Not In Me

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Not In Me from Sojourn Music on Vimeo.



Description

What would it sound like for the Pharisee in Luke 18 9-14 to repent? His prayer begins proclaiming what he has not done, with a list of people he is “not like”. So, repentence must be renouncing such boasts before God. In the end, the repenting Pharisee’s prayer is the same as the tax collector’s. Ultimately, whether for a Pharisee or a tax-collector, there is only one Gospel, one hope of salvation. God shows mercy to sinners, self-righteous or self-loathing, on the basis of Christ crucified and risen. In the end, neither can earn his forgiveness or merit a standing. We’re both the tax collector and the Pharisee. One moment, we are wallowing in our sin, relenting of any hope due to the greatness of our evil. The next moment, we are boasting of our own righteousness and finding comfort in our external goodness and self-control. We need songs that preach the Gospel to us in and lift us out of the ditches on both sides of the road.


Thanks to Benjamin Brainard for allowing us to share his instrumental ensemble score.

Lyrics

No list of sins I have not done,
No list of virtues I pursue,
No list of those I am not like,
Can earn myself a place with You.
O God! Be merciful to me—
I am a sinner through and through!
My only hope of righteousness
Is not in me, but only You.

No humble dress, no fervent prayer,
No lifted hands, no tearful song,
No recitation of the truth
Can justify a single wrong.
My righteousness is Jesus' life,
My debt was paid by Jesus' death,
My weary load was borne by Him
And he alone can give me rest.

No separation from the world,
No work I do, no gift I give,
Can cleanse my conscience, cleanse my hands;
I cannot cause my soul to live.
But Jesus died and rose again—
The pow'r of death is overthrown!
My God is merciful to me
And merciful in Christ alone.

Ending:
My righteousness is Jesus' life,
My debt was paid by Jesus' death,
My weary load was borne by Him
And he alone can give me rest.

By Eric Schumacher & David L. Ward
© 2012 ThousandTongues.org, admin by Thousand Tongues

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Comments

Two words... Thank you! I pastor a small baptist church (Predominately African America and Reformed) and we truly need this song and other, songs like this, songs that speak the truth of God and thus pave the way for sounded exegetical exposition preaching of who Christ really is. We have lost some many of our youth and even young adults to what I would call the, "Mind Melding" of the emotional Hillsong-type of so called worship. How can we ascribe a true worship the only true God of heaven if we do not know who He really is? Sorry for the sermon... Let me just end by thanking you again. Grace Community will support this ministry. Thank You!
» Pastor Vincent E. Jordan on January 27th, 2014

This is very timely! I believe that God is using this music for His own glory. A Christ-Centered song that preaches the true fundamentals of the Gospel... I praise God for you.. Continue to be used by the Lord our God.. May the Lord continue to bless you.
» Jayfrey Domingo on November 3rd, 2014

beautiful
» Elizabeth M Tudor on September 30th, 2018
 
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