The Problem Of Self Righteousness
Luke 18:9-14
12/22/2008
INTRODUCTION
A businessman well known for his ruthlessness once announced to writer Mark Twain, "Before I die I mean to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. I will climb Mount Sinai and read the 10 Commandments aloud at the top." "I have a better idea," replied Twain. "You could stay in Boston and keep them." (Moody Bible Institute)
If I were to walk up to 10 people randomly and ask them why they should be allowed to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven I would wager that at least 8 of them would say – “Because I am a good person.”
How is it that we have deceived ourselves so much so that we actually believe we are good people in light of all the things we know we have done wrong?
ILLUSTRATION
Let’s try an exercise:
Have you ever stolen anything? Ever used the Lords name in vain even once? Ever murdered someone with your words? Ever committed adultery in your mind? Ever lied even once? OF COURSE YOU HAVE!!!
By our own admission then we are not good, far from it! James 2:10 “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all.” (NASB)
PROPOSITION
Romans 3:12 – “All have turned aside, together they have become useless; There is none who does good, There is not even one.” (NASB)
ORIENTATION
Today’s parable (earthly story to tell a Heavenly truth) is a direct refutation of the concept of self righteousness.
It say’s – “He [Jesus] told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and viewed others with contempt.”
So today, lets allow this parable of Christ to challenge us in our own efforts at self righteousness as we see:
1.TWO PEOPLE
2.TWO PRAYERS
3.TWO PROMISES
TRANSITION
Let’s begin by looking at…
I.TWO PEOPLE – (vs. 10)
OBSERVATION
This story Begins With Two Men: (1) Religious Pharisee and (1) Broken Publican [lit. sinner].
In those days all Jew’s were required to pray three times daily (9, 12 and 3) and all the Jews – Pharisees and Publicans alike would travel to the Temple Courts to pray.
The Pharisee
PRAYER WAS A TIME OF GLORY: They would show up gladly so that all could see their piety.
If they happen to be fasting, they would paint their faces white and stand out… (See Mt. 6:17)
The Publican
PRAYER WAS A TIME OF SHAME: They would show up for prayer, only to be ridiculed and mocked by the religious elites.
You would never see the face of a publican where it was white or not because it would have been hung low to the ground.
For the Publican this was not a time of false humility, but rather true humiliation.
ILLUSTRATION
One of the things I love about God is that He designed the human body so that we can neither pat our own backs nor kick ourselves too easily.
APPLICATION
Both of these men were very confused about who they are:
One thought he was righteous is his own outward acts of piety
The other thought he was beyond redemption
Are we confused as well? Do you know who you are today?
If you think you’re the humble publican it may be a good sign that you’re not!
If you think you’re the prideful Pharisee, there is a good chance you’re not!
Do you say things like – “So and so missed church again” or “We need to pray for so and so, they are a mess” or “I was at such and such event where were you?” and the list goes on…
Have you ever considered where you fit in the story?
II.TWO PRAYER’S –(vs. 11)
If you really want to understand a person’s theology, simply listen to them pray.
THE PRAYER OF THE PHARISEE
(v.11) – “Stood [in the synagogue] ” Shows the attitude of the Pharisee who wanted to be seen by all. (Mt 6:5 “When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men.” )
(v. 11) – “Himself” I love this word because while it literally means he was praying in silent, the reality is he was praying to himself. He did not go to pray to God but to tell God how good he was an revel in his own glory.
(v.11) – “I am not like other people” At the root of his sin is the belief that he is somehow special. That he unlike others was able within himself to be holy.
He Thought He was Not A Swindler – But He Stole Glory From God
He Thought He Was Not Unjust – But Look How He Teats Others
He Thought He Was Not An Adulterer – But he worship’s himself as God
(v. 11) He thought he was not a tax collector [tax collectors were know for betraying the Jewish nation] but he betrayed them and himself.
(v. 12) - “I…I…I…” The Pharisee saw righteousness as outward acts of piety. He perverted the good things of God [tithing and fasting] by not giving his heart to them.
THE PRAYER OF THE PUBLICAN
(v. 13) – “Standing some distance away” Unlike the Pharisee he wanted to remain hidden and not be the center of attention. (Mt. 6:6 “But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”
(v. 13) – “Unwilling to lift eyes… beating breast” He saw himself as completely broken before God. (Ps 51:17 “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.”)
(v. 13) – “God, be merciful to me…” the plea of mercy is the perfect prayer.
(v. 13) – “The sinner…” Not just any sinner but the sinner. (Like Paul the “chief sinner”)
ILLUSTRATION
What we are seeing here is not a contrast of words, it is a contrast of hearts! (Mt. 15:18 “But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart.” (Saying Grace)
APPLICATION
What are your prayers like? Remember neither man knew where he stood, do you?
III.TWO PROMISES
The question is not – “Am I as good as my fellow man? The question is am I as good as God?” (William Barclay)
TRUTH NUMBER ONE
(v. 14) “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled…” This person is nothing like God who (Phil 2:8 “humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”)
The exalted cannot fit through the gate of heaven, it is too low, only those who are on their knees can pass (William Barclay)
(Romans 12:3 “I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.”
God must humble the proud in order that they recognize there need of Him and repent.
TRUTH NUMBER TWO
(v. 14) “he who humbles himself will be exalted”
It is in the humility of Christ that we meet God. (Mt 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”)
ILLUSTRATION
Recently at a public speaking engagement, I was humbled in front of prominent people. I was speaking and the words simply did not come, I became nervous and anxious and in some spots made no sense. It was embarrassing, heart breaking and I felt sick about it. As I reflect back I realized I was very prideful going into the engagement. I said to myself – “I preach every week”, “I speak to people for a living”, I am not like the others who are going to speak, those who are nervous and frightened. I realized I was the Pharisee, I was proud and I was humbled. I left that place seeking God’s love and forgiveness.
APPLICATION
Humility is like exercise for the soul, while it can be painful, yet it creates in us a great desire for God and God’s mercy.
Consider the moments in your life where you experienced humiliation. Then take some time to seek the lesson in it.
CONCLUSION
TODAY WE HAVE SEEN:
TWO PEOPLE – WHICH ARE YOU
TWO PRAYERS – WHICH IS YOURS
TWO PROMISES – WHICH ARE YOU EXPERIENCING
CLOSING ILLUSTRATION
Winston Churchill was once asked, "Doesn’t it thrill you to know that every time you make a speech, the hall is packed to overflowing?" "It’s quite flattering," replied Sir Winston. "But whenever I feel that way, I always remember that if instead of making a political speech I was being hanged, the crowd would be twice as big."
Finally, I am reminded of a story about Abraham Lincoln –Lincoln once got caught up in a situation where he wanted to please a politician, so he issued a command to transfer certain regiments. When the secretary of war, Edwin Stanton, received the order, he refused to carry it out. He said that the President was a fool. Lincoln was told what Stanton had said, and he replied, "If Stanton said I’m a fool, then I must be, for he is nearly always right. I’ll see for myself." As the two men talked, the President quickly realized that his decision was a serious mistake, and without hesitation he withdrew it.
Humility is a strange thing, I can preach on it but before I do I pray for a large crowd to preach to. I can attempt to practice it but as I do I can smile that I am doing so well…
Humility exalts us but it cannot be contrived.
It must be genuine
As such pray that God show you who you are that you may experience true humility of heart.
AMEN!!
