Have Mercy on Me

Stories With A Purpose

Have Mercy On Me

Luke 18:9-14

We have a tendency to not see ourselves very accurately

Two Opposite Attitudes Found Among Christians:

1. A relentless sense of guilt

2. Varying degrees of self-satisfaction

Understanding This Parable

• Two different men

• Two different approaches

• Two different outcomes

• One important principle

Applying This Parable

Three significant needs among genuine Christ Followers:

1. A humble realization of our own sinfulness

We must become increasingly aware of the “refined” or “respectable” sins in our lives

2. A growing recognition of the seriousness of sin

“Above all, when we think the curse for violating God’s law is too severe, it’s because we don’t understand God or the nature of sin. God is transcendent in his majesty and sovereign in his authority. Every sin, be it ever so small in our eyes, is an assault on that authority. In effect we’re saying, "I don’t care what you say; I’ll do as I please." Furthermore, God has commanded us to be holy as he is holy. Therefore, each sin is an insult to his character. It’s as if we’re telling God, "I don’t want to be like you." Think what a rebellious affront it would be for a child to say that to his parent.”  Jerry Bridges

3. A grateful acceptance of God’s grace

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” (Romans 4:7–8)

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)

“On my worst day I am never beyond the reach of God’s grace; on my best day I am never beyond the need of God’s grace.” Jerry Bridges

Q: How is humility developed?

A: By Seeking God’s Face

The Pharisee had:

• A good eye on Himself

• A bad eye on Others

• No eye on God

The secret to developing humility is:

• Not looking Inward at ourselves

• Not looking Outward at others

• Looking Upward at the face of God

“The Christian Gospel is that I am so flawed that Jesus had to die for me, yet I am so loved and valued that Jesus was glad to die for me. This leads to deep humility and deep confidence at the same time. It undermines both swaggering and sniveling. I cannot feel superior to anyone, and yet I have nothing to prove to anyone. I do not think more of myself nor less of myself. Instead, I think of myself less.” Tim Keller

Making It Personal:

• Are you genuinely a child of God through responding to His grace through repentance and faith?

• What adjustments in your personal understanding of humility will you make in light of this parable?

• What will it practically look like for you to practice looking upward toward the face of God as you live your life day by day?

• Who can you share these truths with?