April 12, 2015 | Pat Schultz
Passage: Luke 18:9-14
Righteousness Received - Grace Upon Grace – Part 5
16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. John 1:16
The choice is ours:
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt:
1.) I can chase self-righteousness or I can receive God’s Righteousness.
11 The Pharisee, standing, prayed to himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’
2.) I can focus on what “I have done for God” or I can focus on what God has done for me.
13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’
3.) I can cling to self-effort or I can embrace grace.
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
4.) I can try justify myself to God or I can be justified by God.
We have been offered the righteousness of Christ! What a gift!
Will we receive what only Christ can give?
Or
Will we work for what we can never attain?