Discussion Questions

Sermon Overview 

Come to God, trusting not in yourself, but in Jesus. God's saving mercy and grace are only for those who know they don't deserve it.

Digging Deeper    

Read Luke 18:9-14

1. In our passage, the Pharisee comes to God trusting in himself (and how good he is). Where do we see this in the text?

2. What are subtle or obvious ways we can trust ourselves instead of Jesus?

3. “Whenever we feel God does not love us because we have failed, we have adopted the Pharisee's approach.” Do you experience this? If so, how can you respond to these feelings? How can we help each other?

4. One of the ways Pharisee-like self-righteousness reveals itself is in a propensity to treat others with contempt (cf. v.9b). Reflect on some of the words (and tone) you have used with others around you in the past. Do you see any supporting evidence that you may have, at times, been guilty of treating others with contempt?  What heart-level attitudes might such words reveal? 

5. How tempted are you to compare yourself with others to determine how good or bad you are? A lot? A little? Something else?

6. What’s the problem with assessing yourself based on comparison to others?

7. How easy is it to view yourself like the tax collector, claiming no righteousness of your own?

8. It was said in the sermon, “... we are all far more sinful than we think. And it is only when we grasp this that we can receive the good news.” What was meant by this?  Do you agree?       

9. How might we use this parable (and the truths it teaches) to engage with unbelievers about the good news of the Gospel?  

10. What one specific application from this passage might God want you to consider and take with you into the week ahead?  Please share. 

Prayer