SELF-RIGHTEOUS THANKSGIVING
By Dick Johnson
Scripture
Reading: Luke 18:11
How
often have we heard testimonies of faith or prayers to God that sound more
like self-praise than praise to God? How often have we taken at least
some measure of credit for something that rightfully belongs entirely to
God?
Our
Lord told a parable to self-righteous listeners about a Pharisee and a
tax-gatherer who went to the temple to pray. The Pharisee prayed
"with himself," thanking God that he wasn't like other people
and that he fasted and paid tithes. The tax-gatherer would not even lift
up his eyes to heaven, for he knew he was a sinner and asked mercy from
God. The Pharisee stood condemned before God for his self-
righteousness while the tax-gatherer stood justified for his humility
(Luke 18:9-14).
Brethren,
all that we have and need is from God. Apart from God no one is
righteous, understands, or seeks after God (Romans 3:10, 11; I
Corinthians 2:14). By the grace of God , we are given the faith to reckon
ourselves sinners and believe the gospel of our salvation (Ephesians 2:8,
9; II Thessalonians 2:13). Also by the grace of God, we are predestined and
called to salvation, justified by the blood of Christ, reconciled to
God, sanctified unto God, and glorified (Romans 5:8-10; 8:29,30; I
Corinthians 6:11; Ephesians 1:7, 13). We have gone from being dead in sin
to being alive in Christ (Romans 6:1-11; Ephesians 2:1-5).
Not
only has God done all this for us, but our faith, strength, and
understanding also come from God (Romans 12:3; Ephesians 1:17-19; 3:16;
Colossians 1:11). God has supplied His Word to us in order that we may
understand His will and be equipped for every good work (Ephesians
3:8-10; II Timothy 3:16, 17). God even supplies all our needs
(Philippians 4:19). Therefore, there is no room for boasting except in
the cross (Romans 3:27; Galatians 6:14).
How God Saves Men
Believing Christ DIED, that’s HISTORY.
Believing Christ DIED for YOU SINS and Rose again that’s
SALVATION.
Read Romans 1:16, Romans 10:9-10 and 1. Corinthians 15:1-4
(A 10 Minute Video)
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