God helps those who help themselves
Big Idea: God’s mercy is not earned by people who help themselves — it is given to people who know they need mercy.
Our
does matter.
is not the opposite of
.
Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a
and the other a
. - Luke 18:10
The Pharisee brings God his
.
The tax collector brings God his
.
At one time
too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. - Titus 3:3
We were
people who
ourselves.
But when the
and
of God our Savior appeared, he
us. - Titus 3:4
He saved us, not because of
things we had done, but because of his
. - Titus 3:5
Mercy is not a response to our
.
Mercy is a response to our
.
The Gospel is: While we were still
, Christ died for us. - Romans 5:8
Titus 3 shows us God’s
comes where our
ends.
God does not those who themselves. God those who know they .
Three Takeaways
1. God’s
is not a
for the
.
2. God’s mercy is not a response to our
; it is a response to our
.
3. God’s mercy
where our self-sufficiency
.
Reflection Questions
1. The sermon reminded us that responsibility and obedience still matter. Where might you be tempted to use “trusting God” as a way to avoid a next faithful step?
2. “God helps those who help themselves” can quietly teach us that God’s help must be earned. Have there been moments where you felt like you needed to become “good enough” before God would come near to you?
3. Jesus contrasted the Pharisee and the tax collector. Which posture do you find yourself drifting toward more often: trying to prove yourself to God or honestly bringing Him your need?
4. Titus 3 reminds us: “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.” Why is it sometimes difficult to truly believe that God’s mercy is given freely rather than earned through performance?
5. The sermon ended with the invitation: “Come with your need.” What is one area of weakness, failure, exhaustion, or need that you need to bring honestly before God this week instead of hiding or pretending?