May 15
Lesson 11
HUMBLE FAITH
DEVOTIONAL READING: Micah 6:6–8; 7:18, 19
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Luke 18:9–14
LUKE 18:9–14
9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Graphic: Standard Publishing
KEY VERSE
The publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
—Luke 18:13
THE GIFT OF FAITH
Unit 3: Fullness of Faith
LESSONS 9–13
LESSON AIMS
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. List the attitudes and actions of the publican (tax collector) and the Pharisee.
2. Explain the inverse relationship between humiliation and exaltation.
3. Examine his or her own approach to humility and make a plan for corrective action.
LESSON OUTLINE
Introduction
A. Society’s Extremes
B. Lesson Background: Pharisees
C. Lesson Background: Publicans
I. Parable’s Target (LUKE 18:9)
A. View of Self (v. 9a)
B. View of Others (v. 9b)
15,000 Articles?
II. Tale of Two Men (LUKE 18:10–13)
A. Trips to the Temple (v. 10)
B. Story of Self-Praise (vv. 11, 12)
C. Story of Self-Humiliation (v. 13)
III. Lesson in Exaltation (LUKE 18:14)
A. Different Outcomes (v. 14a)
B. Different Life Patterns (v. 14b)
At What? Compared with Whom?
Conclusion
A. The Source of Humility
B. Prayer
C. Thought to Remember
HOW TO SAY IT
Cilicia Sih-lish-i-uh.
Moses Mo-zes or Mo-zez.
Pharisees Fair-ih-seez.
Phylacteries fih-lak-ter-eez.
Tarsus Tar-sus.
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What Do You Think?
How do we know when we’ve crossed the line from having a holy God-confidence to having an unholy self-confidence?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ In thoughts
■ In behavior
■ Considering 2 Corinthians 11:16–30
■ Other
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What Do You Think?
Under what circumstances, if any, is it appropriate to compare ourselves with others? Why?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ At work or school
■ At home
■ Considering Judges 8:1–3; 2 Corinthians 10:12–18; and Galatians 6:4
■ Other
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Visual for Lessons 6 & 11. Point to this visual as you ask, “What is the relationship between humility and love?”
What Do You Think?
How might differences between humility and self-righteousness be evident as people participate in various worship activities today?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Regarding singing
■ Regarding observance of the Lord’s Supper
■ Regarding the receiving of offerings
■ Other
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What Do You Think?
Which of Jesus’ personal actions helps you most to emulate His humility?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ Considering Jesus’ service
■ Considering Jesus’ sacrifice
■ Considering Jesus’ prayers
■ Other
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What Do You Think?
What are some ways a church might unintentionally foster a spirit of self-exaltation? How do we avoid this danger?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
■ In the area of up reach (worship, prayer)
■ In the area of outreach (evangelism, benevolence)
■ In the area of in reach (teaching, pastoral care)
Krause, Mark S. et al. “Humble Faith.” The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2015–2016. Ed. Ronald L. Nickelson and Jim Eichenberger. Vol. 63. Cincinnati, OH: Standard Publishing, 2015. 319. Print.
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