The Sin of Self Righteousness

1. The Sin of Self Righteousness Luke 14:11 - For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

2. What is Self Righteousness? • Webster’s Definition: convinced of one's own righteousness especially in contrast with the actions and beliefs of others : narrow-mindedly moralistic • Over Confidence in one’s own righteousness • It’s a self-made righteousness • To make oneself the standard by which others are judged. • One who exalts themselves above others. • One who trust in themselves for righteousness • One who thinks he is superior to others. • One that thinks he and his ways are always right.

3. How the Self Righteous Think • I’m so glad I’m not like so and so. • At least I don’t do this or that. • I’m doing so good…I haven’t missed a service in weeks • I can’t be seen talking to so and so. • The world would be a better place if everyone was like me. • I hope people noticed my level of participation in services and the amount of visits I make. • My contribution to the collection plate has to be one of the biggest in the congregation. • I wish so and so was here to hear this lesson.

4. Jesus Rebuked Self Righteousness • Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of the first century, and often it was because they thought too highly of themselves. • Jesus in the house of Simon the Pharisee. (Luke 7:36-47) • The point Jesus was trying to make to Simon was to show him that although this women was indeed a sinner, so was he. • Neither the woman or Simon had the ability to pay for their sins and were essentially in the same boat. • Simon’s problem was that he thought himself more righteous than the women. • His self righteousness kept him from seeing his own sins.

5. Jesus Rebuked Self Righteousness • Luke 7:47 - Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” • Self Righteousness is Incompatible with Coming to Christ. • John 5:39-40 - You studythe Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life. • Would someone that doesn’t believe they are sick go to the doctor?

6. Parable of the Pharisee & the Tax Collector • Luke 18:9-14 - To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ 14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

7. Parable of the Pharisee & the Tax Collector • Examining the Parable: • Two People: • Religious Pharisee vs the Tax Collector • Two Prayers: • One of boastfulness and pride vs One of complete humility. • Two Promises: • Luke 18:14 - “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. • For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, • and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” • Matt. 5:20, Romans 3:20-24, Galatians 2:16

8. Overcoming the Self Righteous Persona • Christians often get a reputation of being Self Righteous and one of trying to tell others what to do and how to live. • We are commanded to warn others of the dangers of sin. (2 Chronicles 19:10) • A Self Righteous person does this to simply point out error and to make themselves look better. • And with a holier than thou attitude. • If you want to be successful in making a difference in people’s lives and bringing others to Christ, any direction given has to be out of love and with complete sincerity. You have to have a genuine concern for others in order to make a difference and be pleasing to God.

9. It’s all about Attitude • The Tax Collector • The Sinful Women • Paul : Philippians 3:7-9 - But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.

10. It’s all about Attitude • Paul : Galatians 2:19-21 - “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” • What does your attitude say about you?