Thursday, March 1, 2007
The Pharisee and the Tax Collector, Part 43 of 44
TEXT: "Also [Jesus] spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 'Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself "God, I thank You that I am not like other men--extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I possess." And the tax collector, standing afar oft would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, "God, be merciful to me a sinner!" I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted' " (Luke 18:9-14).
IDEA: A relationship to God is personal; it’s not a performance.
PURPOSE: To help listeners appreciate that knowing Jesus Christ is a relationship with the most wonderful Person in the universe.
Have you ever taken a course on marriage?
Do you think those courses are a good idea?
What title would help you to be drawn to such a course?
How about a title like "Five Principles for Having a Happy Marriage"?
What would be attractive about that title? What might be dangerous?
I. Are there principles for having a relationship with God?
It depends on what you mean by “principles.”
Is there a danger of talking about our relationship with God in terms of several principles?
II. How does a relationship with God differ from following a series of principles?
Principles can lead to performance.
For example, tithing, daily devotions, fasting, regular church attendance, etc.
Principles can promote perfectionism: When I’ve carried out these principles, I’ve done what was asked.
Read again the story in Luke 18:9-14 and tell me if the Pharisee has carried out principles. Do you think he has a relationship with God?
III. A relationship makes us vulnerable, it is far more than a series of principles.
A relationship has about it the potential for failure. Principles often protect us from failure.
What does it mean to have a personal relationship with your spouse?
What does it mean to have a personal relationship with a friend?
What does it mean to have a personal relationship with God?
