Luke 18:9-14

1. The bold compassion of Jesus, v. 9

2. The Church is a place of diversity, v.10

“It takes all sorts to make a world; or a church. This may be even truer of a church. If grace perfects nature it must expand all our natures into the full richness of the diversity which God intended when He made them, and Heaven will display far more variety than Hell.” -C.S. Lewis

3. Misplaced righteousness, v. 11-12

False sources of righteousness…

a) self

“To exalt oneself is to put one’s self in an improper place. This is a danger to the young believers and a trap to the older saints. Only after the cross has done its thorough work in a person’s heart can he refrain from expressing himself. Only then will a person allow others to receive the glory and remain silent himself as a sword in God’s scabbard.” -Watchman Nee

b) religious accomplishments

-Matthew 6:1-4

c) race

-Galatians 3:23-29

Three problems with racial supremacy...
i. it nullifies the work of Christ on the cross
ii. it creates for you a standard of unforgiveness that will be applied to you
-Matthew 6:14-15
iii. it violates the context of heaven
-Revelation 7:9-10

4. Gospel humility, v. 13-14

To pray you need only know three things...
a. know that there is a God
b. know yourself
c. ask God for what you need

Mental worship…
Is there a conversation that you’ve been needing to have but have put it off?  How are you helped towards having this conversation by the bold compassion of Jesus? 
Are you currently withholding forgiveness from someone and if so, on what basis? 
How has the Cross informed and influenced the way you treat people of other races? 
When it comes to race relations do you act more like a Christian or like a member of your race?
Does your knowledge of yourself humble you, make you prideful or something else?