Attitude Adjustment: Week 3/ Luke 18:9-14

Open your Bible to Luke 18:9-14 and join us as we conclude our series, Attitude Adjustment!
<script src="https://www.buzzsprout.com/103411/864658-attitude-adjustment-week-3-luke-18-9-14.js?player=small" type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script>

Date: November 18, 2018
Speaker:  Jason Jordan
Series: Attitude Adjustment

Watch the archived Facebook LIVE stream by clicking the button below!

Pastor’s Comment

Thank you so much for listening in here at West Side. We often say that we love the word of God because it points us to the son of God. We hope these messages encourage you and equip you to love Jesus more. We also want you to be apart of a local church, we believe these messages are only supplemental, being apart of a local church is essential. Blessings.

Jason G Jordan

Lead Pastor, West Side Church

Sermon Notes

Attitude Adjustment Week 3 Luke 18:9-14

REVIEW>

      • “My attitude is the lens through which I look at life.”
      • “A complaining attitude is cured by a content heart.”

*ILL> I want to start off this week with an illustration that I have told before. Imagine that I want to do something for my wife to express my love for her. I buy her flowers, I clean the house, I finish all the honey do lists. When I present her with these gifts and she asks me why I have done this. I say, “I just love you. I love your blonde hair, your blue eyes, your fair skin.” There is just one problem…. I have viewed her wrongly.

APP> My attitude, the lens through which i was viewing my wife was wrong. That’s a pretty big deal… Which is really the thrust of our text today and where I want us to end this series. With the most important aspects of our attitudes:

Big Idea > The most important attitude in my life is my attitude towards God.

APP> This is by far the most crucial attitude that we can have. Why because it affects everything!

      • “And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27
      • My attitude towards God affects my attitude towards others.

APP> Do you see how massively important this is? I think there are many ways that people view God that affects how they live.

Common Views of God:

      • Rule maker
      • Puppet master
      • Genie
      • Urgent Care Physician
      • Big man upstairs

CONTEXT> In our passage today, Jesus gives us two attitudes. He tells a story, and or a parable. An earthly story that communicates an eternal truth. And he has a certain audience in mind, the Pharisees. Luke tells us in v9, the purpose behind it, “those who trusted in themselves and treated other people with contempt.

APP> We will see two types of attitudes in this passage.

  1. A religious attitude:
          • Now I need to clear something up here. The word religion isn’t a bad word. It comes from the Latin word meaning “To bind yourself to.” The Bible uses it, in a positive light.
          • I am using it in the negative light and how Jesus is describing it in v9.
          • Religion- my goodness earns God’s favor.
  1. Focuses on the outside. “One a Pharisee” When we read it nowadays, it’s like it’s a bad word. These guys where the best of the best, if these two where running for office, we would pick the pharisee. Jesus would condemn them later and say that they where “white washed tombs” *ILL> Working at a funeral home, preparing bodies. Pretty on the outside… dead on the inside.
  2. Preys for prominence. “standing by himself, prays to himself” That’s spelt right.Thats literally what the original language means! It means that he caused a scene, took his place and prayed to be heard. He says God’s name once and says “I” 5 times! APP> So who is he really praying to? Who does he really love?
  3. Looks down on others. “I thank you that I am not like…” Wow… it’s hard to even read that! Is this even true gratefulness? APP> We use the phrase here alot, “those people”.It’s hard to look up to God when you are looking down on others.  Often times when we say “I’m different” we actually mean “I’m better”.
  4. Keeps Score. “I fast, I give,…” the only way that you can look down on others is by keeping score. It’s by comparing.*ILL> Tape Measure, sizing people up.  Also, if you look at the Mosaic law, he is adding to it. God didn’t demand these things, he is adding to them and saying, “Since I do extra, I deserve extra.” APP> This is cancerous among Christians!

