09/14/2026
We often assume that being a good person is enough—doing the right things, following the rules, and living better than those around us. But Jesus teaches a parable that turns that thinking upside down. In Luke 18, two men, a Pharisee and the other a tax collector, come to the temple to pray, and the Pharisee, who looks the most “religious” walks away unchanged… while the tax collector, who admits his brokenness walks away justified.
What if the thing that keeps you from recognizing your need for God isn’t your failure—but your goodness? When Good Isn’t Good Enough challenges us to look beyond our performance and discover why grace begins where self-reliance ends.
You’ll never see your need for grace while trusting your own goodness.
As we look at Luke 18, we will see that:
Religion Cannot Save. (vv. 9-12)
Honesty Opens the Door. (vs. 13)
Mercy Must Be Received. (vs. 14)
Humility Changes Everything. (vs. 14)
Scripture: Luke 18:9–14
Sermon Title: “When Good Isn’t Good Enough”
Speaker: Erdie Carter, Associate Pastor
Worship Songs:
• “That’s My King”
• “Crowns Down”
First Baptist Church in Clarksville, Tennessee exists to worship God, love people, share Jesus, and make disciples.
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