Scriptural Focus: Luke 18:9-14 Am I Right with God? Yes No Maybe I Don’t Know! How do I know if I am right (justified) before God? “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God.” (Luke 18:14) Justification Through Works The Comparison Trap: “Thank you I am not like…” The Self-Worth Trap: “What I do determines who I am.” The Control Trap: “Can I accomplish this my way?” Result = Vending Machine Spirituality “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law…”. Romans 3:20 Justification Through Faith "This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” (Romans 3:22) Child- Like Faith “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Luke 18:17) A Gift-Basket Faith “you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God…” (Colossians 1:9-10) Have you ever struggled with feeling right with God? What do you think the reasons might be for that? Which “trap” do you most identify with? In what ways have you tried to use your actions to justify yourself to God? Based on the message, what role should “good works” play in our lives? How does the idea of having a “child-like” or “gift basket” faith shape your understanding of salvation? What could faith look like each day? Journal a prayer.