True humility before God leads to mercy and justification, while selfrighteousness results in spiritual emptiness.
Luke 18:9-14
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’
Luke 18:9-14
13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
1. Recognize Righteousness Misplaced.
Luke 18:9
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt:
Trusting in ourselves distorts our view of others and blinds us to our need for grace.
Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
1. Recognize Righteousness Misplaced. 2. Expose Empty Pride.
Luke 18:10-12
10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’
The Pharisee’s prayer reveals self-exaltation rather than genuine communion with God.
Matthew 6:5
And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites.
For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
When prayer becomes a performance, it ceases to be communion with God.
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
I believe firmly that the moment our hearts are emptied of pride and selfishness and ambition and everything that is contrary to God’s law, the Holy Spirit will fill every corner of our hearts. But if we are full of pride and conceit and ambition and the world, there is no room for the Spirit of God.
-Dwight L. Moody
1. Recognize Righteousness Misplaced. 2. Expose Empty Pride.
3. Embrace Humble Hearts.
Luke 18:13
But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’
The Tax Collector’s humility and recognition of sin pave the way for reconciliation with God.
Humility in prayer is not about eloquence but about honesty.
Psalm 51:17
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
1. Recognize Righteousness Misplaced. 2. Expose Empty Pride.
3. Embrace Humble Hearts.
4. Justification Through Genuine Humility.
Luke 18:9-14
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.
Micah 6:8
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
