Humility Before God

Wednesday, January, 28, 2015
Luke 18:9-14 KJV 

9 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.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Who did Jesus speak this parable to? (v.9)
2) Who were the two men in the parable and what were they going to do? (v.10)
3) What did the Pharisee do and pray while in the synagogue? (v.11-12)
4) What did the publican do and pray in the synagogue? (v. 13)
5) What did Jesus tell His disciples about the publican and how did he explain His statement (v.14)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) When you pray or fellowship with other believers, do you ever remind them of your good deeds or righteous acts? If so, why?
7) Have you ever believed yourself to be better than other believers? If so, why?
8) Do you believe that the Lord is impressed with your good deeds or righteous acts? If so, why?

LIFE LESSONS
9) Those who exalt themselves for approval from God, or others, will not earn anyone's approval.
10) The Lord, and His people, are more impressed by the humble in heart than with those who are self exalted.