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Almost universally everyone think that they are a “good” person. When we examine the claims of our own righteousness we will see that this kind of wisdom only exists in our own eyes.
Observations:
- Self-Righteousness leads to judging others
- Self-Righteousness blinds your own need
- Self-Righteousness compares yourself with others not Jesus
- Self-Righteousness fails to perceive outside of self
- Self-Righteousness score-keeps with God
Conclusions:
- Confidence in Self-Righteousness is damnable
- God has grace for the humble
- The repair for self-righteousness is humble penitent confession that places personal trust in God alone and results in receiving transformative confidence in God’s forgiveness
Application:
- Be teachable and open to correction
- Humbly consider the cost of your self-righteousness
- Resist the temptation to stand in self-defense
Romans 14:10-13
“You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’” So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.”
John Ramirez: for Charisma magazine
“We see no harm in Halloween, because we think it is fun. We paint our faces, we wear our innocent costumes, we dress up our doorways—even churches dress up their entryways for Halloween with pumpkins. These actions are like giving the devil license, saying, “Here’s my church. You can have it. We think because we are not performing any demonic rituals or human sacrifices that we are on safe ground, but did you know that as soon as you dress up, whether you color yourself or put on a costume, the enemy owns you? Because by doing so, you have turned over your legal rights, and you have dedicated yourself and your kids to celebrating the devil’s holiday. You have just made a pact with the enemy, and you are already sacrificing your children spiritually by dressing them up and changing their identity.”
Proverbs 16:2
“All the ways of a man are pure in his own sight, but the Lord weighs the motives.”
Proverbs 21:2
“Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts.”
2 Corinthians 10:12
“We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.”
Proverbs 12:15
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel.”
Proverbs 24:6
“For by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.”
Proverbs 30:12
“There is a kind who is pure in his own eyes, yet is not washed from his filthiness.”
D. A. Carson
“The Bible speaks of hell as a place where … people are still defying God, still hating Him, still justifying themselves, still nurturing self-righteousness in an endless cycle of brokenness and shame and guilt and punishment that brooks no repentance… ever.”
Galatians 2:15-16; 3:11
“We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles know that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.”
“Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.”
James 4:5-6
“Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
Penitent (noun & adjective) Definition:
A penitent person is one who recognizes their wrongdoing, feels sincere sorrow for it, and seeks forgiveness or restoration—often before God or those they have wronged. The term carries both an emotional and a moral dimension: it implies not only feeling regret but also a desire for change and taking responsibility for one’s actions.
1 Timothy 1:15-17
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
Proverbs 9:9
“Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.”
1 Peter 5:5-6
“In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”
James 4:6-10
“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”