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Introduction: Looking in the wrong place
We come to God with no righteousness to prove and no merit to offer, but with everything to receive.
Review: Christ Our Wisdom
Context: We ought to pray.
Exposition: The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-17).
I. The setting: a parable for the self-righteous (9)
The parable is told in verses 10-13, and explained in verse 14.
II. The parable: two men, two prayers (10-14).
The parable is presented in three stages.
1. Two men approach God (10).
2. Two very different prayers (vv. 11-13).
a. The Pharisee’s prayer (vv. 11-12)
He is the hero of his own prayer.
b. The tax collector’s prayer (13).
c. The surprising verdict: One man is justified (14a).
The man who trusted in his righteousness was not justified.
The man who trusted in God’s mercy was.
d. The governing principle: God exalts the humble (14b).
Even humility doesn’t earn mercy.
Humility acknowledges our desperate need for mercy, and asks for it.
III. The principle illustrated: Receiving the kingdom like a child (vv. 15-17).
We don’t have to make ourselves worthy before we can come to Jesus.
We come acknowledging our need, trusting His mercy, and receiving what only He can give.
Application: Not our merit, but His mercy
We cannot approach God on the basis of our own righteousness .
We can approach God because of His mercy (vv. 13-14).
We must approach God in humble dependence (vv. 15-17).
Call to Respond: Look to Christ and trust in His mercy
