True Stories

Pt. 9: Humble Myself Before the Lord

By Louie Marsh, 10-6-2024

Intro Slides – last one think of yourself less.

1) I should never seek SELF- JUSTIFICATION.

9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: Luke 18:9 (ESV)

· The fatal flaw of self-justification is COMPARISON.

15 And he said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. Luke 16:15 (ESV)

4 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, Galatians 6:4 (NIV)

2) UNDERSTAND who these people were.

10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. Luke 18:10 (NIV)

· Pharisee = MORALLY RIGEROUS, RELIGIOUS CONSERVATIVE

· Tax Collector = TRAITOR, THIEF, OPPRESSOR.

3) Remember prayer is not TALKING to myself.

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.' Luke 18:11-12 (ESV)

A soliloquy with his own soul, a complacent recital of his own virtues for his own self-satisfaction, not fellowship with God, though he addresses God - Word Pictures in the New Testament.

Prayer for Strength of Self Image:

Lord, sometimes when I look in the mirror I'm not too happy with what I see. Please let me see me the way you made me, beautiful and perfect just as I am. Help me to hold this image in my mind and heart as I follow my life's path. Allow others to witness your light shining through me as I walk with confidence, grace and a smile on my face. Amen.

Louie's Prayer for S & S

Lord, every time I look in the mirror I'm disgusted and nauseated by what I see. Help me to endure the sight of what you've made me into – wrinkly and old and about as imperfect as a man can be. Help me to hold this gross image in my mind and heart as I follow Jesus. Allow others to witness your light shining through this mess as I walk with humility, grace and a crooked smile on my face. Above all help me to love Jesus far more than I love myself or anyone else. In Jesus Name, Amen.

4) Real prayer is UNVARNISHED honesty with God.

13 "But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, the sinner!' Luke 18:13 (NASB)

15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 1 Timothy 1:15 (ESV)

8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, Ephesians 3:8 (ESV)

5) When I humble myself before God He LIFTS ME UP.

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." Luke 18:14 (ESV)

8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, Philippians 2:8-9 (ESV)