The Good. The Bad. The Justified.
From Pastor Juan
“Suppose you were to die today and stand before God and he were to say to you, ‘Why should I let you into my heaven?’ what would you say?”
How would you answer that question. What is the basis of God accepting you into heaven? In the parable, Jesus exposes the most common answer – “You must be a good person.” This is the answer that the major religions of the world offer. But Jesus reveals that for those who hold that view, there will be a shocking reversal on the last day. God justifies the ungodly who humbly rely on God’s mercy instead of proudly relying on their own righteousness.
The Good. The good is the “morally upright person.” The person who relies on himself. How do you know you’re relying on self? You make much of yourself, and you look down on others (v.9). In other words, self-righteousness leads to self-exaltation. Self-righteousness is deceptive, and it is damning.
The Bad. The point is not that God accepts bad people over good people. The point is that we’re all bade and deserve God’s judgment. The question is, “Do you recognize that you are bad or are you too busy judging others? If we’re to have any hope, we must recognize our unrighteousness and humble ourselves.
The Justified. What does it look like to humble ourselves before God?
1. Stop trying to tell God all the reasons he should accept you.
When you pray, are you telling God who you are and what you’ve done?
Do you recount everything you’ve done as if to win God’s favor?
Do you attend, serve, give in order to impress God?
These are all signs you are relying on your own righteousness.
2. Admit you are unrighteous and that your sin is first and foremost against a holy God.
This is hard to do because most of us want to think we’re good people.
True sorrow over sin leads to repentance – a desire to make things right.
3. Rely on God’s mercy for forgiveness.
The tax collector cried out for God to atone for his sins.
Our sins are forgiven because Jesus, the only good one, received God’s judgment on the cross in our place.
God justifies the ungodly who humbly rely on God’s mercy instead of proudly relying on their own righteousness. Are you relying on Christ alone for your justification or self? Humble yourself and turn away from self and turn to Christ. Rely on God’s mercy. Everyone who humbles himself will be exalted.
Opportunities to Serve
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE)
Volunteering in nursery or children’s ministry is a great way to get to know others at High Pointe and to serve our parents on Sunday mornings and other church gatherings. Reach out to Erin at erin@highpointeaustin.org
God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, and at High Pointe, we believe serving is how we use those gifts to bless others and advance His kingdom.
Whether you have 30 minutes a week or several hours, there's a place for you to serve in our children's ministry, as greeters, with the hospitality team, media/tech support, building and grounds, safety, community outreach efforts, and through administrative support. Reach out to find out more today: info@highpointeaustin.org.
Resources of the Week
The Pharisee and the Tax Collector – A sermon by R. C. Sproul
This Man went to His House Justified – A sermon by John Piper
God Justifies the Ungodly – a podcast by Sinclair Ferguson
What If I Feel Deserted by God – Sinclair Ferguson
How Do I Humble Myself – David Mathis
Life at High Pointe
No Life Classes over the Summer – Join a Summer Reading Group This summer, we are encouraging members of High Pointe to read and discuss books that are spiritually edifying. We have both men’s, women’s groups, and coed groups. To find out more about a group, go to the church app or contact Austin Burns at austin@highpointeaustin.org
Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:
June 21 | Luke 18:15-17 | Let the Children Come | Pastor Juan Sanchez
June 28 | Isaiah 63:7-64:12 | Yahweh, Hear this Prayer and Come Down to Save
July 5 | Isaiah 65-66 | Yahweh Answers: Judgment and the New Creation | Pastor Robert Cline
July 12 | Matthew 5:1-12 | Kingdom Blessings | John Thompson
July 19 | 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 | Strength in Weakness | Pastor Mark Cambranis
July 26 | 2 Corinthians 1:12-24 | Austin Burns
Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
Gospel Partner of the Month: North Africa – Team Expansion We are privileged to partner with the K family in North Africa. For 15 years, the Ks have been reaching unbelievers in a predominantly Muslim country (99%). And yet, the body of Christ is growing in that nation.
Some ways you may be praying: 1. Pray for a healthy, fruitful church led by godly, growing, local leaders. 2. Pray for these believers/leaders, especially as they face unique opportunities and challenges. 3. Pray for the K family – for a Jesus-centered home and joyful hearts. 4. Pray for the K family’s financial provision.
On-Call Pastor To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1.
