The Sinner and the Pharisee

(#205, Hinkley/Yermo/Kelso Jan 1949; Radio May 1951; Imperial, 1954, 1959)

Read Luke 18:9-14.

The Bible is really the history and prophecy of two men.

w   Cain and Abel	w   Prodigal & his brother
w   Isaac & Ishmael	w   Publican and Pharisee
w   Jacob & Esau	w   Unjust & the righteous (Rev. 22:11)

This parable gives us 2 sample men in their approach to God.

The Pharisee.

ƒ    He came in his own self-righteousness.

He was moral (I fast more than the Law requires), square in business (I give tithes), respected in society, a religious man.  He was "not as other men".  But this was his problem: he compared himself with other men.  He pointed out their sins and brought his own works.  He did not know that our works are as filthy rags.

ƒ    He was proud.

Pride lurks in the hearts of all and will cost a person his soul, if like the Pharisee, they are too proud to come in their sin to God.

ƒ    HIs prayer never reached heaven.

He prayed to himself.  Much of our prayer is like this.  We should remember that this man was NOT justified (vs14).

The Publican (or Sinner).

ƒ    Stood afar off.

We see the sinner in his relation to God, separated from God.

ƒ    He came as he was.

He was a sinner and came that way.  He couldn't be moral, couldn't be honest in business, etc.  He took his right place before God.  He acknowledged his guilt.  He had nothing to present to God.  And note: there is no mention of his neighbor's sin.

ƒ    The prayer.

Note: it begins with God, ends with the sinner, and has God's mercy in between.  Accept God's mercy today, mercy extended from the cross of Calvary.

Anyone can be justified before his neighbor; but only by God's mercy in Christ can we be justified before God.