Expository Thoughts On Luke - Luke 18:9-14
J.C. Ryle teaches that true prayer must be marked by humility and self-knowledge, warning against the sin of self-righteousness exemplified by the Pharisee in Luke 18:9-14.
In this expository sermon on Luke 18:9-14, J.C. Ryle explores the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, emphasizing the dangers of self-righteousness and the importance of humility in prayer. He contrasts the proud prayer of the Pharisee with the humble plea of the tax collector, urging believers to seek true self-knowledge and repentance. Ryle’s teaching challenges Christians to examine their hearts and approach God with genuine penitence and faith.
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PARABLE OF THE PHARISEE AND THE TAX COLLECTOR
The parable we have now read is closely connected with the one which immediately precedes it. The parable of the persevering widow teaches the value of importunity in prayer. The parable of the Pharisee and tax-collector teaches the spirit which should pervade our prayers. The first parable encourages us to pray and faint not. The second parable reminds us how and in what manner we ought to pray. Both should be often pondered by every true Christian.
Let us notice, firstly, the sin against which our Lord Jesus Christ warns us in these verses. There is no difficulty in finding out this. Luke tells us expressly, that "He spoke this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others." The sin which our Lord denounces is "self-righteousness."
We are all naturally self-righteous. It is the family-disease of all the children of Adam. From the highest to the lowest we think more highly of ourselves than we ought to do. We secretly flatter ourselves that we are not so bad as some, and that we have something to recommend us to the favor of God. "Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness." (Prov. 20:6.) We forget the plain testimony of Scripture, "In many things we offend all." "There is not a just man upon earth, that does good and sins not"--"What is man that he should be clean, or he that is born of a woman that he should be righteous?" (James 3:2. Eccles. 7:20. Job 15:14.)
The true cure for self-righteousness is self-knowledge. Once let the eyes of our understanding be opened by the Spirit, and we shall talk no more of our own goodness. Once let us see what there is in our own hearts, and what the holy law of God requires, and self-conceit will die. We shall lay our hand on our mouths, and cry with the leper, "Unclean, unclean." (Levit. 13:45.)
Let us notice, secondly, in these verses, the prayer of the Pharisee, which our Lord condemns. We read that he said, "God, I thank you that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax-collector. I fast twice in the week. I give tithes of all I possess."
One great defect stands out on the face of this prayer--a defect so glaring that even a child might mark it. It exhibits no sense of sin and need. It contains no confession and no petition--no acknowledgment of guilt and emptiness--no supplication for mercy and grace. It is a mere boasting recital of fancied merits, accompanied by an uncharitable reflection on a brother sinner. It is a proud, high-minded profession, destitute alike of penitence, humility, and charity. In short, it hardly deserves to be called a prayer at all.
No state of soul can be conceived so dangerous as that of the Pharisee. Never are men\
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to the parable and its connection to prayer
- The parable contrasts the spirit of prayer with the value of persistence
- Both parables should be pondered by true Christians
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II
- The sin condemned: self-righteousness
- Self-righteousness is a universal human condition
- Scriptural evidence of universal sinfulness
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III
- The Pharisee's prayer as an example of pride and lack of true repentance
- The absence of confession, petition, and humility in the Pharisee's prayer
- The danger of a proud and uncharitable spirit
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IV
- The cure for self-righteousness is self-knowledge
- The Spirit’s role in opening the eyes of understanding
- True prayer involves recognizing our sinfulness and crying out for mercy
Key Quotes
“The sin which our Lord denounces is "self-righteousness.” — J.C. Ryle
“One great defect stands out on the face of this prayer--a defect so glaring that even a child might mark it. It exhibits no sense of sin and need.” — J.C. Ryle
“The true cure for self-righteousness is self-knowledge.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Examine your heart regularly to guard against self-righteousness in prayer.
- Approach God with humility, confessing your sins and recognizing your need for mercy.
- Persist in prayer with the right spirit, combining perseverance with genuine repentance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main sin addressed in this sermon?
The main sin addressed is self-righteousness, where individuals trust in their own goodness and despise others.
How does J.C. Ryle describe the Pharisee's prayer?
He describes it as a proud, boasting recital lacking confession, humility, and charity, and therefore not truly a prayer.
What is the cure for self-righteousness according to the sermon?
The cure is self-knowledge, opened by the Spirit, which leads to humility and recognition of one’s sinfulness.
Why should Christians ponder both parables mentioned?
Because one teaches persistence in prayer and the other teaches the proper spirit and manner in which to pray.
What biblical examples are used to illustrate universal sinfulness?
Scriptures like James 3:2, Ecclesiastes 7:20, and Job 15:14 are cited to show that no one is righteous on their own.