Sermon on Luke 18:9-17, for the 20th Sunday after Pentecost (C), "The Record-Keeper or the Merciful God?"
Sermon Outline: · Parables: ordinary story with spiritual meaning. Look for the surprise/unexpected. The recognized sinner is “justified”, while the apparently upright religious person is not. · Who are the Pharisees? Model citizens, lay leaders with intense dedication to their own version of religiosity. Highly respected. Tax collectors? Despised. Took more than allowed, worked for enemy. · Dimensions of the story/pitfalls to avoid o Comparisons/treating others with contempt (look at all those terrible people) o Self-righteousness/trusting yourself, nothing to repent (look at my record!) o Boasting before God/not a real prayer (my good deeds should impress God; reward) · What is it aiming for? o Humility established in...