Scripture to Read: Luke 10:29
As we are unpacking Luke 10 this week, we have learned that loving God and loving people are the two greatest commandments that God has given us. We have also learned that loving God with all our being (all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength) and loving our neighbor as ourselves is the real test of us being followers of our Lord Jesus Christ. It’s interesting today that in Luke 10:29 that God tells us the lawyer wished to “justify himself.” Let’s consider this statement for a minute. To justify ourselves means we make a case for why we did what we did, and we try to prove that we were right in whatever actions we performed or chose not to perform. The lawyer was trying to justify his life as being right with God. There are many people today who try to justify their lifestyles, actions, words, etc…as if they know what is right and wrong in their minds. The problem with us trying to justify ourselves before God is that we are born sinners. God even tells us in James 2:10, “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all.” So, even if we were able to live our entire life obeying God and never disobeying Him, except once, God says we become guilty of breaking all of His Law. This is why we need Christ as our Savior, for apart from Him we are guilty sinners before a Holy God.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about those who try to justify themselves before Him?
2. How will you guard yourself from seeking to justify yourself before God or even others?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!