Memory Text  Luke 18:13  “God, be merciful to me a sinner!”

Westminster Confession 15.2 Of Repentance unto Life — By it, a sinner, out of the sight and sense not only of the danger, but also of the filthiness and odiousness of his sins, as contrary to the holy nature, and righteous law of God; and upon the apprehension of His mercy in Christ to such as are penitent, so grieves for, and hates his sins, as to turn from them all unto God, purposing and endeavoring to walk with Him in all the ways of His commandments.

Monday:  Luke 18:9-12.  What connection between the Spirit and repentance does Acts 11:15-18 make?  How would you define repentance?  Contrast this to WCF 15.2 above.  Reflect on the Pharisee in Luke 18:9-12.  If this is a prayer of repentance, what is missing?  How do you see in him the two issues mentioned in v 9?  Reflect on your own life and confess to God your own self-righteousnesses, contempt, comparisons.  

Tuesday:  Luke 18:13-14.  John 16:8 says the Spirit convicts the world of sin.  How do you see evidence of heart-conviction, and conviction of sin in tax collector?  The Spirit works this conviction through the Word as it reveals the holiness of God and the law of God.  Pray for this conviction.  You might pray using Ps 51, Isaiah 6, or Col 3. 

Wednesday:  Luke 18:13-14.  If the first part of repentance is turning from sin, what is the second part (see WCF 15.2 above)?  How do you see the tax collector do this?  What does his faith latch on to (cf 1 Jn 1:8, 9)?  How does a regular confessing and turning to Christ lead to a closer walk, and a more God-centered life?  Do this today. 

Thursday:  Luke 18:13-14.  How does the tax collector’s prayer contrast with the sins in v 9?  How is repentance a giving up on self-lordship (or self-reliance)?  How is it an embracing of Christ’s lordship (or God-reliance)?  Pray that you depend on God to make life work, on God’s Word for your identity.  Lean on him for mercy, and power to be obedient.  

Friday:  Luke 18:13-14.  With what assurance and peace could this man go home?  How might this mercy and being “justified/accepted” transform this man?  Repentance leads to a turning to God in new obedience (Mt 3:8).  If you hate a sin and confess it, repentance should lead to an ambition to change it.  Pray for that zeal, and fight to bear fruit for God’s glory.  

Saturday:  Read Psalm 51.  Pray for the Spirit to meet us through the Word tomorrow.