Why did you show up?

Key Question: Why do we show up? What drives our spiritual actions?

1. Their Standing (Luke 18:9;13):

• The Right Thing to Bring: Only Christ brings us into good standing with God.
• Misconception:
  • The Pharisee relied on self-righteous acts and public recognition.
  • He used prayer as a performance rather than worship.
  • Truth: The church or personal deeds don’t establish righteousness—only Christ does.
• Contrast:
  • The publican’s humility vs. the Pharisee’s pride.
  • The publican’s inability to even look up, overwhelmed by guilt.
• Reflection:
  • What do we rely on to approach God?
  • Pride vs. Pardon: What’s the posture of our hearts?

2. Their Sayings (Luke 18:11;13):

• The Pharisee:
  • Addressed God, but his focus was on himself.
  • His prayer was full of self-praise and judgment of others.
  • CAUTION: It’s possible to “pray” but actually talk to yourself instead of God.
    • Passion for self’s agenda instead of God’s.
    • Emphasis on “my will” instead of “Thy will.”
• The Publican:
  • Genuine humility in prayer—acknowledging his sin and seeking mercy.
  • His focus was on God, not himself or others.
• Application:
  • Church’s purpose:
    • Helps us get right with God.
    • It’s not for correcting others; God has designated pastors for teaching and guiding.

3. Their Separation:

• Outcome of Wrong Reasons:
  • The Pharisee left unchanged and empty.
  • Pride leads to spiritual stagnation.
• Outcome of Right Reasons:
  • The sinner left justified and satisfied.
  • Humility and sincerity bring transformation.
• Reflection:
  • Living the Christian life the wrong way: focusing on others’ faults, superficial acts.
  • Quotes to ponder:
    • Mark Twain: “Why don’t you stay here, and keep [the Ten Commandments]?”
    • Gandhi: “The reason I’m not a Christian is because of the other Christians.”

Conclusion:

1. Why Do We Come?
   • Examine our motivations for attending church and approaching God.
2. What Do We Do When We Leave?
   • Carry humility and seek to grow spiritually.
3. How Must We Return?
   • With a heart ready to seek God’s will and glorify Him.

Final Thought: True worship and connection with God require humility, sincerity, and reliance on Christ—not ourselves. Let’s approach Him the right way.