APP> Ultimately a religious attitude is a rebellious attitude.We can rebel by “keeping the rules”

2) A repentant attitude:

        • If we defined religion we need to define repentance as well. Repentance is turning from sin and trusting in Christ.
  1. Focuses on the inside. “tax collector” Now Jesus shows us the second character in his parable. This would have been extremely controversial. Tax collectors were disposed by Jews people but Jesus is making a point. (read the text and gasp) APP> Remorse vs Repentance. Remorse is sorrowful about the consequence. Repentance is sorrowful about the person who was hurt.
  2. Knows where it stands. “standing far off” This man in the parable feels so unworthy, why? The english doesn’t do it justice here but he actually says, “God be merciful to me THE sinner..” APP> Why is Jesus showing us this? Religious people are blinded by their own self. You never have to tell a person who is truly broken.. that they are broken.
  3. Begs for payment. “be merciful to me” oh man… there is a lot going on here. Again, notice that the religious person doesn’t really ask God for anything? Why because he doesn’t need it, he is keeping score. This man, isn’t just asking for mercy… he is asking for God to pay his debt. The word he uses for “mercy” isn the normal word. He uses the word ἱλάσκομαι hilaskomai . It’s used only one other time in the bible in Hebrews 2:17 “For this reason he had to be made like them,[a] fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.” APP> This changes everything, he isn’t asking God to just forgive his sins… he is asking God to PAY for them, because he cannot.
  4. Receives approval. “went away justified” This is a bog deal what Jesus says here! The word that he uses, in the original language mean that he received approval from God. not from what he did but because of what God did. The word is in the perfect participle passive. Passive because it was something that God did for him, perfect because he will remain that way!

Close> “This parable teaches, among other things, that the decisive thing is not the past record, whether good or bad, but the present attitude towards God. Every moment before God is an opportunity to have life determined by the future rather than the past.” NICNT, Luke, Norval Geldenhuys pg 453

Big Idea > The most important attitude in my life is my attitude towards God.

APPLICATION>

      • What lens are you viewing God through?
      • How is this affecting the way you live your life?
      • How is this view of God affecting your view of people?

Corporate Prayer:

“Almighty God, I confess that I have viewed you wrongly. I confess that at times, I have tried to earn your favor in my life by my good works. I confess all the wrong that I have done and turn to embrace Jesus Christ our Lord.

Father, I confess that I can not change myself. I ask that through the power of your Holy Spirit that you would renew my mind, soften my heart and strength my hands for the work of your kingdom.

I receive by faith the grace that you offer through your son, Jesus Christ. I pray like the tax collector, “God, be merciful to me, the sinner!”

May I hear and believe the words of Jesus Christ, “You are forgiven!”

Amen!”

Portions of this sermon and series adapted from the book “Lord, Change my attitude before it’s too late!” Dr. James Macdonald.

More Sermons

Advent – Joy – John 18:15-19

Advent – Joy – John 18:15-19

Between Two Advents – Week 2 – Luke 2:8-21

Between Two Advents – Week 2 – Luke 2:8-21

Recycling Grace Women’s Center – John 4:27-29

Recycling Grace Women’s Center – John 4:27-29

Father’s Day 2023 | The Godly Father: 1 Corinth 4:14-17

Father’s Day 2023 | The Godly Father: 1 Corinth 4:14-17

Stack the Stones | Joshua 4:1-24

Stack the Stones | Joshua 4:1-24

Motherhood at the Cross | John 19:25-27

Motherhood at the Cross | John 19:25-27

The Well of the Heart – James 1:19-27

The Well of the Heart – James 1:19-27

Christmas Eve |  John 1:14 & 16

Christmas Eve | John 1:14 & 16

Prepare Him Room | Advent Week 3: John 1:19-34

Prepare Him Room | Advent Week 3: John 1:19-34

Prepare Him Room – Advent Week 2 – Matthew 3:1-12

Prepare Him Room – Advent Week 2 – Matthew 3:1-12

Prepare Him Room – Luke 1:5-24 – Advent

Prepare Him Room – Luke 1:5-24 – Advent

What is Your Story? Luke 5:1-11

What is Your Story? Luke 5:1-11

Lessons From 8 Years of Ministry

Lessons From 8 Years of Ministry

Pentecost Sunday – A Sunday to Celebrate!

Pentecost Sunday – A Sunday to Celebrate!

