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9And He spoke this parable to certain ones who trusted in
themselves, that they were righteous, and despised others:
10Two men went up into the temple to
pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a tax-collector.
11The Pharisee stood and prayed within himself in this way:
God, I thank You that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers,
or even like this tax-collector.
12I fast twice on the Sabbath, I give tithes of all that
I possess.
13And standing afar off, the tax-collector would not even
lift up his eyes to Heaven, but struck on his breast, saying, God be merciful to me
a sinner!
14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified
rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself shall be abased, and he who
humbles himself shall be exalted.
MKJV |
- The Pharisee prayed within himself, he was proud and self-righteous believing
that he was a self made man.
- The Pharisee attempted to justify himself, by speaking of his service
to God, (fasting and tithing).
- It is not wrong to thank God and acknowledge that you have not been overcome by temptation,
however, it is wrong to exult yourself over another, thus also judging them. We all need
to walk in humility, for if we haven't committed the act physically, we possibly
have through our thoughts, Matthew 5:28.
- The Publican realized his condition compared to a holy God, simply
asked for mercy. This man went away being justified by God.
- Man is justified in the sight of God, only through the righteousness of
Jesus Christ; But, seek ye first the kingdom of God,
and His righteousness; and all these things shall be
added unto you,
Matthew 6:33.
- Men cannot be justified by their works;
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that
not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works,
lest any man should boast,
Ephesians 2:8-9.
For I say unto you, That except your righteousness
shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case
enter into the kingdom of heaven,
Matthew 5:20.
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