Luke 18:9-17 - Responses to the Gospel
9 Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
11 “The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.
12 ‘I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’
13 “And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat 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 everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
15 Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
16 But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.
17 “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”
Main Topics/Questions
Please consider the following topics/questions as you listen to the sermon:1. What is the most persistent type of challenge the Church has faced in every era? Why is this not surprising?
2. What is one of the oldest and most persistent challenges to the gospel?
3. What are the two responses to the gospel in this parable?
4. How did the Pharisees, Samaritans, Sadducees and tax collectors differ?
5. The Pharisees better understanding of what was right and what was wrong made the vulnerable to which more subtle sins?
6. What’s wrong with the prayer of he Pharisee? How do we fall into the same trap?
7. Fasting and tithing can be good. When is it bad? What does legalism add to the law?
8. Who is Joshua Harris and how does he relate to legalism?
9. Rather than be self-righteous or a legalist, what type of person should we be?
10. What do the verses about Jesus and the little children have to do with your proper response to the gospel?
Conclusion:
There are a lot of challenges to the gospel. There are a lot of improper responses to the gospel. These include self-righteousness, legalism, pride, and among many other things. But what is your response? Is it a response of humble repentance of sin? Is it a response of complete dependence and trust? If your response hasn’t been along those lines, it needs to be starting today.
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Do you feel an emptiness in your life? Are you seeking answers but don't know where to look? Have you ever wondered if you are good enough? Please read the summary of the gospel message, "Four Things You Need to Know About God"
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