Scripture Reading: Isaiah 65:1-7

The Sin of Self-Righteousness

Intro.

1. Self-righteousness is one of the most hated of sins.

2. The charge that someone is self-righteous is easily made; but do we know what it means?

3. We must be sure we are not self-righteous!

Part 1

I. KNOWING AND WARNING AGAINST SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS, Matt 5:20.

A. Trusting in Oneself for Righteousness, Lk 18:9 (Prov 30:12-13); Isa 65:5.

1. “Over confidence in one’s own righteousness” (Webster)

2. It is self-made righteousness, cf. Phil 3:9; Rom 10:3.

3. S-R takes on different forms, but they have this in common: All are self-made forms of being righteous.

B. It is Self-Righteous to Think One is Righteous Based on His Own Obedience (Law-Keeping), Phil 3:9; Rom 3:20-22; Gal 2:16.

1. Self-righteous since it demands no sin at all, Gal 3:11-12.

2. This would truly be “works salvation”! Rom 4:2-4

-Futile, because all have sinned, Rom 3:23.

3. “I never transgressed your commandment at any time” (Lk 15:29; cf. 15:1-2).

C. It is Self-Righteous to Think One is Righteous Due to His Own Moral Goodness, Lk. 18:9-12.

1. Makes oneself the standard by which others are judged.

2. Trusting in self instead of God’s mercy in Christ.

D. It is Self-Righteous to Bind Where the Lord has not Bound, Matt 23:3-4.

1. Binding the traditions of men elevates human wisdom above God’s revealed will, Matt 15:1-6, 9-14.

2. Binding personal conscience on others elevates one above others (Rom 14:10-13; 15:6-7).

E. It is Self-Righteous to Work to be Seen by Men, Matt 23:5 (6:1, 5, 16).

F. Self-Righteousness Displays Arrogant Superiority over Others, Lk 18:9; Matt 9:11-13.

1. It holds itself as being above sin and holds others in contempt; no room for mercy to sinners, cf. Lk. 7:36-39.

2. Why is it that not many self-righteous people repent? Because they do not see themselves as sinners! (Matt 21:28-32)

G. Hypocrisy is the Companion of Self-Righteousness, Matt 23:25-28.

1. A façade of righteousness hiding sin’s presence and decay.

2. No depth of faith; There is an outward display of piety that hides the sin in the heart!

Part 2

II. SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS IS NOT…

A. Carefully Obeying the Law of God, 1 Tim 4:6; 2 Tim 3:10.

1. Calvinism’s false view: “formal conformity to legal requirements in the strength of unregenerate human nature.” (ISBE on “Self-righteousness”)

2. Works of faith, Eph 2:8-10; Jas 2:21-24.

3. Christ is the Savior of the obedient, Heb 5:8-9.

B. Zeal and Dedication, Titus 2:14.

1. Lord expects us to be diligent and fervent, Rom 12:11.

2. It is the attitude behind the zeal that can be self-righteous.

C. Reproving and Rebuking Sin, 2 Tim 4:2; Gal 2:11-14.

D. Refusing to have Fellowship with those who Practice Sin and Teach Error, 2 Jno 9-11 (2 Cor 6:14-7:1).

E. Believing in Absolute Truth as the Final, Authoritative Will of God, Eph 3:3-5; 5:17; Jno 8:32 (2 Tim 3:16-17; Jude 3).

III. OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS MUST EXCEED THAT OF THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES, Matt 5:19-20.

A. Submit to the Righteousness of God, Rom 10:3-4.

1. Righteousness that is through faith in Christ, Phil 3:9-11.

a. “The righteousness which is from God by faith”.

b. S-R neglects the righteousness which is of faith, Rom 1:16-17. (cf. Isa 64:5-6)

3. Hunger and thirst after this righteousness (Matt 5:6).

B. Do and Teach the Commandments of God, Matt 5:19.

1. Rely on God’s mercy by obeying His commands – not our goodness and power. cf. Noah, Heb 11:7

2. Saved “by grace, through faith”, Eph 2:8-9.

Conclusion

1. Hell will be filled with those who thought they were righteous, Matt 7:22-23.

2. Hunger and thirst after righteousness that is through faith in Christ and never trust in yourself.