CG Discussion Questions

A PHARISEE, A PUBLICAN AND THE REFORMATION

Rev Dr Andrew Peh

29 October 2017

Scripture:Luke 18:9-14

Summary statement:

By ushering in the Reformation, Martin Luther’s revolutionary approach to faith changed the way we view God – as a God of purity and faith, rather than a god that demands performance.

Summary:

In one of his sermons about papal indulgences, Johannes Tetzel pitched the following: “Consider the salvation of your souls and those of your loved ones departed. You priest, you noble, you merchant, you virgin, you matron, you youth, you old man, enter now into your church, which is the Church of St. Peter. … Remember that you are able to release them, for As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, The soul from purgatory springs. Will you not then for a quarter of a florin receive these letters of indulgence through which you are able to lead a divine and immortal soul into the fatherland of praise”. By taking advantage of their congregation and citizens’ fear of being unsaved and ignorance, the church bureaucracy relied on parades of indulgences such that people believed that by paying penance and viewing holy relics, they could reduce the number of days they spent in purgatory. By protesting against such practices, Martin Luther reformed the way Christians view God and his faith.

Scripture Reading & Discovery:

In the next few minutes, turn to Luke 18:9 – 14.

Insights into studying the Word together / Discussion Questions:

  1. With close reference to v. 11 to 12, what does the Pharisee associate with righteousness?
  1. How do Christians today similarly engage in hypocritical self-righteousness?
  1. With close reference to v. 13, what is the function of the word “But” here?
  1. In v. 14, Jesus says that the publican “went home justified before God”. What does being “justified before God” mean?
  1. What impact do you think this parable had on Jesus’s disciples? Why do you think Jesus chose to share this parable with them?

Applications:

  1. What are some ways in which we can learn from Martin Luther’s outrage at the prevailing religious / superstitious practices of the Church in his time?

Prayer Requests:(Write down prayer requests, with prayer support for those who shared about their applications or struggles above)

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