+DEV+ How Do I Gain Righteousness?

Date: April 17, 2013 10:10 PM
Topic: +DEV+  How Do I Gain Righteousness?

How Do I Gain Righteousness?

"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'" (Luke 18:13)
Scripture Focus: Luke 18:9-14

Jesus reveals that there are two ways to attain righteousness. The Pharisee looks to attain righteousness from the outside in, while the tax collector looks to be made righteous from the inside out. The key to the parable is noticing that the Pharisee has his eyes on everyone else, but the tax collector is overtaken by his own sinful condition. He is looking only at his own self.

Literally, the tax collector says, "God, make propitiation for me, the sinner!" This sinful man is not just asking for pity and compassion; he is begging for someone to atone for His sin. He is not a sinner on a scale of sinners, some better, some worse. He is simply the sinner. No excuses, no alibis, no justifications, no comparisons!

We tend to think that Jesus Christ is in the business of making good people better when, in fact, He came to call sinners to repentance. We can try with everything we have to make ourselves look righteous to others. But there is only one thing we can take to God by faith ˆ our sin!

Insight: When we take our place as sinner, He takes His place as Savior!




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.