HUMBLED TO BE EXALTED

Faith is an inside-out job.

The way to greatness is not up; it's down.

Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. Luke 18:9-10 NLT

The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! Luke 18:11 NLT

Things we might say or think that express this attitude:
*You're not going to talk to me like that.
*I'm not going to be the one to apologize.
*It's not me, it's you.
*It's not fair.
*Did you hear about...
*I don't need help.

When we focus on our faith on the outside:
   -We turn our faith into a performance.
   -We compare ourselves to others.
   -We put our confidence in our accomplishments.

I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ Luke 18:12 NLT

God is not impressed with those who want to impress Him.

“But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ Luke 18:13 NLT

I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:14 NLT

When we humble ourselves, that draws God's attention.

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Philippians 2:5-8 NLT

Ways to humble myself:
- Voluntarily confess sin
- Give selflessly and anonymously
- Treat others better than myself
- Be willing to ask for help

Philippians 2:9-11 NLT

What credit do you get for kneeling when it's impossible to stand?