Introduction: How many of you know that “being GOOD” does not get a person to heaven? In fact, in Luke’s gospel, we read just that. Our Lord Jesus Christ tells this account of two men in a parable. Does Jesus see you as PRIDEFUL or HUMBLE?

1. A GOOD man went to the temple to Pray!

“10Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 11The 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. 12I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.” (Luke 18:10-12)

Granted, it is good to go to Church and pray. But often, if we are not careful, we can go to Church and fault-find others.
Or show up with a bad Attitude and leave with a worse Attitude. 

Honesty, because of our need for a GOOD SELF IMAGE, we have a tendency to brag about ourselves in a subtle way, or tell of all the good things we are doing, rather than focus on our flaws and faults. Furthermore, instead of seeing ourselves as Jesus sees us and repenting, we put on a front to be humble. 

However, this can be a major blunder when it comes to growing spiritually. The way UP is DOWN!

Humility is a trait that Jesus works in us as we become less dependent upon ourselves and more dependent upon His GRACE and MERCY toward us. Humility is the fruit of being BROKEN through adversity in this life. But eventually, remember….when we decrease, Jesus increases!

2. A BAD man was Justified!

“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.” (Luke 18:13)

By the way, there is a “superficial” humility that is going around today. Some people pray humble prayers but their actions reveal the secret PRIDE that lurks underneath the surface, i.e. trying to impress others because of our inability to fight against SIN, and thus succumb to our FLESHLY APPETITES. Feeling convicted and guilty, we pray a self renunciation type of prayer to make us feel better, the whole time unwilling to make the changes the Holy Spirit calls for.

3. A Sinless SAVIOR gives the evaluation of the two men.

“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.” (Luke 18:14)

There is a “Spirit” of the Pharisees among us today. While the dress is different, the legalism is the same. People do not tell you they are going to heaven because of their GOOD works but their PRACTICE shows it! It is not necessarily what they DO, but rather it is what they DO NOT do! By that meaning, there is NO real surrender of their hearts or will to the will of God. Others tell you what they DO NOT do (smoke, drink, etc.). But the question is do they give Jesus control of their life (time, Church, money, family, service, etc.).

How many IDOLS have we accumulated, but guard them with our life! Be honest.