Discover The Word

Friday, March 2, 2007, Part 2

“Also [Jesus] spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself “God, I thank You that I am not like other men–extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I possess.” And the tax collector, standing afar oft would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, “God, be merciful to me a sinner!” I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted’ ” (Luke 18:9-14).

IDEA: A relationship to God is personal; it’s not a performance.

PURPOSE: To help listeners appreciate that knowing Jesus Christ is a relationship with the most wonderful Person in the universe.

Have you ever taken a course on marriage?

Do you think those courses are a good idea?

What title would help you to be drawn to such a course?

How about a title like “Five Principles for Having a Happy Marriage”?

What would be attractive about that title? What might be dangerous?

I. Are there principles for having a relationship with God?

It depends on what you mean by “principles.”

Is there a danger of talking about our relationship with God in terms of several principles?

II. How does a relationship with God differ from following a series of principles?

Principles can lead to performance.

For example, tithing, daily devotions, fasting, regular church attendance, etc.

Principles can promote perfectionism: When I’ve carried out these principles, I’ve done what was asked.

Read again the story in Luke 18:9-14 and tell me if the Pharisee has carried out principles. Do you think he has a relationship with God?

III. A relationship makes us vulnerable, it is far more than a series of principles.

A relationship has about it the potential for failure. Principles often protect us from failure.

What does it mean to have a personal relationship with your spouse?

What does it mean to have a personal relationship with a friend?

What does it mean to have a personal relationship with God?