27/06/2026
๐ฅ BELIEVE THE GOSPEL EVANGELISM TRAINING SCHOOL (BETS) ๐ฅ
RUGGED EVANGELISM COURSE
WEEK ONE
SUNDAY JUNE 28
PREACHING CHRIST TO THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS RELIGIONIST
TOPIC:
WHEN GOOD IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH
MAIN TEXT:
Luke 18:9-14
OBJECTIVES OF THIS SERMON
At the end of this lesson, every evangelist should be able to:
- Present the Gospel biblically to people who trust in their own righteousness.
- Answer common objections raised by self-righteous religionists using the Scriptures.
- Convince self-righteous sinners of their need for God's saving grace.
- Lead such people to genuine repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
- Confidently minister salvation to self-righteous religionists through the power of the Holy Spirit.
INTRODUCTION
Many people are not far from the church, yet they are far from Christ. They pray, fast, give offerings, and faithfully attend religious gatherings, believing that these activities are enough to earn God's acceptance. They are respectable before men but remain unreconciled to God.
In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus addressed those "who trusted in themselves that they were righteous." Through the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, He exposed the danger of self-righteousness and revealed that salvation belongs, not to those who boast in their goodness, but to those who humble themselves before God.
Friend, if you have been depending on your morality, religious works, or church membership to save you, this message is for you. God is not asking you to become more religious; He is calling you to receive His Son, Jesus Christ.
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PART I: THE PROBLEM
Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:23
The greatest problem in your life is not poverty, sickness, or failure. Your greatest problem is sin. Sin separates every person from God, no matter how respectable or religious he may appear.
The Pharisee believed that fasting, giving, and religious discipline made him acceptable before God. He compared himself with other people and concluded that he was righteous. Many still make that same mistake today. They say, "I have never committed adultery," "I don't drink," or "I have always attended church."
But God's standard is not your neighbour's life; His standard is His own holiness. The Bible says, "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." It also declares that all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags before Him. No amount of good works can wash away sin.
My friend, if you are trusting in your goodness instead of Christ, you are trusting in what cannot save.
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PART II: THE PROVISION
Ephesians 2:8-9; Philippians 3:7-9
Because man could not save himself, God provided a perfect Saviour. Jesus Christ came into the world, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again on the third day.
Salvation is not a reward for good people; it is a gift of grace for guilty sinners. That is why the Bible says, "By grace are ye saved through faith... not of works."
The Apostle Paul once trusted in his religious achievements, but after meeting Christ, he counted them as loss. He discovered that the righteousness God accepts is found only in Jesus Christ.
Friend, stop trying to earn what God freely gives. What your good works cannot accomplish, the blood of Jesus has already accomplished on the cross.
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PART III: THE PLEA
Romans 10:9-10; 1 John 1:9
Now God is calling you to respond.
Do not allow pride to keep you from salvation. Do not say, "I am already a good person." Good people need Jesus just as much as bad people do. The tax collector was forgiven because he humbled himself and cried for mercy.
If you will confess your sins and place your faith in Jesus Christ today, God will forgive you, cleanse you, and make you His child. He is not looking for perfect people; He is looking for humble hearts that will trust in His Son.
Tomorrow is not promised. Today is the day of salvation. Come to Christ while His invitation is still open.
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CONCLUSION
Religion without Christ cannot save. Morality without Christ cannot save. Church membership without Christ cannot save. Only Jesus saves.
Do not leave this message trusting in yourself. Trust in the finished work of Christ. The One who died for your sins is ready to forgive you, receive you, and give you eternal life if you will come to Him today.
ALTAR CALL
Have you been depending on your good works instead of God's grace? Have you been trusting in religion instead of a relationship with Jesus Christ? Today, lay aside every confidence in yourself and come to the Saviour. He died for your sins, rose again for your justification, and is able to save you completely. Come to Him now by faith.
SINNER'S PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I come to You today because I know I cannot save myself. I confess that I am a sinner, and I repent of all my sins. I believe that You died on the cross for me, shed Your precious blood for my salvation, and rose again on the third day. Today I receive You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Please forgive me, cleanse me, and make me a new creature. Help me to follow You faithfully for the rest of my life. Thank You for saving me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Shalom ๐โโ๏ธ
I love you ๐ฅฐ
Prepared by โ๏ธ
Evang. Caleb Inioluwa Ayelaagbe ยฉ๏ธ