Opposite Day, a video by LivingStone Church, begins with a prayer expressing gratitude for the church and its members. The speaker then introduces the concept of an episode from Seinfeld where a character realizes he has been making wrong decisions and decides to do the opposite. This is compared to how people often realize their mistakes when they open the Bible and read scripture. The focus of the video is on a passage from Luke chapter 18, specifically verses 9-14, where Jesus teaches about the dangers of self-righteousness and the importance of humility before God. The parable in the passage tells the story of a Pharisee and a tax collector, highlighting the different approaches they take in their prayers and the outcomes of their actions. The video encourages viewers to choose the model of the tax collector, approaching God with humility and a recognition of their need for forgiveness.
Opposite Day
Introduction
Welcome to Opposite Day! Have you ever heard of the episode of Seinfeld where George Costanza realizes that he has been making all the wrong decisions in his life? In a moment of revelation, he decides to do the opposite of what his instincts tell him. This concept of Opposite Day can also be applied to our spiritual lives when we open the Bible and realize that we have been thinking and living in the wrong way. Today, we will explore the importance of believing in God’s word and how it can lead to a transformative change in our lives.
Comparison to Seinfeld episode
Just like George Costanza realized the need to do the opposite in order to change his life, opening the Bible can bring us to the same realization. When we open ourselves up to God’s word, we may discover that the decisions and thoughts we have held for so long were misguided. Scripture has the power to shed light on our misconceptions and guide us towards a better path.
Importance of Believing God’s Word
Believing in God’s word is crucial as it aligns us with His truth. It challenges the way we think and gives us a reliable foundation for making decisions. When we choose to believe what God says, even if it goes against our instincts or societal norms, we open ourselves up to the possibility of transformation and growth.
Focus on Luke chapter 18
In Luke chapter 18, Jesus focuses his teachings on those who trust in themselves and view others with contempt. This passage presents a parable that highlights the mistake of relying on self-righteousness and looking down on others. Jesus uses this story to address a specific audience and steer them away from a destructive path.
Teaching on self-righteousness and contempt
The parable in Luke chapter 18 is meant for those who trust in themselves and view others with contempt. It challenges their self-righteousness and encourages them to reconsider their perspective. Self-righteousness leads to a judgmental attitude towards others, which is a dangerous path to walk.
Parable of the Pharisee and tax collector
The parable in Luke chapter 18 tells the story of two men who went to the temple to pray – a Pharisee and a tax collector. The Pharisee prayed boastfully, thanking God that he is not like other sinful people and listing his religious achievements. On the other hand, the tax collector stood at a distance, beating his chest and asking God for mercy as a sinner.
Target audience of the parable
The target audience of this parable is people who trust in themselves and view others with contempt. The Pharisee represents a religious leader who prides himself on his righteousness, while the tax collector is despised by society for his occupation. Jesus tells this story to challenge their mindset and show them a better way forward.
Characterization of the Pharisee and tax collector
The parable characterizes the Pharisee as someone who relies on his own goodness and boasts about his accomplishments. He compares himself to others and takes pride in his religious achievements. In contrast, the tax collector is portrayed as humble and aware of his sinfulness. He recognizes his need for God’s mercy and approaches Him with a repentant heart.
The failure of self-righteousness
The parable demonstrates the failure of self-righteousness to bring about justification before God. The Pharisee’s approach of comparing himself to others and boasting about his accomplishments does not lead to a right standing with God. It highlights the danger of trusting in our own goodness and disregarding the need for God’s mercy.
The tax collector’s humble plea
In contrast to the Pharisee, the tax collector’s humble acknowledgment of his sinfulness and plea for mercy is viewed favorably by God. He recognizes his need for forgiveness and approaches God with humility. This sincere plea for mercy is what leads to his justification before God.
Justification before God
Justification before God means having a right standing with Him. It is something that all people seek. The parable shows that it is not achieved through comparing oneself to others or listing one’s accomplishments. Instead, it is attained through humility, acknowledgment of sin, and a plea for mercy.
Scripture against self-righteousness
Scripture consistently argues against self-righteousness. It emphasizes that no one can earn their spot before God through comparing themselves to others or listing their good deeds. Self-righteousness leads to a judgmental attitude towards others and overlooks our own need for God’s mercy.
Self-righteousness leading to judgment
When we rely on self-righteousness and view others with contempt, we set ourselves up for judgment. By considering ourselves better than others, we fail to recognize our own shortcomings. This judgmental mindset hinders our growth and negatively impacts our relationships with others.
Satan’s strategy of self-righteousness
One of Satan’s effective strategies is convincing people that they are good and do not need to worry about God’s acceptance based on their own good works. This strategy of self-righteousness leads to self-deception and separation from God’s truth. It blinds us to the need for humility and repentance, keeping us in a state of complacency.
Acceptance through faith in Jesus Christ
The Bible teaches that acceptance before God comes through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not based on our own goodness or accomplishments. By believing that Jesus died for our sins and accepting Him as our Savior, we can experience acceptance and forgiveness from God.
Righteousness freely given to those with faith
Righteousness is not something that can be earned through works or self-righteousness. It is freely given to those who have faith in Jesus Christ. When we put our trust in Him and His finished work on the cross, righteousness is imputed to us, and we can stand before God justified.
Importance of humility and acknowledging sin
The passage in Luke chapter 18 highlights the importance of humility before God and acknowledging our sin. The Pharisee’s model of relying on his own goodness is contrasted with the tax collector’s model of seeking forgiveness and mercy from God. Humility and repentance are essential in our relationship with God.
Contrasting models of the Pharisee and tax collector
The Pharisee model represents self-righteousness and reliance on one’s own goodness. It leads to pride, comparison, and a judgmental attitude towards others. On the other hand, the tax collector model exemplifies humility, acknowledgment of sin, and a plea for God’s mercy. It serves as a better approach towards God and others.
Choose the tax collector model
The message encourages listeners to choose the tax collector model in their relationship with God. By humbling ourselves, acknowledging our sinfulness, and seeking God’s mercy, we can experience justification and acceptance before Him. It is a model based on grace, forgiveness, and a sincere desire to grow in our faith.
Exaltation for the humble
The passage ends with the statement that those who humble themselves will be exalted by God. When we approach God with humility, acknowledging our need for His forgiveness and grace, He lifts us up and blesses us. Exaltation comes to those who recognize their dependence on God and seek His guidance in their lives.
In conclusion, Opposite Day brings about a realization that challenges our previous beliefs and actions. When we open ourselves up to God’s word, we may discover that we have been thinking and living in the wrong way. Scripture guides us towards a better path and requires us to trust in God’s word rather than relying on our own self-righteousness. By choosing the tax collector’s model of humility and acknowledging our sin, we can experience justification and acceptance before God. So let’s embrace Opposite Day and choose the path that leads to exaltation.