Introduction: Pride. Are you boastful? At times we can be braggadocio and not even realize it. All through life our ego can get the best of us. While some see nothing wrong with it, God’s Word speaks against it. In fact, James writes, “6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6).

Our Lord Jesus Christ gives a comparison between a proud person and a humble person. Notice the difference:

“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. 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.” (Luke 18:9-14)

1. Did you see how the Pharisee prayed to himself and about himself? His problem was that while he was telling God all the “good things” he did, he forgot to mention any wrongdoings! Don’t we do the same sometimes? Next, he had a critical spirit with a self-righteous attitude. What did Jesus think about his prayers?

2. Did you pick up on the Publican’s heart-felt prayer? (Luke 18:13)

“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.”

His prayer reached heaven because instead of bragging he saw himself in the light of God’s holiness.

3. Did you hear what Jesus said about the Publican’s prayer? (Luke 18:14)

“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.”

The world operates opposite of the Christian life. Even Lucifer was full of pride. That cost him his position in heaven.
So the choice is ours.