Humility Before the Lord
Pastor Joseph Clark – October 15, 2025
Luke 18:9–14
“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector... For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Two Men, Two Hearts
Jesus spoke this parable to those who trusted in their own righteousness. The Pharisee proudly listed his good works, while the tax collector, broken and repentant, cried out, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
The Pharisee measured himself against others. The tax collector measured himself against God’s holiness. One was proud and blind; the other humble and forgiven.
We cannot earn salvation by our deeds—it is a gift received through repentance and faith. Christ transforms us not because we are worthy, but because He is merciful.
The Danger of Pride
Pride blinds us to sin. The Pharisee’s prayer was really self-praise. Yet Scripture reminds us that sin begins in the heart—anger, envy, and lust all reveal our need for grace.
True faith begins with humility. When we stop exalting ourselves, God can begin to exalt us in His way and time.
A Personal Lesson
Years ago, I lived for success and ego—E.G.O., Edging God Out. When pride collapsed under betrayal, I fell into despair. But one night, broken and hopeless, I cried out, “Lord Jesus Christ, save me.”
In that instant, the darkness lifted. God replaced my pride with peace and my emptiness with purpose. I learned that strength begins where self ends.
Emptying Ourselves
If we are full of ourselves, God cannot fill us. But when we humble ourselves, He pours His Spirit into us. The apostles modeled this humility—John never named himself, Luke never mentioned his name, and Matthew called himself “the tax collector.”
Let us follow Christ, who washed His disciples’ feet. Let humility mark our worship, our words, and even our frustrations.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your mercy. Empty us of pride and fill us with Your Spirit. May we walk humbly and bring glory to Your name.
In Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.
Pastor Joseph Clark – October 15, 2025
Luke 18:9–14
“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector... For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Two Men, Two Hearts
Jesus spoke this parable to those who trusted in their own righteousness. The Pharisee proudly listed his good works, while the tax collector, broken and repentant, cried out, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
The Pharisee measured himself against others. The tax collector measured himself against God’s holiness. One was proud and blind; the other humble and forgiven.
We cannot earn salvation by our deeds—it is a gift received through repentance and faith. Christ transforms us not because we are worthy, but because He is merciful.
The Danger of Pride
Pride blinds us to sin. The Pharisee’s prayer was really self-praise. Yet Scripture reminds us that sin begins in the heart—anger, envy, and lust all reveal our need for grace.
True faith begins with humility. When we stop exalting ourselves, God can begin to exalt us in His way and time.
A Personal Lesson
Years ago, I lived for success and ego—E.G.O., Edging God Out. When pride collapsed under betrayal, I fell into despair. But one night, broken and hopeless, I cried out, “Lord Jesus Christ, save me.”
In that instant, the darkness lifted. God replaced my pride with peace and my emptiness with purpose. I learned that strength begins where self ends.
Emptying Ourselves
If we are full of ourselves, God cannot fill us. But when we humble ourselves, He pours His Spirit into us. The apostles modeled this humility—John never named himself, Luke never mentioned his name, and Matthew called himself “the tax collector.”
Let us follow Christ, who washed His disciples’ feet. Let humility mark our worship, our words, and even our frustrations.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your mercy. Empty us of pride and fill us with Your Spirit. May we walk humbly and bring glory to Your name.
In Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.
Humility Before the Lord
Pastor Joseph Clark – October 15, 2025
Luke 18:9–14
“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector... For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Two Men, Two Hearts
Jesus spoke this parable to those who trusted in their own righteousness. The Pharisee proudly listed his good works, while the tax collector, broken and repentant, cried out, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
The Pharisee measured himself against others. The tax collector measured himself against God’s holiness. One was proud and blind; the other humble and forgiven.
We cannot earn salvation by our deeds—it is a gift received through repentance and faith. Christ transforms us not because we are worthy, but because He is merciful.
The Danger of Pride
Pride blinds us to sin. The Pharisee’s prayer was really self-praise. Yet Scripture reminds us that sin begins in the heart—anger, envy, and lust all reveal our need for grace.
True faith begins with humility. When we stop exalting ourselves, God can begin to exalt us in His way and time.
A Personal Lesson
Years ago, I lived for success and ego—E.G.O., Edging God Out. When pride collapsed under betrayal, I fell into despair. But one night, broken and hopeless, I cried out, “Lord Jesus Christ, save me.”
In that instant, the darkness lifted. God replaced my pride with peace and my emptiness with purpose. I learned that strength begins where self ends.
Emptying Ourselves
If we are full of ourselves, God cannot fill us. But when we humble ourselves, He pours His Spirit into us. The apostles modeled this humility—John never named himself, Luke never mentioned his name, and Matthew called himself “the tax collector.”
Let us follow Christ, who washed His disciples’ feet. Let humility mark our worship, our words, and even our frustrations.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your mercy. Empty us of pride and fill us with Your Spirit. May we walk humbly and bring glory to Your name.
In Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.
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