The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

Introduction:

Body:

Audience of the Parable (v9)

They Trusted in themselves that they were righteous

They viewed others with contempt

This is the parable that Jesus tells them to address their sin.

The Action of the Parable (10-13)

The Pharisee: A Picture of Self-Righteousness

What Self-Righteousness Is

Self-righteousness is when a person has such a high view of their own goodness, that they think that they have within themselves the righteousness they need to be a child of God.

Another word for Self-Ritheousness is spiritual pride.

This condition arises out of a high view of self and a low view of God.

Self-righteousness also arises out of a tendency to compare oneself to other people rather than judging oneself according to God’s perfect law.

What Self-Righteousness Does

Self Righteousness Leads to Self-Centeredness

Self Righteousness Leads to Self Conceitedness

Self Righteousness Leads to Self-Importance

Self Righteousness Leads to Self-Destruction

Self-righteousness makes you think you have sufficient righteousness within yourself to go to heaven.

The Tax Collector: A Picture of Humility

What Humility Is

What Humility Does

Humility Leads to Self-Awareness

Humility Leads to Self-Denial

Humility Leads to Soberness of Mind

The Gospel produces humility both in the act of justification and or Sanctification

The Application of the Parable (14)

Self-righteousness is a major impediment to spiritual growth in the life of a Christian.

James 4:4 “Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”

Proverbs 3:34 “Surely He scorns the scornful, But gives grace to the humble.”

1 Peter 5:5 “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.””

Don’t Forget where you Came from Kid (Illustrations)

Christians become self-righteous when we forget where we came from.

Avoiding Self Rightousness for the Christian

Remember the Gospel

Confession your sin regularly before the Lord

Be long in prayer

Be Faithful in the study of God’s Word.