Beware of Self-Righteousness
ICS Daily Devotions
Romans 9:30 (NKJV) What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith;
Romans 10:3-4 (NKJV) For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
The Apostle Paul compared the righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus to the pursuit of establishing one’s own righteousness. The gospel shows us how righteousness is obtained through faith in Jesus’ work of redemption and atonement. However, some people seek to attain their own righteousness. This is self-righteousness. We must be careful not to slip into self-righteousness, as it can lead to pride and Pharisaic behaviour.
One good example of self-righteousness is revealed in the prayer of the Pharisee.
Luke 18:9-12 (NKJV) Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’
Those who are self-righteous tend focus more on their deeds to be accepted by God than on being His children. They boast about doing good works, fasting, tithing, and praying. While these are all important, their motives are driven by self-righteousness aimed at earning God’s acceptance. They trust in their own deeds for salvation rather than in the blood of Jesus. They are often judgemental, critical, and look down on others. Typically, such people have a very legalistic, religious spirit and are bound by tradition instead of trusting in the Word of God about righteousness in Christ.
Isaiah 64:6a (NKJV) But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags;
Filthy rags in this Scripture refer to worthless self-achieved righteousness, which is powerless to produce results or makes us pray ineffectively because God doesn’t accept it. We cannot come to God based on our own achievements, nor can we have a right standing with God through good works. The self-righteous will lack confidence and faith that God will answer their prayers because they will always think that they have not done enough or are not good enough.
Throughout the years, people have attempted to gain God’s love and acceptance through their own effort—the law, philosophical thoughts, and good works, but they will fail miserably and get tired of religion.
Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV) Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
In contrast, Jesus wants us to recognise our identity as children of God and live based on all the spiritual blessings in the heavenly places in Christ. That’s why His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
Sermon Series: Righteousness: Religion or Reality
