JUSTIFIED

Luke 18:9-14

As humans, we think argument and debate is fun. We are truly gifted at justifying things.

What does it mean to justify something?

show or prove to be right or reasonable. Right n’ wrong, I’m the first one.

Paying for white rice with change at the grocery store. $2.59. I forgot my wallet. Church member sees me.

We justify things. We explain them away. Our minds work great in this way.

(SCRIPTURAL) declare or make righteous in the sight of God.

Justified in the eyes of God. Implications of where we’ll spend eternity.

There’s a problem, then. Here this:

GOSPEL up to the point of “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”

Read Luke 18:9-14

Here’s the question: Who can be right with God?

You cannot be born a Christian

Terrible person test- Matt Chandler

You are a terrible person. (I’d hug you). You came tonight to hear you are a terrible person. Cheers!

Who in here are liars?

Having your hand down proves my point.

Ever been mad that something good happened to him/her and not you?

The Bible calls this coveting. “His rule and reign aren’t fair” you say.

Ever murdered anyone? I’m guessing that there wouldn’t be too many hands raised.. but listen here.

Ever had a hypothetic, imaginary argument in your head where you OLBITERATE someone?

Say “raca” to a brother or sister (Matthew 5:21-22)

“Raca” means “you fool!”

Matthew 5:21–22 CSB

“You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Whoever insults his brother or sister, will be subject to the court. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to hellfire.

This means that the murderous intent of the heart, to any degree, is enough to condemn us.

Don’t believe? Okay. Then go on, trust in yourself. Stand before God at the end of your life as your own mediator. Your own attorney. A Holy, Just, Righteous God. The author of all things including the idea of Justification.

What will you say? “Well, I was better than HE was” “Well, I took in that stray puppy” “I gave my friends a couple dollars when they needed it” “I went to church, here’s my attendance record” “I tithed every check I got”

Is that enough?

Life is a brief journey between two points of nakedness. You came into this world naked. Then you’ll stand before God naked.

Wouldn’t you rather be presented before God clothed in Christ’s righteousness?

We aren’t justified by scales. Or comparison. Or a checklist. Or a points system.

We’re all sinners!! Romans 3:23

ONLY JESUS.

GOSPEL - the GOOD news

Humble yourself by confessing with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believing in your heart that God raised Him from the dead.

And here’s the radical thing- He WANTS you. He is the Father who comes running.

He seals you with His Holy Spirit. His Spirit washes upon you to change and transform you from death to life.

Who wouldn’t embrace a Heavenly Father like that? This is a future you can place your hope in.

“Lance, I’ve heard the Good News. I’ve heard the gospel. You tell it, like, every other week.” Okay- but do you believe it today? Are you living it?

What you hope for shapes what you live for.

Saw Maverick, guy named Rooster. I’m tryin to eat better and be fit like him

Preach to yourself daily. Remind yourself of Christ’s love daily.

Can the follower Jesus still struggle with ____? Yes. But now there is this affection for Jesus that moves us from darkness to light. A lifetime journey from darkness to light. But we’re on the move. We aren’t dead in our trespasses and sins.

Do you long to be justified by Christ? Do you have affection for Jesus?