [00:27:06]
"If you're sitting in this building today and you're not justified, don't leave here until you are. Don't leave here until you tell the Lord God omnipotent that you're a sinner and can't stand apart from His mercy and His grace, because if you throw yourself and your soul on Him and on His mercy and clinging to Christ, you will go home justified. The spiritual guy, the Pharisee, the one who came so close to the holy place, Jesus said, that 'The publican went home justified rather than the other.'" [00:28:00]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Apr 16, 2023. Do you have any questions about it?