1. Justifying Self
“ If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.” KJV Job 9:20-21; cf. Job 32:1

2. Self-justification is a product of pride; we want to appear righteous, therefore we resist exposure. Proverbs 20:6; Proverbs 21:2; cf. 16:2; Romans 10:3

3. Points Respecting Job Perfect and upright. Job 1:8; cf. 2:10
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Points Respecting Job
Perfect and upright. Job 1:8; cf. 2:10
Afflicted at the instigation of Satan. Job 1:10- 11
Wife and friends turned against him. Job 2:9; 5:17 (Eliphaz); 8:6 (Bildad)
Self-justification = condemnation. Job 9:20
Yet, this was his outstanding fault. Job 32:1-2; 34:5
Micky Galloway

4. Examples Of Self-Justification
Adam and Eve. Genesis 3:12-13
Aaron. Exodus 32:22-23
Saul. 1 Samuel 13:11-12; 1 Samuel 15
The lawyer. Luke 10:25-37
Forced to answer his own question. Verses 25-27
Changed the subject. Verse 29
Pharisees. Luke 16:1-15
Would take any position to justify self. cf. Matthew 21:23-32
Would belittle others to justify self. Luke 18:9-12
One talent man. Matthew 25:14-30

5. Self-Justification At The Judgment
Many claim works to their credit. “Look at what I did …” Matthew 7:22-23
Some claim ignorance of their failures. Matthew 25:41-46

6. Reasons For Self-Justification
To satisfy own conscience. Proverbs 30:12; Revelation 3:17
To receive man’s approval. Luke 16:14- 15; cf. Matthew 23:27-28
To avoid God’s condemnation. cf. Adam and Eve, Saul, etc.; cf. Matthew 7:21-23

7. Present Day Efforts At Self-Justification
Religious division. 1 Corinthians 1:10; John 17:17,20ff
“What will be will be …” Romans 6:16-18
I’m better than. “Hypocrites in the church.” cf. 2 Corinthians 10:12
Had to go to church when a child …

8. Better To Acknowledge Sin & Accept Responsibility
Bible examples …
Achan. Joshua 7:20
Saul. 1 Samuel 15:24
David. 2 Samuel 12:13
Daniel prays for the people. Daniel 9:5ff
People of the restoration. Ezra 9:13,15a

9. Justifying ourselves will not make us approved of God
Justifying ourselves will not make us approved of God. “For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.” 2 Corinthians 10:18

10. Justifying ourselves will not make us approved of God
Justifying ourselves will not make us approved of God. “What shall we do?” Acts 2:37