Let's take a look at these verses and see what Jesus is telling us.
Luke 18:9And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
WOW !! What is Jesus saying here..Is it wrong to fast , advoid adutery and to tithe? Of course not...however' they are simply godly exercises/works and not salvation in themselves. Fastingand to do good thingsis not to make us proud but to humble our flesh...and oft because of our human nature we are tempted to
a. boast about them {As this man did}
b. compare ourselves with others { AS this man did}
and walk away empty ..as this man did.
The other man ...knew who he really was and felt ashamed ...he could barely enter the church building..THIS MAN Jesus said went away justified.
God's ways are not like our ways...He looks at the heart and motives.
The correct attitude is...
Luke 17:7 "œWhen a servant comes in from plowing or taking care of sheep, does his master say, "˜Come in and eat with me"™? 8 No, he says, "˜Prepare my meal, put on your apron, and serve me while I eat. Then you can eat later."™ 9 And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not. 10 In the same way, when you obey me you should say, "˜We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty."™"
I taught this principle Sunday AM from Matt 23. Jesus didn't condemn their works, but called them hypocrites because of the reasons which motivated the works. It all starts with a clean heart and a right spirit.
I taught this principle Sunday AM from Matt 23. Jesus didn't condemn their works, but called them hypocrites because of the reasons which motivated the works. It all starts with a clean heart and a right spirit. Snooky
Amen brother, I got this word last week as wel. You are exactly right..Jesus wasn't condemning the works but the attitude / spirit.
To be honest Snooky..many tiems I will have a question about a certain area { I beleive God causes me to ask the question} then the next morning when I awake ..many times God will show me through scripture the answer to my question.. My question was this ....if i know my son is not living right am I supposedto advoid him instead ofspending time with him. He is a believer.I can find Pauline scripture to back that up ...and then God brought to my attention this portion of scripture. I was comparing my son to me. I was looking down on him for his loose behavior. I honestly was thinking myself more closer to God because of my works in Christ lately {Just being honest here} and God spoketo my heart....Those works are not supposed ot cause that kind of attitude. "Ye which are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness." Jesus with the women in John 8 could of easily condemned her but freed her instead. Our righteous works are to benefit others ..not judge them.
Thanks for responding Snook
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Christian Attitudes #1 Spiritual Pride
