— Building the home God freed you to have — Luke 18:14 (NLT) 14 I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Romans 5:10 (NLT) For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. John 1:9 (NLT) 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. Big Idea If you don’t embrace grace, trying to be a good parent & family member will you. Luke 18:9–14 (NLT) 9 Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: 10 “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! 12 I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ 13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ 14 I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” 2 Contrasting Types of Homes families Our character Other peoples’ comments Our comparing & competing Self condemnation “What we do with that guilt tells us what we really believe about the gospel.” Romans 5:10 (NLT) families Your perfection will crush you, but God’s grace brings . 1 John 1:9 (NLT) yourself with God’s grace. Never (& stop diminishing) God’s grace. CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION 1. Describe how easy it might be to view your family or parenting through either the “Pharisee” or the “Tax Collector” lens. 2. Is there anything specific you feel guilty about as a parent or family member? 3. How do your children or family see you deal with sin and failure? a. How might this verse help you better use the “Grace approach” ? b. Romans 5:1–2 (NLT) Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. 4. Are there any parenting mistakes or family issues that might need for you to repent OR to trust in the transforming grace of God? Grow On Your Own Gospel-Centered Family, Becoming the parents God wants you to be © Tim Chester and Ed Moll/The Good Book Company, 2010. Excerpts From Gospel-Centered Family, Tim Chester