Topical Encyclopedia Self-righteousness, a term often associated with an inflated sense of one's own righteousness or moral superiority, is consistently renounced by the saints throughout the Scriptures. The Bible warns against the dangers of self-righteousness, emphasizing the need for humility and reliance on God's grace rather than one's own perceived moral standing.Biblical Warnings Against Self-Righteousness The Bible provides numerous admonitions against self-righteousness, highlighting the spiritual peril it poses. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus addresses this issue directly in the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prays, "God, I thank You that I am not like other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector" (Luke 18:11). This self-congratulatory attitude is contrasted with the humility of the tax collector, who simply prays, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner!" (Luke 18:13). Jesus concludes that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified before God, for "everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 18:14). Old Testament Insights The Old Testament also addresses the issue of self-righteousness. In the book of Isaiah, the prophet condemns those who are "wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight" (Isaiah 5:21). This warning serves as a reminder that human wisdom and self-assessment are flawed and insufficient before the holiness of God. The prophet Micah further underscores this by calling for justice, mercy, and humility: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8). New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues this theme, with the Apostle Paul frequently addressing the futility of self-righteousness. In his letter to the Romans, Paul writes, "For by works of the law no human being will be justified in His sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin" (Romans 3:20). Paul emphasizes that righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through adherence to the law or personal merit. He further elaborates in Philippians, expressing his own renunciation of self-righteousness: "I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ" (Philippians 3:8-9). The Example of Christ Jesus Christ Himself serves as the ultimate example of humility and the renunciation of self-righteousness. Though He was without sin, He did not exalt Himself but took on the form of a servant, humbling Himself to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:6-8). His life and teachings consistently pointed to the necessity of humility and the dangers of self-righteousness. Practical Implications for Believers For believers, the renunciation of self-righteousness involves a continual recognition of one's own sinfulness and the need for God's grace. The Apostle James exhorts Christians to "humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you" (James 4:10). This humility is not merely an attitude but a way of life, characterized by a reliance on God's righteousness rather than one's own. In summary, the saints throughout Scripture consistently renounce self-righteousness, recognizing it as a barrier to true fellowship with God. The call to humility and dependence on divine grace is a central tenet of the Christian faith, urging believers to seek righteousness through faith in Christ alone. Torrey's Topical Textbook Philippians 3:7-10But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Reform The Extent and Reasonableness of Self-Denial An Appeal to Sinners The Wise and Foolish virgins The Conversion of Paul. The Fruitless vine Soul Winning Election and Holiness The Christian's Peace and the Christian's Consistency False Comforts for Sinners. Resources What is the breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the fruit of righteousness in Philippians 1:11? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about self-worth? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Self-Righteousness is Boastful Self-Righteousness is Vain Because Our Righteousness Is: But External Self-Righteousness is Vain Because Our Righteousness Is: But Partial Self-Righteousness is Vain Because Our Righteousness Is: Ineffectual for Salvation Self-Righteousness is Vain Because Our Righteousness Is: No Better than Filthy Rags Self-Righteousness is Vain Because Our Righteousness Is: Unprofitable Self-Righteousness: Church of Laodicea Self-Righteousness: Denunciation Against Self-Righteousness: General Scriptures Concerning Self-Righteousness: Hateful to God Self-Righteousness: Illustrated Self-Righteousness: Man is Prone To Self-Righteousness: Saints Renounce Self-Righteousness: The Laodicean Congregation Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to are Abominable Before God Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to are Pure in Their own Eyes Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to Audaciously Approach God Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to Condemn Others Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to Consider Their own Way Right Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to Despise Others Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to Proclaim Their own Goodness Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to Reject the Righteousness of God Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to Seek to Justify Themselves Self-Righteousness: They Who are Given to Seek to Justify Themselves Before Men Self-Righteousness: Warning Against Supererogation: The Doctrine of Excessive and Meritorious Righteousness Related Terms |
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