1. The Sin of Self-Righteousness
Problems Christians Face

2. 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

3. 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!

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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?

9. 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!

10. 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!
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11. 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

12. 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

13. 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
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14. 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

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

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

17. How is your righteousness?