3 Receiving What We Cannot Earn (Luke 18:9-17)

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