What qualifies you? (sermon audio: Luke 18:9-14)

Earlier this week I read this quote from an essay written by 18th century Baptist theologian Andrew Fuller: “There is, perhaps, no temptation more common among religious people than to think too highly of themselves on account of their advantages.” By “their advantages” Fuller is referring to the advantages that our religion brings to us: hearing the Word of God, gathering in corporate worship, taking part in the sacraments, etc. Taking part in these activities, Fuller warns, can (ironically) cause us to think too highly of ourselves.

This religious arrogance is on full display in Luke 18:9-14 and the parable Jesus tells about the Pharisee and tax collector. May the Lord humble our hearts even as we engage in the disciplines and rituals of our religion.

You can listen to the sermon audio on Apple podcasts here or you can listen on Spotify here.

Luke 18:9-14 – He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘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.’ 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!’ 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.”