Renewing Your Mind: Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican
Podcast Information
- Title: Renewing Your Mind
- Host/Author: Ligonier Ministries
- Episode: Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican
- Release Date: February 25, 2025
- Host Speakers: Nathan W. Bingham and R.C. Sproul
Introduction
In this episode of Renewing Your Mind, R.C. Sproul delves into one of Jesus' most profound parables—the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican. Aimed at challenging believers to reevaluate their understanding of righteousness and justification, Sproul provides a thorough exegesis of the text, contrasting self-righteousness with genuine humility before God.
Setting the Stage
Nathan W. Bingham opens the episode by addressing cultural misconceptions about human goodness. He highlights how society, including many within the church, often perceives humanity as inherently good. However, Sproul counters this notion with a perspective grounded in Scripture, emphasizing the true state of the human condition.
Notable Quote:
"[...] the culture, even many in the church say that deep down we're all pretty good people. But Scripture paints a different picture of the human condition."
— Nathan W. Bingham [00:47]
Exegesis of the Parable
R.C. Sproul begins his analysis by summarizing the parable:
"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."
— R.C. Sproul [00:22]
Sproul emphasizes the backdrop of the parable: Jesus addresses individuals who are confident in their own righteousness and look down upon others. This setting is crucial for understanding the depth of the Pharisee's misplaced self-satisfaction.
The Pharisee's Misconception
Sproul explores the Pharisee's flawed understanding of justification:
"Here was a man who added to grace his own merit, who added to faith his own works, adding to the work of Christ his own performance."
— R.C. Sproul [10:45]
Key Points:
- Self-Righteousness: The Pharisee believes his observance of religious duties justifies him before God.
- Misinterpretation of the Law: Instead of seeing the law as a mirror revealing his unworthiness, the Pharisee views it as a means to demonstrate his own righteousness.
- Justification by Works: Sproul critiques the notion that good deeds can earn salvation, aligning this with modern misconceptions held by some Christian groups.
Notable Quote:
"Even if it were true that we could get into heaven by having more good deeds than bad deeds, none of us could possibly make it on that basis because our bad deeds far surpass our good deeds."
— R.C. Sproul [10:22]
The Publican's Humility
In stark contrast, the tax collector exemplifies true humility:
"He had nothing, nothing to contribute to his own salvation. All he had was a plea for mercy. Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner."
— R.C. Sproul [15:30]
Key Points:
- Acknowledgment of Sin: The publican recognizes his unworthiness and desperately seeks God's mercy.
- Humble Prayer: Unlike the Pharisee, he does not boast about his deeds but instead humbly admits his need for forgiveness.
- Justification through Grace: Sproul underscores that the publican's justification is based solely on God's grace, not his own merits.
Notable Quote:
"The publican knew who he was and what he was. He wasn't suffering under the delusion of a phony righteousness such as the Pharisee carried with him every day."
— R.C. Sproul [18:50]
Theological Insights
Sproul delves deeper into the doctrine of imputation, a cornerstone of Reformed theology:
"Imputation means that our justification in the presence of God is founded and grounded on a righteousness that is not our own. It's [...] a righteousness accomplished only by Christ."
— R.C. Sproul [20:15]
Key Points:
- Alien Righteousness: Our justification is based on Christ's perfect obedience, imputed to us by faith.
- Limitations of Human Righteousness: Sproul argues that no amount of personal good works can satisfy God's requirements for holiness.
- Contrast with Other Religions: He critiques the idea that God uses a scale to weigh good and bad deeds, affirming that His standard is absolute perfection.
Notable Quote:
"What God requires is perfection. His law is holy, and we are not."
— R.C. Sproul [12:40]
Practical Applications
Sproul warns believers against the pitfalls of self-righteousness and underscores the importance of relying solely on God's grace:
"By extension, this parable of Jesus is given to the millions of people since and now who still trust in their own achievements and in their own good works to make them right with God."
— R.C. Sproul [13:25]
Key Points:
- Self-Assessment: Encourages listeners to honestly evaluate their own faith and reliance on God's grace.
- Avoiding Complacency: Highlights the danger of believing that one's spiritual performance can earn favor with God.
- Embracing Humility: Advocates for a humble approach to faith, mirroring the publican's attitude.
Notable Quote:
"Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
— R.C. Sproul [24:15]
Conclusion
R.C. Sproul concludes by reiterating the central message of the parable: Justification is a gift of grace, not a result of personal merit. He urges believers to abandon any reliance on their own righteousness and to fully trust in the redemptive work of Christ for their salvation.
Final Quote:
"When someone sins against you, how many times should you forgive them? Jesus says 70 times 7."
— Nathan W. Bingham [24:28]
Additional Resources
Nathan W. Bingham invites listeners to engage further with Ligonier Ministries through upcoming conferences and educational materials. He mentions a 12-message series on the parables of Jesus, available through donations or purchases.
Notable Quote:
"During his earthly ministry, one of the primary ways Jesus communicated was through parables, and this week Dr. Sproul is giving us an in-depth look at several of them."
— Nathan W. Bingham [24:00]
Final Thoughts
This episode of Renewing Your Mind serves as a powerful reminder of the foundational Christian doctrine of justification by faith alone. Through meticulous analysis and theological depth, R.C. Sproul challenges listeners to humble themselves before God, rejecting any notion that personal righteousness can secure their place in heaven. Instead, he emphasizes the necessity of trusting entirely in Christ's finished work for salvation.