Trusting God in Transitions

Trusting God in Transitions

ADVENT | Week 6 | But Wait, There’s More! | Matthew 2:1-12

ADVENT | Week 6 | But Wait, There’s More! | Matthew 2:1-12

ADVENT | Week 5 | Matthew 1:18-25 | John 1:1-5,14

ADVENT | Week 5 | Matthew 1:18-25 | John 1:1-5,14

ADVENT | Week 4 | PEACE | John 14:25-31

ADVENT | Week 4 | PEACE | John 14:25-31

ADVENT | Week 3 | JOY | John 16:16-24

ADVENT | Week 3 | JOY | John 16:16-24

ADVENT | Week 2 | Love

ADVENT | Week 2 | Love

ADVENT | Week 1 | HOPE | Titus 2:11-15

ADVENT | Week 1 | HOPE | Titus 2:11-15

Thanksgiving 2021 | John 13:1-17

Thanksgiving 2021 | John 13:1-17

Wrath, Remnant, and Hope | Isaiah 10:20-11:9

Wrath, Remnant, and Hope | Isaiah 10:20-11:9

EASTER | 2021

EASTER | 2021

GOOD FRIDAY | 2021

GOOD FRIDAY | 2021

PALM SUNDAY | Matthew 21:1-11

PALM SUNDAY | Matthew 21:1-11

Ben Hardman | Family | John 19:25-27

Ben Hardman | Family | John 19:25-27

A NEW YEAR WITHOUT FEAR | 2 Timothy 1:1-7

A NEW YEAR WITHOUT FEAR | 2 Timothy 1:1-7

I WILL… | A New Year’s Sermon | Habakkuk 3:16-19

I WILL… | A New Year’s Sermon | Habakkuk 3:16-19

An Antioch Moment | Honoring and Sending Parker and Lindsey Williams

An Antioch Moment | Honoring and Sending Parker and Lindsey Williams

From Hostility to Unity | Ephesians 2:11-22

From Hostility to Unity | Ephesians 2:11-22

Weary Yet Still Worshiping | Isaiah 40:28-31

Weary Yet Still Worshiping | Isaiah 40:28-31

NEW IS NEVER NORMAL: Mark 2:18-22

NEW IS NEVER NORMAL: Mark 2:18-22

Mother’s Day 2020 | A Model for Motherhood | Luke 1

Mother’s Day 2020 | A Model for Motherhood | Luke 1

Jesus and Germs | Matthew 6:25-34

Jesus and Germs | Matthew 6:25-34

Summer Playlist: Psalm 129 | Lament

Summer Playlist: Psalm 129 | Lament

Crossroads Testimonies

Crossroads Testimonies

The Hand Off | 2 Timothy 1:1-7 Mother’s Day 2019

The Hand Off | 2 Timothy 1:1-7 Mother’s Day 2019

5 Imperatives for the Church

5 Imperatives for the Church

What Now? – Easter at the Coliseum

What Now? – Easter at the Coliseum

The Worshiping Church | Colossians 3:15-17

The Worshiping Church | Colossians 3:15-17

Attitude Adjustment: Week 3/ Luke 18:9-14

Attitude Adjustment: Week 3/ Luke 18:9-14

Attitude Adjustment: Week 2/ Numbers 11:1-15

Attitude Adjustment: Week 2/ Numbers 11:1-15

Attitude Adjustment: Week 1/ Philippians 2:1-11

Attitude Adjustment: Week 1/ Philippians 2:1-11

Beautifully Broken/ 2 Corinthians 4:7-9

Beautifully Broken/ 2 Corinthians 4:7-9

One and Many: Part Seven/ 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13

One and Many: Part Seven/ 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13

