Introductory Thoughts
The Bible plainly and repeatedly warns believers not to put their trust in men. In addition to this truth, men are not to trust in themselves. As today's passage shows, sometimes God allows circumstances to come into our lives in order to teach us not to trust in ourselves. If any mere mortal could stake a claim to self-trust, it would have been the apostle Paul. He was “circumcised the eighth day,” “an Hebrew of the Hebrews,” and “a Pharisee” (Philippians 3:5). In spite of this, Paul knew these attributes were not sufficient to trust for eternal life. In fact, he counted these things but dung, that he may win Christ (Philippians 3:8). If Paul understood that he could not put his trust in himself or his accomplishments, everyone else should realize that his or her ability or merits are not worthy of trust.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Read Matthew 26:31-34. Peter trusted in himself that he would never say he didnt know the Lord. He failed miserably. Cain trusted in himself that he was giving the Lord the correct offering. The Lord refused his offering (Genesis 4:5). We should always trust in the Lord and believe and do what He says (Proverbs 3:5).
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(For everyone): What are some areas of life where you might not put your trust in others, but you would quickly put your trust in yourself? How is one just as wicked as the other?
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In whom did the Pharisees trust (Luke 18:9)? Why did they begin to trust in themselves? Of what did they lose sight in order to begin trusting in themselves?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to guard you against trusting in yourself.
- Ask the Lord to help you to be conscious of your trust.
Song
Trusting Jesus
