Prayer That Prevails - Luke 18:14
True prayer requires humility and repentance, not pride and self-righteousness.
Bernard Fell preaches on the parable of the proud Pharisee and the humble Publican in Luke 18:14, emphasizing the importance of humility before God. He contrasts the self-righteousness of the Pharisee with the repentant heart of the Publican, showing that true justification comes from a contrite spirit. God exalts those who humble themselves before Him, while He abases the proud in heart and ways, revealing that our true nature is seen clearly in God's sight.
Text
Every one that exalteth himself shall be abased;
and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Luke 18:14
Two men resort to Temple court
With one desire to pray;
From diff'rent walks of life they came
By chance to meet that day.
The proud, self-righteous Pharisee
With feigned lips drew nigh;
His heart from God was far away,
And heav'n heard not his cry.
The Publican afar off stood
With mournful, downcast eyes;
Upon a trembling breast he smote--
"Here, Lord, the trouble lies!"
Yea, more than mercy he besought,
His plea could never fail,
"For me, a sinner in Thy sight,
O let the blood avail."
Which of the twain was justified
Before God's holy throne?
'Twas he with broken, contrite heart;
Jesus the truth made known.
The humble sinner who repents,
God from the pit will raise;
But He will punish and abase
The proud in heart and ways.
We are, you see, just what we are
In God's unsullied light;
Not what we say, or do, or pray,
In man's oft clouded sight!
Sermon Outline
- 'The Pharisee and the Publican: Two Approaches to Prayer'
- The Consequences of Pride and Humility
- The Importance of Humility in Prayer
- The Pharisee's Prayer is Rejected
- The Publican's Prayer is Accepted
Key Quotes
“Every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” — Bernard Fell
“Yea, more than mercy he besought, His plea could never fail, For me, a sinner in Thy sight, O let the blood avail.” — Bernard Fell
Application Points
- We must approach God with a humble and repentant heart, recognizing our sinfulness and seeking mercy.
- Pride and self-righteousness will lead to rejection and punishment, while humility and repentance will lead to acceptance and exaltation.
- Our words and actions are not what make us acceptable to God, but our heart's attitude and true seeking of mercy.