Sermon Tone Analysis

Luke 18:9-14

Crisis that is crippling the world: Why do 99.95% of all men insist on not reading instruction manuals for self-assembly products?

I am guilty.

(pellet grill)

We’d rather bet on and trust in ourselves

Story of dad and I fixing a power window together

We decided to “bet on ourselves” - & Being an awesome dad, he wanted to teach me some practical hands-on life lessons

Trust in ourselves unfortunately didn’t work out in our favor that day, at all.

I learned some things: how frustrating power window mechanisms are, and some new vocabulary (not related to power window mechanisms)

This morning, we are going to hear Jesus’ words to those who trust in themselves that they are righteous before God

If we are honest- we are all prone to try and “measure up” to be righteous

“Well, I have a verse in my Instagram bio” “I’ve helped with Operation Christmas child eight years in the running” “I sit really close to the pulpit on Sunday mornings” “I was born at the church.. *burped* Jesus!* “I help in children’s ministry” (srry Jodi)

We are going to find today we are operating on the wrong subject of the sentence.

The wrong personal pronoun.

We aren’t justified and made righteous by “I” or “me” … we are justified and made righteous by “God” - “He”

This Parable, “The Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector”

For Jewish and religious people of this time: this teaching was outrageous.

Shameful.

A self- professed unrighteous man is right with God, and a self-professed, bonafide righteous man is not right with God.

Main question being asked here: How can a person be right with God?

Age-old question.

Job even asked it (he, like, lived in the dinosaur times)

Another question: Can you get to God by being good?

Read Passage

Verse 9

Contempt.

John G Paton autobiography - who in here would go to a cannibal island on mission?

For many of us, the partial reason for not could be the element of danger.

However, the other part we might not actually tell is “what business do I have being with those savages?”

“Are they even savable?”

Proud.

The soul rot of pride

Verse 10

(Comparison) The chasm of difference…

… in the eyes of man

Comparison.

What separates you from the Tanna savages?

Just as much as a dirty sinner as the chief of the Tanna savages

Scrapyard.

Cars… they’re all broke.

You cannot be born a Christian

Terrible person test- from another Texas pastor

You are a terrible person.

(I’d hug you).

You came this morning 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 an imaginary argument in your head where you OLBITERATE someone?

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

“Raca” means “you fool!”

It’s a matter of the heart.

You don’t have to actually kill someone to sin in your heart in this department.

Ending to John G. Paton (spoiler alert for 19th century old English autobiography)

Salvation.

Today, 85% are Christian.

The people, “Have mercy on me, a sinner”

Verse 11-12

Steve Stephenson’s story - “puttin’ lipstick on a pig” - a house destined for ruin with a coat of paint

Whitewashed tombs

Cups wiped clean on the outside, yet filthy on the inside

Filled with grandpa’s Copenhagen spit

The Pharisees had no interest in God.

They didn’t care about Jesus.

They lived in a “me” centered universe where the sovereign ruler is “me.”

Me, taking part in the good ol’ boys club

If the foundation ain’t right, it’s destined to fall.

It will fall.

Verse 13

“Have mercy on me, a sinner”

Punishing his heart

Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard

We all have ruined souls.

Ugly actions?

Terrible deeds?

Well, the heart is even uglier and more horrific of a place.

This applies to EVERYONE’S nature.

Here’s where we’re getting to: How about the lies you tell?

How about the lust you cultivate?

How about the hatred you kindle?

How about the gossip you scatter like seed?

How about the pride you possess?

Etc etc etc

Sons in Story of Prodigal Son

He wants you!

He is the Father who comes running!

He beckons you to not get wrapped up in self.

Give yourself to the joy of beholding Him, knowing Him, and being in relationship with Him

He wants you because He delights in being your Father.

Not because you are worthy and you deserve it.

“Have mercy on me, a sinner”

But God can come in and renovate you from the inside out if you’ll allow Him.

What a person believes will shape how they live.

Like Chip and Joanna

Do you believe in the Lord’s mercy?