Two Approaches to God - Luke 18:9-14

The parable Jesus talks about in Luke 18:9-14 shows us that there are two approaches to God but only one of those ways is acceptable. This parable is about the Pharisee and the publican (tax collector). Each approach God in a particular way. Now, the prayer is not the key to unlocking this story, the attitude toward approaching God is.

Approach #1 - There are at least four methods that the Pharisee uses in his approach to God - each of them are equally detestable in God's eyes.

1. Pride (Luke 18:11) - The Pharisee was addressing his prayer to God, but he was actually talking to himself. His main focus was on what he perceived to be his own greatness. He was assuming he could walk into the presence of the Creator of the universe and share all the good things he had done and God would be impressed (Proverbs 8:13).

2. Self-Righteousness (Luke 18:11) - We cannot come into God's presence assuming we are without sin. Scripture teaches us that we were sinners but are saved by God's grace. This man had a legalistic mindset. He believes he is saved by his good works and when they are piled up they can be laid before God as proof that he should be able to approach Him (1 John 1:8).

3. Looking Down On Others (Luke 18:11) - The Pharisee thinks that putting this man down somehow lifts himself up. Sometimes we find ourselves in the midst of people that who wanting to know more about God and they present themselves before Him just the way they are. They don't know all the proper forms, procedures and protocol, but they want to know more about God and see if He is the One they've been searching for. But sometimes Christians look at them like this Pharisee looked at this tax collector and instead of saying "I praise you God for this person who is seeking," we say "Father, I thank you that I am not like that person." Rather than embracing them with the love of God we place them below us as if we had something more to offer to God than they do.

4. Religious Activity (Luke 18:12) - Being religious and doing all the right religious things will not bring us one step closer to God. While we are to be active for Christ, it does not bring us closer to Him.

Approach #2 - Indeed, this tax collector was about as low as you could get. He turned on his own people to work for Rome. Rome required that taxes be collected and the "collector" could collect some for himself as well. This did not set well with the people.

But he had come to a point in his life that he knew he had to change. He goes to the one place where he knows he is supposed to find God - the Temple (Luke 18:13). He approaches God with ...

1. Reverence. This man will not even lift his eyes toward heaven - he has recognition of Who it is that he is talking to as he opens his mouth in prayer. He knew he was approaching a Holy God (Ephesians 3:12).

2. Humility. The tax collector is not bragging about what he has, or does, or has accomplished. He brings only himself and the great debt of his rebellion against a Holy God.

3. Repentance. He knew that he had wronged God and he wanted to change that. The literal meaning that he prayed was "O God, be merciful to me - the sinner." Unlike the Pharisee who looked upon everyone else's sin but ignored his own, this man paid no attention to anyone's transgressions but his own.

When approacing God, the issue is not status, religion, or sinfulness. God accepts those who recognize Him for Who He is! And that's what this parable is all about - approaching God on the basis of Who He is, not on who we are. It is being able to come to the point in our lives where we can say, "God, this isn't about me, it's about You, and I'm ready to give myself over to You wholly and completely."