The Sin of Self-Righteousness Problems Christians Face

What is self-righteousness? To be convinced in your own mind that you are righteous Often accompanied by moralistic and intolerant opinions of others. A product of prideful behavior

What is self-righteousness? Righteous – the condition of one who has done what God requires We need to be righteous 1 Peter 3:12, Matthew 5:6, 1 Timothy 6:11, 1 John 3:7 But self-righteousness is condemned!

What is self-righteousness? Self-righteousness is NOT: Carefully obeying God – Hebrews 5:8-9, 1 Timothy 4:6 Matthew 7:21-23 Being zealous for truth – Titus 2:14, Romans 12:11 Exposing & condemning sin – Ephesians 5:11, 2 Timothy 4:2 Refusing to fellowship those in error – Ephesians 5:11, 2 John 9-11

Self-righteousness exemplified Trusting in ourselves Luke 18:9-12, a Pharisee stood and prayed WITH himself. He boasts about how wonderful he is Many today are overconfident or overinflated opinions of themselves and their standing with God. Be warned! 1 Corinthians 10:12

Self-righteousness exemplified Creating our own standard Romans 10:1-3, the corrupt Jews had established their own standard of righteousness. Changed God’s standard whenever it was convenient. How many today think they are fine because they have defined what fine is? Philippians 3:8-9 – Paul gave that up for true righteousness

Self-righteousness exemplified Seeking to justify ourselves Luke 10:29, a lawyer interacts with Jesus. “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus answered with parable of good Samaritan How many today make excuses or seek technicalities for failed conduct to justify their behavior? Luke 16:15 – God knows your heart

Self-righteousness exemplified Overestimating our goodness or obedience Some think they have earned their salvation. Matthew 19:20 – the rich, young ruler had done much good. The Pharisee – Luke 18:10-12 How many think DEEP DOWN they are fine because of what they do?

Self-righteousness exemplified Working to be seen of men Matthew 23:5-7 – it was about letting others know how righteous they were Matthew 6:1-18 – they sound the trumpet, etc. How many today brag or seek validation? Boast about what they DON’T do? Cf. Matthew 23:29-31 Paul to measures to avoid this!

Self-righteousness exemplified Hypocrisy Pretending to be what we are not. Such is always about self! It is an actor, one who plays a part or “puts on a mask” Matthew 23 – 7 times they are called this. 23:25-28 Many deep down think they are fine even though they are pretending! This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA

Avoiding self-righteousness First, realize that we are NOT righteous (we cannot ever save ourselves) Romans 3:10, 23 1 John 1:8-10, don’t lie to yourself! To grasp this, we MUST understand what true righteousness is

Avoiding self-righteousness We need to be righteous! We must become righteous, by His standard Romans 5:19 – through Jesus Matthew 5:20 – it is reflected in genuine obedience 1 Peter 3:12, the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous

Avoiding self-righteousness Humility The underlying quality that overcomes self-righteousness Matthew 5:3ff, “poor in spirit” Philippians 2:3-5 – live for and think of others. Look to Jesus Luke 18:13-14, now let me introduce the tax collector Via www.Bing.com, creative commons license

Avoiding self-righteousness Seek FIRST the kingdom of God Matthew 6:33, both attitude and actions Matthew 5:6, we need to be hungering and thirsting after righteousness

Avoiding self-righteousness Put your confidence in God He makes us righteous! Philippians 3:4ff, Paul trusted in God’s righteousness (3:9)

Acts 17:30-31, God has appointed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness. Are we ready for that day?

How is your righteousness?