The Three Rs of Pressing On: Relationship
Daily Bible Studies for the Week of February 16, 2009
This Week’s Scripture: Luke 18:9-14 NLT
9Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: 10“Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! 12I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’
13“But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ 14I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Monday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray that You will always remind me that there is a God and I am not Him. I pray that You will keep me mindful of Your holiness, majesty and greatness, that I will not have confidence in my own righteousness, but only in Yours! This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
9Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: Luke 18:9 NLT
Why would Jesus tell a story to such a group of people?
What does this tell us about the kinds of people that Jesus cared about?
Today’s Challenge: I will remember the greatness of God, so I won’t think of myself as being better than others!
Tuesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, in Jesus’ day people were divided by race, occupation, whether they were sinners or righteous. Today, we still divide people into categories based on our situations and assumptions. I pray that You will empower me not to consider anyone as less than myself, but always to honor You by honoring others. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
10“Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. Luke 18:9 NLT
What do we know already about this story?
Why would Jesus call a person “despised”?
Today’s Challenge: I will not be a “respecter of persons,” but will treat all with the love of Jesus!
Wednesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray that You will give me the humility never to come to You in prayer assuming that I deserve anything. Remind me that all that I am and have is a gift from You. Glorify Yourself in my life today, by empowering me to live in peace and humility toward others. This I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
11The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! Luke 18:11 NLT
What stands out about the Pharisee’s prayer?
Do you think he saw himself as righteous? Why or Why not?
Today’s Challenge: I will exercise humility in my prayer life!
Thursday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, show me today and always that what I do is never a matter of whether I am righteousness. My righteousness comes from what Jesus has done on the cross. Keep me steadfast in my relationship with You that I may enjoy true righteousness. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
12I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ Luke 18:12 NLT
What is the Pharisee trying to say to go through rehearsing his good deeds?
What do you think of such a prayer? Why?
Today’s Challenge: I will remind myself of what God has done for me, not what I have done for God!
Friday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me the attitude of the tax collector. Let me recognize that I don’t have a right to look toward heaven, except through Jesus. Keep me ever mindful of the cost of my righteousness—the blood of Jesus. This I pray in His name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
13“But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ Luke 18:13 NLT
What was the attitude of the tax collector?
How did it differ from that of the Pharisee?
Today’s Challenge: I will remember that except for the grace of God I am just like the tax collector!
Saturday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want to be justified before You in this moment and in every moment until I see You face to face. Keep me ever in Your Spirit and glorify Yourself in my thoughts, words and actions, that others may see You in me and give You praise. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
14I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:14 NLT
What is the point of this parable?
What do you need to do to apply in your life today?
Today’s Challenge: I will humble myself before the Lord, so that in the end He will exalt me!