Parables of Prayer
Notes
Transcript
Parables of Prayer – Luke 18 – Religion and Politics
Jesus just finished teaching about the parable of the persistent widow, showing us that we should pray always and never lose heart.
Jesus continues this line of teaching by giving us another example. This time he compares and contrast two men, one man is a pharisee and the other one as a tax collector.
Compare and contrast
ESV
Luke 18:9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt:
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt:
Trusted = 3982 ἐπισείω, πείθω [peitho /pi·tho/] = be confident, persuade, tranquilize
2 Sources of trust
P – himself, works,
T – trusted God apart from works
2 Men
Luke 18:10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
2 Classes
· Polar opposites
· Religious and secular
· Top and bottom rung of society
· God loves us all
2 Prayers
Luke 18:11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
2 Lists
Luke 18:12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’
12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’
· Tax man brought nothing – Just as I am
2 Approaches
· P- unashamed arrogance, vs cautious
2 Directions
· P – looked up, T looked down
2 Audiences
· P – prayed thus to himself
· T – prayed to God
2 Lists
· Works vs grace
2 Agendas
· Self-justification vs no excuses
Luke 18:13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’
13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’
2 Attitudes
· Snotty, arrogant vs meek, entitled vs underserving, proud vs humble
· Put down others – vs putting one’s self down (avoid FALSE humility)
2 Outcomes
· Jesus has the final say!
Luke 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Justified
1344 δικαιόω [dikaioo /dik·ah·yo·o/][1] = to be freed – render righteous – such as he ought to be.
Exalts, Exalted (same number)
5312 ὑψόω [hupsoo /hoop·so·o/] = lift up (on high)
to raise to the very summit of opulence and prosperity
Humbles, Humbled (same number)
5013 ταπεινόω [tapeinoo /tap·i·no·o/] = bring low, assign a lower rank, to have a modest opinion of one’s self.
Time – pharisee wasted, tax collector invested
· Position – Deceived vs received - Pharisee probability thought he was right.
Lessons Learned:
· Ultimately, It does not matter what we think of ourselves, it matters what God says about us.
· Don’t assume you are right
· Bible has more to say about pride than having too much humility.
Church has bad reputation of self-righteousness – pride in denominations, numbers, size, # programs, # campuses, # viewers, followers, likes.
We should help others.
Other Related Scriptures
Worldliness brings pride – friends with world = enemy to God
James 4:6 (ESV)
6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
6But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
1 Peter 5:5 (ESV)
5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
[1] Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.