One and Many: Part Six/ Hebrews 2:1-4

One and Many: Part Six/ Hebrews 2:1-4

One and Many: Part Five/ Romans 12:3-8

One and Many: Part Five/ Romans 12:3-8

One and Many: Part Four/ 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

One and Many: Part Four/ 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

One and Many: Part Two/ Ephesians 4:1-16

One and Many: Part Two/ Ephesians 4:1-16

One and Many: Part Two/ Ephesians 4:1-13

One and Many: Part Two/ Ephesians 4:1-13

One and Many: Part One/ Ephesians 4:1-6

One and Many: Part One/ Ephesians 4:1-6

Entrusted and Empowered: Luke 12:35-48

Entrusted and Empowered: Luke 12:35-48

The Word of God: 1 Kings 22:1-40

The Word of God: 1 Kings 22:1-40

Break It Down: Everyone/ John 3:1-21

Break It Down: Everyone/ John 3:1-21

Break It Down: Paying/ Isaiah 52:13- 53:12

Break It Down: Paying/ Isaiah 52:13- 53:12

Break It Down: Life/ 1 Corinthians 15:1-2

Break It Down: Life/ 1 Corinthians 15:1-2

Break It Down: OUR SINS / Genesis 3:1-24

Break It Down: OUR SINS / Genesis 3:1-24

Break It Down: GOD/ Acts 17:22-34

Break It Down: GOD/ Acts 17:22-34

The Inventory of Assurance: Luke 23:32-43

The Inventory of Assurance: Luke 23:32-43

A Child of God/ 1 John 3:1-3

A Child of God/ 1 John 3:1-3

Grateful for Grace

Grateful for Grace

Baptism: Matthew 3:13-17

Baptism: Matthew 3:13-17

The Women who followed Jesus

The Women who followed Jesus

The Will of God

The Will of God

Daniel: In Review

Daniel: In Review

Daniel: Our Faith and God’s Faithfulness

Daniel: Our Faith and God’s Faithfulness

Daniel: Arrogance and Awesomeness

Daniel: Arrogance and Awesomeness

Daniel: Pride and Humility

Daniel: Pride and Humility

What If? | Easter 2018

What If? | Easter 2018

Daniel: The Pressure and the Precious

Daniel: The Pressure and the Precious

Daniel: The Temporary and the Eternal

Daniel: The Temporary and the Eternal

Daniel: The Foolish and The Wise

Daniel: The Foolish and The Wise

Daniel: Holiness & Worldliness

Daniel: Holiness & Worldliness

Daniel: Strategy and Identity

Daniel: Strategy and Identity

The Purpose of Marriage

The Purpose of Marriage

Daniel: History and Sovereignty

Daniel: History and Sovereignty

How God Works

How God Works

Jesus Uncensored: Jesus and True Christianity

Jesus Uncensored: Jesus and True Christianity

Jesus Uncensored: Jesus and Judging

Jesus Uncensored: Jesus and Judging

Jesus Uncensored: Jesus and Anxiety

Jesus Uncensored: Jesus and Anxiety

Jesus Uncensored: Living a Kingdom Life/ Recap

Jesus Uncensored: Living a Kingdom Life/ Recap

Christmas Carols: The New Song

Christmas Carols: The New Song

Christmas Carols: Simeon’s Song

Christmas Carols: Simeon’s Song

Christmas Carols: The Angel’s Song

Christmas Carols: The Angel’s Song

Christmas Carols: Zechariah’s Song

Christmas Carols: Zechariah’s Song

Christmas Carols: Mary’s Song

Christmas Carols: Mary’s Song

Jesus Uncensored: Jesus and Wealth

Jesus Uncensored: Jesus and Wealth

Jesus Uncensored: Jesus and Fasting

Jesus Uncensored: Jesus and Fasting

Jesus Uncensored: Jesus and Prayer

Jesus Uncensored: Jesus and Prayer

Jesus Uncensored: Jesus and Generosity

Jesus Uncensored: Jesus and Generosity

Jesus Uncensored: Jesus, Retaliation and Love.

Jesus Uncensored: Jesus, Retaliation and Love.

Jesus Uncensored: Jesus and Integrity

Jesus Uncensored: Jesus and Integrity

Jesus Uncensored: Jesus, Marriage, Divorce and The Gospel

Jesus Uncensored: Jesus, Marriage, Divorce and The Gospel

Jesus Uncensored: Jesus and Lust

Jesus Uncensored: Jesus and Lust

Jesus Uncensored: Jesus and Anger

Jesus Uncensored: Jesus and Anger

Jesus Uncensored: Jesus and The Bible

Jesus Uncensored: Jesus and The Bible

Jesus Uncensored: Jesus and Influence

Jesus Uncensored: Jesus and Influence

Jesus Uncensored: Kingdom Characteristics (Part Two)

Jesus Uncensored: Kingdom Characteristics (Part Two)

Jesus Uncensored: Kingdom Characteristics (Part One)

Jesus Uncensored: Kingdom Characteristics (Part One)

Jesus Uncensored: The King’s Invitation to Kingdom Life

Jesus Uncensored: The King’s Invitation to Kingdom Life