God Accepts the Humble but Rejects the Self-Righteous

This sermon is based on Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9–14) — a powerful message about humility, repentance, and true righteousness.

Jesus contrasts two hearts: one filled with pride and self-righteousness, and another broken and honest before God.

The Pharisee represents those who rely on their own religious achievements. He thanks God not for mercy, but for being “better than others.” His prayer reveals pride, comparison, and distance from God.

The tax collector, on the other hand, stands far away and humbly prays:

“God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

This simple cry shows deep awareness of sin and total dependence on God’s grace.

Jesus concludes:

“I tell you, this man went home justified rather than the other.”

God lifts up the humble and resists the proud.

🕊 Main Message:

God accepts those with humble, repentant hearts and resists those who trust in their own righteousness.

💡 Key truths:

Self-righteousness blinds the soul.

Humility opens the door to God’s grace.

Justification is a gift of mercy, not a reward for deeds.

Those who humble themselves will be exalted.

📖 Key passages:

Luke 18:9–14, Psalm 51:17, Isaiah 57:15, Romans 3:23–24

🙏 Call to Action:

Ask yourself — are you like the Pharisee, trusting your own goodness, or like the tax collector, crying out for mercy?

God isn’t looking for perfection — He’s looking for honesty and repentance.

🎯 Tags:

#Sermon #PhariseeAndTaxCollector #GospelOfLuke #Repentance #Humility #GraceOfGod #GNCChurch