Bible Studies

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THE PHARISEE

James P. and Harold A. Gram

Reference Luke 18:9-14

The Pharisee, or so they say,
Obeyed God’s laws throughout the day;
He fasted, tithed and prayed a lot;
Performed his duties on the dot

He felt he gave the Lord his due
With all these signs and actions too;
“My righteousness does surely rest
With all my deeds; I’ve done my best.

“God should thank me” he would say
“For all I’ve done throughout the day;
The good I’ve done is not so small
It’s more than most, as I recall”

The Pharisee built on his pride
“God is surely on my side”
In doing so, and this is true
He denigrates what others do

Good deeds will not our sins atone
Nor gain us access to His throne;
For only God provides the way
He has, alone, the final say.

Our deeds are helpful, it is true
But they’re not all that we must do;
We must with contrite open heart
Ask God His love to us impart

We must not flaunt our deeds nor take
Great pride in all we undertake;
Forget rewards, salvation too
For doing what we ought to do

Our Master’s love is freely given
We cannot earn our place in Heaven;
But faithful, contrite, loving be
Not like a boastful Pharisee.

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