A Tale of Two Prayers

Luke 18:9-14

⁹ He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: ¹⁰ “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a 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. ¹² I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 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!’ 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.

What do you think is the greatest danger to the gospel today?

What is the gospel? (your definition)

The gospel is:

What are some counterfeit gospel messages?

The self-righteous gospel test: “If you died and stood before God tonight, and he said, ‘Why should I let you into my heaven?’ what would you say?”

What’s the “right” answer?

Are you glad you aren’t like this Pharisee?

Hebrews 2:17

Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

 Propitiation: God’s _________________against sinners is _______________________.

Expiation: Sins are ____________________________.

Imputation: Our sin is ____ _____ Christ’s account, and his righteousness (right standing before God) is ____ _____ our account.

The good news of the gospel is that God’s ___________against sinners is _______________ by Jesus, and our sins have been ________ _________, and his righteousness has been placed on _______ _____________, so that we can live free from the penalty and power of _______.

God does not accept people because of their ____________and self-righteousness. He accepts people who are _____________and recognize their deep need for mercy.

God does not hear everyone’s prayers. He only listens and responds to the ______________.

Question: Are you like the Pharisee or the tax collector? When you leave today, how would your response indicate which one?

What do I need to confess to God? What do I need to ask his grace for help to change in?