Humble Faith BIBLE BACKGROUND LUKE 18:9–14 PRINTED TEXT LUKE 18:9–14 DEVOTIONAL READING MICAH 6:6–8, 7:18–19 May 15, 2016 Bible Study Guide 11

KEEP IN MIND “And 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” (Luke 18:13 ).

Focal Verses Luke 18:9-14 KJV  And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:  10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.  11 The 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.

 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.  13 And 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.  14 I 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.

The tax collector drew near to God, praying from a repentant heart that acknowledged sin and begged for His mercy. The parable in today’s lesson reveals how Pharisees and tax collectors—societal opposites—approach prayer. The Pharisee prayed from an attitude of arrogance and self-righteousness, detailing his good character and works in contemplative prayer to himself. Two men – Two attitudes

LESSON At-A-Glance Haughty Faith (Luke 18:9–12) 1. Humble Faith (v. 13) 2. Humility’s Rewards (v. 14) 3.

Pride’s Source: Lucifer Ez. 28:17  Pride is a Sin - Satan Fell Because of Pride.  Pride is Evil in the Sight of God.  None of us are immune to pride.  The Bible tells us of good people who were brought down in one way or another by pride.

Pride’s Source: Lucifer Ez. 28:17  The godly king Uzziah was struck with leprosy because, in arrogance, he tried to take the place of the priest and burn incense before the Lord (2 Chronicles 26:16).2 Chronicles 26:16   Similarly, Hezekiah’s pride in his possessions eventually brought the discipline of God on him (2 Chronicles 32:25).2 Chronicles 32:25

 Peter’s prideful statement that he would never forsake Jesus (Matthew 26:33-35) was found to be false when he denied Him (Matthew 26:69-75).Matthew 26:33-35Matthew 26:69-75

1. Haughty Faith (Luke 18:9–12  The word haughty is defined by Merriam-Webster as “blatantly and disdainfully proud.”  The word is always used in the Bible in the evil sense of “arrogant, disdainful and setting oneself above others”.  “For Thou wilt save the afflicted people; but will bring down high (haughty) looks.” Psalms 18:27

PROVERBS 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, A haughty spirit goes before a fall.

The Name Pharisee means “separatists.” A religious group very popular in first-century Palestine. This name may have come from their tendency to stress the importance of ritual purity. Strictly followed the Law of Moses. As a result, often came into conflict with Jesus.

The Pharisee’s Prayer 1. He prayed with himself 2. His prayer was self-exalting 3. He did not honor God in his demeanor 4. He failed to show gratitude to God 5. His prayer exposed his prideful heart. The Pharisee’s prayer

Who were the publicans Publicans were tax collectors and custom officers. They worked for Rome. Considered traitors by Jews as they would extort their own people.

2. Humble Faith (v. 13)  Humble is defined as having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s own importance. It means: Meek, Respectful, Submissive, Self-effacing, Unassertive. Humility is the correct estimation of who you are in light of who God is.

Jesus was meek and lowly  Numbers 12:3 -- Moses was very meek, above all men on face of the earth.  Matthew 11:29,30 -- Jesus said, "I am meek and lowly in heart."  1 Peter 5:6 - Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 1 Peter 5:6

 Micah 6:8 - He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? James 4:10 - Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. Micah 6:8 James 4:10

The tax collector’s prayer exhibited humility. 1. He stood at a distance, 2. considered himself unworthy to be near the temple grounds. 3. His avoidance of looking at heaven shows that he was aware of his sin and his unworthiness to stand before a holy God. 4. His posture shows he wants to experience mercy versus one who has no need for mercy. 5. His prayer was brief but powerful. 2. Humble Faith (v. 13)

 He prayed from a repentant heart that acknowledged sin and begged for His mercy. HUMBLE YOURSELF OR GOD WILL!

In the parable, Jesus identifies two key rewards of humility: God exalts those who are humble. In the kingdom to go down is to go up. 1. God justifies the person who prays humbly Humility’s Rewards (v. 14)

 Examining the dual prayers, we can appreciate the difference between self-righteous platitudes and true gratitude for God’s mercy and grace.  Jesus commended the tax collector, saying, “This sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God”. The message to Christians is clear:  humble faith encompasses every area of life, including our prayers.

Search the Scriptures 1. The parable equates the Pharisees with which two negative attributes (Luke 18:9)? 2. What was the primary focus of each man’s prayer (vv. 11–13)? 3. Why was only the tax collector justified (v. 14)?

Discuss the Meaning Jesus shed light on the need for humility in prayer, an area of faith that many people prefer to keep private. How has the Holy Ghost nudged you about the need for humility in your prayer life?

Make It Happen  Ask God to help you identify and eliminate self-exaltation in your own prayers.  Try this : write down one of your recent public prayers (i.e., at a meal, at church, with a friend).  Now, in light of today’s parable, ask God’s forgiveness for any pride that you exhibited. Then rewrite the prayer based on information you learned from today’s lesson.