What does "I have kept all these" reveal about self-righteousness in faith? The Scene of the Statement Luke 18:21: “All these I have kept since my youth,” he said. Why the Young Ruler Felt Confident • He measured righteousness by external actions (Exodus 20:12-16). • He compared himself to human standards, not to God’s holiness (Isaiah 6:3). • He assumed lifelong rule-keeping equaled moral perfection (Philippians 3:6). What “I Have Kept All These” Reveals About Self-Righteousness • Misdiagnosis of Sin – Sin is not only outward acts but inward motives (Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28). • Selective Memory – The heart overlooks failures while highlighting successes (Jeremiah 17:9). • Pride in Performance – Boasting in law-keeping ignores Romans 3:20: “No one will be justified in His sight by works of the law.” • Reliance on Personal Merit – Self-confidence resists grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Blindness to the Law’s Purpose – The law exposes need, not sufficiency (Galatians 3:24). The Law’s Unreachable Standard James 2:10: “Whoever keeps the whole law yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” • One violation shatters the claim of perfection. • God’s standard is absolute, revealing the impossibility of self-righteousness. Jesus’ Loving Confrontation Mark 10:21: “Jesus looked at him, loved him, and said, ‘One thing you lack…’” • Christ exposes the heart idol of wealth to reveal deeper need (Colossians 3:5). • The command to sell all tests genuine obedience and faith (Luke 14:33). Contrast: True Righteousness by Faith • Romans 3:22: “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” • Philippians 3:9: “Not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ.” Takeaways for Today • Examine motives, not just actions. • Let Scripture, not self-assessment, define righteousness. • Abandon confidence in personal record; cling to Christ’s finished work (2 Corinthians 5:21). Living the Lesson • Daily confess dependence on grace. • Celebrate obedience as fruit, not currency, of salvation (John 15:5). • Guard against subtle pride by remembering Isaiah 64:6: “All our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” |
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