Topical Encyclopedia Self-righteousness is a condition of the heart where an individual considers themselves morally superior to others, often leading to a disdainful attitude towards those they perceive as less virtuous. This attitude is frequently condemned in Scripture, as it stands in stark contrast to the humility and grace that God desires from His followers.Biblical Examples and Teachings One of the most illustrative parables concerning self-righteousness is found in Luke 18:9-14. Jesus tells the account of the Pharisee and the tax collector who went to the temple to pray. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed, "God, I thank You that I am not like other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I acquire" (Luke 18:11-12). In contrast, the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling to even lift his eyes to heaven, and said, "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). The Pharisees, often depicted in the Gospels as epitomes of self-righteousness, are frequently rebuked by Jesus for their hypocrisy and pride. In Matthew 23, Jesus pronounces a series of woes upon them, highlighting their external displays of piety while neglecting the weightier matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). Their self-righteousness blinded them to their own need for repentance and grace. Theological Insights Self-righteousness is fundamentally a denial of the need for God's grace. It is an attempt to establish one's own righteousness apart from the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ. The Apostle Paul addresses this issue in Romans 10:3, stating, "For they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own. They did not submit to God’s righteousness" . This self-reliance is antithetical to the Gospel, which teaches that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) and that justification comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Practical Implications The danger of self-righteousness lies in its subtlety. It can manifest in various forms, from overt pride to a more insidious sense of moral superiority. Believers are called to examine their hearts continually, recognizing that any righteousness they possess is imputed by Christ and not of their own doing. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast" . Furthermore, self-righteousness often leads to a judgmental spirit, where individuals despise others who do not meet their standards. This attitude is contrary to the love and compassion that Jesus exemplified and commanded His followers to emulate. In Matthew 7:1-2, Jesus warns, "Do not judge, or you will be judged. For with the same measure you use, it will be measured to you" . Conclusion In summary, self-righteousness is a perilous condition that leads individuals to despise others and rely on their own perceived moral superiority. Scripture consistently calls believers to humility, recognizing their own need for grace and extending that grace to others. Through the lens of the Gospel, Christians are reminded that true righteousness is found only in Christ, and it is through His example that they are to live and relate to others. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 65:5Which say, Stand by yourself, come not near to me; for I am holier than you. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burns all the day. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 18:9 Library A Blow at Self-Righteousness Acts 26:24-29. Portraits. The Glorious Gospel The Spirit not Striving Always. The Voice Behind Thee Effects of Messiah's Appearance A Voice from the Hartley Colliery Necessity of Contemplating the Judgment-Seat of God, in Order to ... Secret Sins Joy in Salvation Resources What is righteousness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the weapons of righteousness in 2 Corinthians 6:7? | GotQuestions.org What is impartation? | 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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