The Pharisee And The Publican

2. The world is full of lost preachers, priests, and rabbi’s.

> Mormon elders, JW leaders, Catholic priests, Baptist preachers, etc.

> Men (and women) who preach and teach the Bible, but are as lost as the vilest heathen.

3. The Pharisee had chosen a life of Biblical study and teaching.

> But, when he prayed he didn’t even believe that God was hearing him.

B. The Pharisee’s Boasting.

1. He "Thanks God", whom he doesn’t believe is actually hearing his prayer...

> But, he is really just making it known how religious he is.

2. He lists the very things that the Publican’s were despised for...

> Extortion- Cheating on taxes.

> Unjust - A Traitor

> Adulterers - Immorality.

3. Then he lists the things that Pharisees are revered for...

> Fasting, Tithing, and by implication, Praying.

C. The Publican’s Repentance (v.13).

1. His posture.

> He stood afar off.

> Not worthy to be in God’s house.

> He would not lift his eyes.

> He was ashamed of his sins.

> Smote his breast.

> Despised himself.

2. His pondering.

> While the Pharisee noticed the Publican and made mention of him...

> The Publican said nothing about the Pharisee.

> He was not there to judge the Pharisee, he was there to condemn himself.

> He was not thinking about the difference between he and the Pharisee...

> He was thinking about the difference between he and God!

> He wasn’t thinking about the Pharisee, he was thinking about God!

> He did believe in God!

3. His prayer (v. 13).

> He admits his condition - a sinner!

> He recognizes his need - mercy!

> He knew where he could find forgiveness - God!

V. The Outcome.

A. The Pharisee Left the Same Way He Came.

1. He arrived at the Temple as a lost religious leader...

> When he left the Temple, he was still a lost religious leader.

2. He came to the Temple to boast and brag about himself...

> He left the Temple full of himself.

3. He came to the Temple on his way to a burning hell...

> He left the Temple still on his way to a burning hell.

B. The Publican Left MUCH DIFFERENT Than He Came.

1. He came to the Temple a lost, wretched, hell bound sinner...

> He left the Temple a saved, sanctified, born-again child of God.

2. He came to the Temple beating his chest and begging for mercy...

> He left the Temple with goodness and mercy following him all the days of his life.

3. He came to the Temple unable to forgive himself...

> He left the Temple with the forgiveness of God.

4. He came to the Temple head bowed, and beating his chest...

> He left the Temple head high and shouting for joy.

C. The Moral of the Story.

1. Jesus used a broad contrast to show this truth.

> He wanted us to be clear on what was being taught.

> The contrast was made to show that you could be anywhere in between the Pharisee and the Publican...

> If they made these choices, then you and I fall somewhere more or less than they!

2. You could be closer to the Pharisee.

> Perhaps you think your better than the average person...

> Perhaps you let people know you think your better than they...

> You may even think that God will take you to heaven because you are so spiritual.