DCLM Higher Everyday 30 March 2024 — The Pharisee And The Publican
Topic: The Pharisee And The Publican
Text: Luke 18:9-14
9And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
10Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Key Verse: “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 18:14).
Message
This parable contrasts godly sorrow with self-righteousness. The Pharisee went to the temple only to begin to praise himself for all his good deeds. The Publican, however, smote his chest and mourned for his sins. The truth of the matter is that the Almighty God considers what we count as our righteousness as nothing but filthy rags. “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away” (Isaiah 64:6). When an individual is confronted with the reality of his sinful life and the certainty of hell, the fellow would mourn in repentance to make his way right with God.
The best way to mourn for one’s sins is to confess and forsake them (Proverbs 28:13-14). When a sinner comes to God in humility without self-justification, he receives pardon. The one who prides himself on his religious works and self-righteousness delays God’s mercy and forgiveness. Humble yourself before God as you confess your sins for full salvation.
Quote: Humble yourself before God
Challenge: Self-righteousness hinders forgiveness.
Prayer for today: Dear Lord! Be merciful to me, a sinner.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
