Pharisee vs. Tax Collector: Drama, backstabbing, and questionable financial choices! Coming this fall to a Bible near you! Humblebrag Alert! (But Actually Humble) Turns out, God’s not a fan of ego trips. Who knew?
Section 1. Welcome and Announcements
Hey everyone, and welcome! It’s so great to have you all here today as we gather together as a family of faith. We’re here to learn, grow, and support each other as we journey closer to God.
- Announcements:
- Bible Study: Don’t forget our weekly Bible study on Tuesdays at 7 PM in the Fellowship Hall. This week, we’re digging deeper into the Book of John.
- Community Outreach: Our community outreach program is organizing a food drive for local families in need. Please bring non-perishable items to the church by next Sunday.
- Upcoming Event: Mark your calendars for our church picnic on July 15th! It’s a great chance to connect with one another, enjoy some good food, and have fun in the sun!
Section 2. Call to Worship
Let’s center our hearts and minds on God with a reading from Luke 18:14: “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
- Let us all, in one voice, declare our need for God’s grace and mercy.
Section 3. Opening Prayer
Dear Lord, we come before you today with open hearts and minds, ready to receive your word and your love. Help us to put aside our worries and distractions so that we may truly connect with you. Guide us as we worship, learn, and grow together as a church family. We ask all of this in your precious name. Amen.
Section 4. Praise and Worship
Now, let’s lift our voices together in praise! Our worship team has prepared a beautiful selection of songs that will help us express our gratitude and adoration to God. Whether you prefer contemporary tunes or classic hymns, let’s sing with all our hearts and lift our spirits to the heavens.
Section 5. Scripture Reading
Today, we’ll be diving into a powerful parable from the Gospel of Luke. This story reminds us of the importance of humility and sincerity in our relationship with God. It’s a message that’s just as relevant today as it was when Jesus first shared it.
The Events: In this passage, Jesus tells a story about two men who go to the temple to pray – a Pharisee and a tax collector. The Pharisee boasts about his own righteousness, while the tax collector humbly asks for God’s mercy. Jesus uses this parable to teach us that true righteousness comes not from self-righteousness, but from a humble and contrite heart.
Luke 18:9-14 (NIV):
9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable:
10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Section 6. Pastoral Prayer or Intercessory Prayer
Let’s come together now in a time of prayer, lifting up those in need and seeking God’s guidance in our lives.
Intercessory Prayer:
Dear Lord, we ask for your mercy and grace upon all those who are struggling with feelings of unworthiness or guilt. Help them to understand that your love is unconditional and that you are always ready to forgive those who come to you with a humble heart.
We also pray for those who may be tempted to judge others or to think of themselves as superior. Remind them that we are all equal in your eyes and that true greatness comes from serving others.
Congregational Prayer Response:
Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Section 7. Offering
Now is the time for us to give back to God through our tithes and offerings. Your generosity helps support the ministries of our church and allows us to continue spreading the love and hope of Christ in our community and beyond. Let us give with joyful hearts, knowing that we are participating in God’s work.
Prayer of Thanks:
Dear Lord, we thank you for the blessings you have bestowed upon us. We offer these gifts as an act of worship and a testament to our gratitude. May they be used to further your kingdom and to bring hope to those in need. Amen.
Section 8. Special Music
Before we continue, we have a special musical performance for you today! Let’s welcome [Name of Performer] to the stage.
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Section 9. Free Bible Study!
Hey there, friends! I’m excited to share something special with you today: a free Bible study based on the powerful message of Luke 18:9-14. It’s all about humility, grace, and understanding God’s love. I really think you’ll love this!
“Discover the Secret to Unlocking God’s Grace”
Are YOU Making This One Critical Mistake in Your Prayers?
Imagine this: You’re standing in church, surrounded by your community, the air filled with the quiet hum of prayer. You close your eyes, and suddenly, you feel a deep longing – a desire to truly connect with God, to feel his presence in your life. But sometimes, it’s hard to know where to start. We’re all on a journey, and sometimes we stumble. That’s where this Bible study comes in. It’s designed to help you explore the story of the Pharisee and the tax collector in a fresh, personal way, so you can build a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God. Think of it as a warm conversation with a friend – a friend who just happens to have some amazing insights from the Bible!
