Luke 10:25-29 A lawyer approaches Jesus with a question, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” The answer – Love God and your neighbor “But he, wanting to justify himself said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’” Parable of the Good Samaritan

Luke 10:25-29 We can learn much from this text We will focus on the desire of the lawyer to justify himself Justify means to make one right by an act of justice. Usually, we apply this to the righteous act of Jesus to make us right with God. But many seek justification in other places

What is the source of your JUSTIFICATION? Luke 10:25

Some seek to justify themselves By thinking they can earn their salvation We must obey God to be justified cf. James 2:21-24 But to think we can earn our salvation is error (Galatians 2:16, 3:11, Ephesians 2:8-10) How many rationalize they deserve salvation because of what they have done

Some seek to justify themselves By thinking they can earn their salvation The Pharisees often thought they deserved God’s salvation After we have done all, say we are unprofitable Luke 17:10 Romans 4:2, even Abraham was not justified by his works (he didn’t earn anything)

Some seek to justify themselves By doing SOME of God’s commands Luke 18:18-23, the rich, young ruler (vs. 23) How many today seek justification, but on their own terms. Seek to change or avoid one or two commands James 2:10, stumble in one point Matthew 7:21-23, we must do what He says

Some seek to justify themselves By comparing themselves with others Luke 7:39, 18:9-14, the Pharisees God does not measure sin like man does. Romans 3:10, 23. Our judgment will be based upon what we have done – Romans 14:10-12 We need to examine ourselves – 2 Corinthians 13:5, Galatians 6:4 God’s standard – 2 Timothy 2:15

Some seek to justify themselves “Everybody else is doing it.” Many appeal to what is popular thinking that is what God wants. Many religious groups (mega churches, etc.) offer what the majority wants Majority is often wrong – Matthew 7:13-14, Romans 11:1-5, (remnant) 9:27-29, 1 Peter 3:20 – 8 souls Serving God comes with a cost. Often following the crowd is to avoid paying that cost.

Some seek to justify themselves “Nobody’s perfect” A true statement – Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:7-10 Some admit this, but use it as cause to refuse to change! God expects us to try! God expects us to give our best! Revelation 2:10 Repent when we sin – Acts 8:22, 1 John 1:9

Some seek to justify themselves “Nobody’s perfect” Realizing you are not perfect CAN help you if you have a godly attitude. Humility, changes, etc. Philippians 3:8-14

Some seek to justify themselves “It’s not my fault” A big problem in society. No accountability. Excusing bad behavior, etc. Adam & Eve, Genesis 3:11-13 Aaron, Exodus 32:22-24 King Saul, 1 Samuel 15:20-21 Galatians 6:5, Ezekiel 18:20 – you are responsible for you Determine to overcome will make you better! Romans 5:1-5

Some seek to justify themselves The problem with these: Luke 16:15, And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God. 2 Corinthians 10:12, they compare themselves by themselves – they are NOT wise.

We need justification from God We can NEVER justify ourselves! Romans 8:33, God who justifies Titus 3:7 – justified by His grace Romans 3:24 – through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus Romans 5:9 – justified by His blood BUT, we must do our part Romans 5:1 – justified by faith James 2:24-25 – by works, not faith only

From where are you receiving your justification? We all need to be justified! From where are you receiving your justification?