Introduction

Good morning, church family! Today, we’re going to delve into a powerful passage from the Gospel of Luke that really gets to the heart of what it means to be justified by faith alone, and the humility required of us as believers.

I'm reminded of a quote by John Stott, a respected theologian, who once said, "Pride is your greatest enemy, humility is your greatest friend." This statement is profound and will serve as a cornerstone for our discussion today.

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

In the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, we see two men with vastly different attitudes towards their relationship with God.

A. The Pharisee, a religious leader, is confident in his own righteousness. He stands alone, praying aloud, thanking God that he is not like the sinners around him. He boasts about his religious practices, such as fasting twice a week and tithing all his income. His prayer is not so much a conversation with God, but a self-congratulatory monologue. He is self-righteous, believing that his own actions make him superior to others and acceptable to God.

B. On the other hand, the tax collector, a despised figure in society, stands at a distance, too ashamed to even lift his eyes to heaven. His prayer is simple and heartfelt: 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' He acknowledges his sinfulness and his need for God's mercy. He does not compare himself to others or boast about his deeds. His prayer is a humble plea for forgiveness.

The contrast between these two men is stark. The Pharisee is prideful, relying on his own righteousness, while the tax collector is humble, relying on God's mercy. Jesus makes it clear that it is the tax collector, not the Pharisee, who goes home justified before God. This parable challenges our understanding of what it means to be righteous in the eyes of God. It is not our deeds or our status in society that justify us, but our humble acknowledgment of our sinfulness and our need for God's mercy.

C. This parable also challenges our attitude towards others. The Pharisee looked down on the tax collector, confident in his own righteousness. But Jesus warns that 'all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.' We are not to judge others based on their outward appearance or their status in society. We are all sinners in need of God's mercy.

D. The Pharisee's prayer reveals a heart that is hardened by pride, while the tax collector's prayer reveals a heart that is softened by humility. The Pharisee sees himself as better than others, while the tax collector sees himself as he truly is: a sinner in need of God's mercy. The Pharisee trusts in his own righteousness, while the tax collector trusts in God's mercy.

E. This parable is a powerful reminder that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and attitudes. Are we like the Pharisee, trusting in our own righteousness and looking down on others? Or are we like the tax collector, acknowledging our sinfulness and humbly seeking God's mercy?

The Justification of Man by Faith Alone

Justification by faith alone is beautifully illustrated in this parable from Luke ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO