How can we avoid the Pharisee's attitude described in Luke 18:9? The Parable’s Warning “To some who trusted in their own righteousness and viewed others with contempt, He also told this parable:” (Luke 18:9) • The Pharisee’s confidence rested in his performance, producing disdain for others. • Jesus’ verdict is unmistakable: “I tell you, this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14) Identify the Roots of Self-Righteousness • Remember that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23-24). • Invite the Spirit to search the heart daily; hidden pride cannot be managed until it is exposed (Psalm 139:23-24). • Keep a short account with God—confess sin quickly rather than compiling a résumé of good deeds. Pursue Humble Dependence on Mercy • Follow the tax collector’s example: “God, have mercy on me, a sinner!” (Luke 18:13). • Rest in the finished work of Christ, not in personal discipline or ministry success (Titus 3:4-5). • Celebrate grace often; thanksgiving displaces pride and keeps the cross central. Replace Contempt with Compassion • “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3-4) • Recall where you once stood: “We ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray…” (Titus 3:3-5). • Speak of people as image-bearers, not projects or problems. • Choose empathy—listen before evaluating, serve before speaking. Guard Your Private and Public Worship • “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.” (Matthew 6:1) • Seek hidden places for prayer, fasting, and generosity. • Evaluate motives: obedience flows from love for God, not a desire for applause. Stay Anchored to the Gospel • Regularly rehearse the gospel narrative: creation, fall, redemption, restoration. • Preach it to yourself—grace that saves also sustains. • View every spiritual discipline as a response to God’s initiative, never as leverage to earn favor. Invite Ongoing Transformation by the Spirit • “If we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25) • Yield moment-by-moment; the Spirit produces humility, kindness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). • Memorize promises that undercut pride, such as James 4:6: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Walk with Fellow Believers in Accountability • “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds… encourage one another.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Invite trusted friends to confront signs of self-righteousness. • Celebrate others’ victories; gratitude for God’s work in them fosters unity rather than competition. Living in the light of these truths keeps hearts soft, eyes on Christ, and attitudes free from the Pharisee’s trap. |
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