I want to give you something that will transform your time in the Word and the Word in your life!
I get it! Here’s the deal: I want to give you a completely FREE in-depth Bible study based on Luke 18:9-14. It’s packed with thought-provoking questions, practical applications, and insights that will help you dig deep into this amazing Scripture.
But wait, it gets better! As a special bonus, you’ll also get a guide on how to apply these principles to your everyday life, so you can start living with more humility, grace, and love.
All I ask is that you give it a try, and share it with a friend who might also benefit. Sound fair?
Now picture those prayers being answered. Imagine eyes lighting up with understanding… souls stirred with passion… and spirits strengthened with courage to live out their faith every day.
This message was created to help make those dreams come true in your life. Not just another Bible study, but a spark that brings God’s Word alive – so you can grow in love, unity, and purpose.
Your gift today – whether $4.99 for this message, or by joining our membership, keeps that dream alive, fueling a ministry dedicated to helping pastors like you inspire their people.
As our thank you, you’ll also receive a Bible Study Tie-In to deepen the impact. And when you try our Free 7-Day Membership, you’ll unlock our entire library of sermons – ready to download, print, and use to see prayers answered week after week.
May Jesus pour his grace upon you and your family during this special time in our lives.
Paid Section 10. Sermon Outline
Sermon Title: The Heart of Humility: Understanding God’s Grace
This sermon explores the powerful parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, emphasizing the importance of humility in our relationship with God. We’ll discover how to approach God with sincerity and recognize the true source of righteousness.
I. (Luke 18:9) Setting the Stage: Pride vs. Humility
This verse introduces the context of Jesus’ teaching, addressing those who were self-righteous and judgmental.
Jesus highlights the importance of recognizing our own imperfections and not looking down on others.
II. (Luke 18:10-12) The Pharisee’s Prayer: Self-Righteousness on Display
These verses describe the Pharisee’s prayer, which is filled with pride and self-congratulation.
This example serves as a warning against relying on our own good deeds and outward appearances for justification.
III. (Luke 18:13) The Tax Collector’s Plea: A Heartfelt Cry for Mercy
This verse portrays the tax collector’s humble prayer, marked by genuine remorse and a plea for God’s mercy.
The tax collector’s example demonstrates the power of humility and repentance in drawing closer to God.
IV. (Luke 18:14) God’s Verdict: Justification Through Humility
This verse reveals God’s judgment, affirming that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified.
The lesson underscores the transformative power of humility and God’s grace in our lives.
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Section 11. The Sermon
Sermon Title: The Heart of Humility: Understanding God’s Grace
This sermon explores the powerful parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, emphasizing the importance of humility in our relationship with God. We’ll discover how to approach God with sincerity and recognize the true source of righteousness.
I. (Luke 18:9) Setting the Stage: Pride vs. Humility
- Outline Explanation: This verse introduces the context of Jesus’ teaching, addressing those who were self-righteous and judgmental. Jesus highlights the importance of recognizing our own imperfections and not looking down on others.
- Personal Thoughts: Friends, we’ve all been there, haven’t we? That moment when we feel like we’ve got it all together, and maybe even feel a little superior to others. But Jesus challenges us to examine our hearts and ask ourselves, “Are we truly humble, or are we letting pride creep in?”
- Personal Commentary: Humility isn’t about putting ourselves down; it’s about recognizing that we’re all works in progress, and we all need God’s grace. It’s about having a realistic view of ourselves and others, with compassion and understanding.
- Personal Commentary on Christian Discipleship: As disciples of Christ, we’re called to follow his example of humility. He washed the feet of his disciples, showing us that no task is beneath us. Let’s strive to serve others with a humble heart.
- Personal Reflection Commentary on Spiritual Growth: Spiritual growth often begins with acknowledging our weaknesses and seeking God’s help. When we humble ourselves before him, we open ourselves up to his guidance and transformation.
- Ask Yourself This Question: Am I truly humble, or am I letting pride creep in?
II. (Luke 18:10-12) The Pharisee’s Prayer: Self-Righteousness on Display
- Outline Explanation: These verses describe the Pharisee’s prayer, which is filled with pride and self-congratulation. This example serves as a warning against relying on our own good deeds and outward appearances for justification.
