Sunday PM Worship
Teachers
Lesson Summary
During the class, the teacher examined the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector found in Luke 18:9‑14, emphasizing that both figures were spiritually broken despite their differing outward attitudes. He highlighted the tax collector’s heartfelt plea for mercy and the Pharisee’s self‑righteous boasting, drawing a parallel to how believers often view themselves—either as insufficient sinners or as morally superior—yet both need God's grace. The lesson then shifted to Isaiah 40, focusing on verses 27‑31, which proclaim God's everlasting strength for the weary. By addressing common doubts such as “Why does God seem distant in my troubles?” the teacher explained that Israel’s complaints in verse 27 reflected a broader human tendency to feel ignored by God. He reassured the class that God’s power is renewed for those who hope in Him, offering a biblical foundation for personal encouragement and perseverance amid life's hardships.
Key Scriptures
And He spoke a parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 2 But a certain Pharisee and a publican went up into the temple to pray; 3 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank Thee, that I am not as other men which are extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 4 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 5 And the publican, standing afar off, would not so much as lift up his eyes unto heaven, but smote his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 6 I tell you, this man went down justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary; there is no searching of his understanding. 29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall fall exhausted: 31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.