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  KNOW YOURSELF
  by John Wesley
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Summary: The sermon emphasizes the importance of self-reflection,
recognizing our own sinfulness, and seeking God's mercy and grace.

Topics: "Humility", "Self-Awareness"
Scripture References: Luke 18:11

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DESCRIPTION
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John Wesley emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and humility in
his sermon 'Know Yourself.' He contrasts the self-righteousness of the
Pharisee with the genuine repentance of the tax collector, urging
listeners to reflect on their own lives and recognize their need for
God's mercy. Wesley highlights that many outside of prison may be just
as sinful as those incarcerated, yet they often fail to see their need
for a Savior. He encourages honest introspection and the question, 'How
goes it with your soul?' to foster a deeper understanding of oneself in
relation to God.

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CONTENT
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The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: "God, I thank you that I
am not like other men-- robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like
this tax collector.' Luke 18:11 Just like the Pharisee, we often like to
stand apart or to separate ourselves from others. Sometimes we are, like
the Pharisee, aware of the sin in others and perhaps even thankful that
we are "not like them." But who or what are you like? What do others see
in you that they are thankful they do not see in themselves?

Read the last sentence again and spend some time in quiet and honest
reflection. One day, after a gospel meeting in a prison, the chief of
chaplains of the prisons was discussing with the preacher the wonderful
response by the prisoners to the message of the Gospel: "When you deal
with prisoners, you do not need to persuade them that they are sinners.
Their imprisonment is a proof of it. But there are many out of jail who
should be in, and because they are out they argue all is well with them
and they need no Savior."

Is everything well with you? "How goes it with your soul" is a question
John Wesley encouraged the early Methodist people to ask of each other.
Luke says that Jesus told this parable to people who were sure of their
own goodness and despised everybody else and in his notes Wesley
comments: "he spake this parable - not to hypocrites; the Pharisee here
mentioned was no hypocrite, no more than an outward adulterer: but he
sincerely trusted in himself that he was righteous, and accordingly told
God so, in the prayer which none but God heard.

The publican standing afar off would not so much as lift up his eyes to
heaven - touched with shame." Do you know yourself in the way the tax
collector knew himself? Might I in thy sight appear, As the publican
distressed, Stand, not daring to draw near, Smite on my unworthy breast,
Groan the sinner's only plea, God, be merciful to me! (98)

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/john-wesley/know-yourself/
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