- Personal Thoughts: The Pharisee, in his prayer, is basically patting himself on the back for being “better” than everyone else. But that’s not what God wants from us! God doesn’t want us to be a Pharisee, who loves to sit and show how important he is. He wants us to have our minds in our hearts, focused on the Lord.
- Personal Commentary: It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others, especially when we’re doing good things. But our good deeds should flow from a heart of love and gratitude, not from a desire to impress others or earn God’s favor.
- Personal Commentary on Christian Discipleship: As Christians, our actions should be motivated by love and service, not by self-righteousness. We should strive to do good works out of a genuine desire to honor God and help others.
- Personal Reflection Commentary on Spiritual Growth: True spiritual growth involves letting go of our need to be “right” or “perfect” and embracing God’s grace and forgiveness. It’s about focusing on our relationship with him, not on our own accomplishments.
- Ask Yourself This Question: Am I more focused on impressing others or on honoring God in my actions?
III. (Luke 18:13) The Tax Collector’s Plea: A Heartfelt Cry for Mercy
- Outline Explanation: This verse portrays the tax collector’s humble prayer, marked by genuine remorse and a plea for God’s mercy. The tax collector’s example demonstrates the power of humility and repentance in drawing closer to God.
- Personal Thoughts: Look at the tax collector! He doesn’t even lift his head to heaven. He’s so overwhelmed by his own sin that all he can do is beg for mercy. And that’s exactly what God wants – a humble, contrite heart.
- Personal Commentary: The tax collector’s prayer is a reminder that we all fall short of God’s standard and that we all need his forgiveness. It’s okay to admit our weaknesses and seek his help.
- Personal Commentary on Christian Discipleship: As Christians, we’re called to be honest about our struggles and to seek support from our fellow believers. We’re all in this together, and we can help each other grow in faith and holiness.
- Personal Reflection Commentary on Spiritual Growth: True spiritual growth involves acknowledging our sin, repenting of our wrongdoings, and turning to God for forgiveness. It’s a continuous process of self-examination and seeking his guidance.
- Ask Yourself This Question: Am I willing to be honest about my struggles and seek God’s forgiveness?
IV. (Luke 18:14) God’s Verdict: Justification Through Humility
- Outline Explanation: This verse reveals God’s judgment, affirming that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified. The lesson underscores the transformative power of humility and God’s grace in our lives.
- Personal Thoughts: Jesus makes it clear: it’s the humble tax collector who finds favor with God, not the self-righteous Pharisee. That’s because God is drawn to those who recognize their need for him.
- Personal Commentary: This parable is a powerful reminder that God’s grace is available to all who seek it with a humble heart. No matter what we’ve done, we can always find forgiveness and new life in him.
- Personal Commentary on Christian Discipleship: As Christians, we’re called to extend that same grace and forgiveness to others. We should be quick to forgive and slow to judge, remembering that we’ve all been forgiven much.
- Personal Reflection Commentary on Spiritual Growth: True spiritual growth involves accepting God’s grace and extending it to others. It’s about living a life of love, forgiveness, and humility, knowing that we are all beloved children of God.
- Ask Yourself This Question: Am I willing to extend grace and forgiveness to others, just as God has extended it to me?
Section 12. Final Thoughts
Friends, let’s take the message of Luke 18:9-14 to heart. It’s a reminder that God is more interested in our hearts than our outward appearances. He longs for us to come to him with humility and sincerity, acknowledging our need for his grace and forgiveness. As we move forward in our Christian lives, let’s strive to be more like the tax collector, seeking God’s mercy and extending that same mercy to others.
- Closing Prayer:
- Dear Lord, we thank you for your amazing grace and unconditional love. Help us to be humble in our hearts, recognizing our need for you. Forgive us for our pride and self-righteousness, and teach us to extend grace and forgiveness to others. May we always seek your guidance and live our lives in a way that honors you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Section 13. Closing Hymn or Worship Song
Now, let’s stand together and unite our voices in worship as we sing [Name of Song]. Let this song be a testament to our commitment to live with humility and grace, seeking God’s guidance in all that we do.
Section 14. Benediction
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all now and forevermore. Amen.
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