Topical Encyclopedia Self-righteousness is a condition of the heart where an individual considers themselves morally superior to others, often relying on their own perceived righteousness rather than the righteousness that comes from God. The Bible provides numerous warnings against this attitude, emphasizing the importance of humility and the recognition of one's own sinfulness.Biblical Warnings and Illustrations 1. Pharisees and the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector: One of the most direct warnings against self-righteousness is found in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14. Jesus tells this parable to those "who trusted in their own righteousness and viewed others with contempt" (Luke 18:9). 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). In contrast, the tax collector humbly acknowledges his sinfulness, saying, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner!" (Luke 18:13). Jesus concludes that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified before God. 2. Isaiah's Rebuke: The prophet Isaiah warns against self-righteousness, declaring that "all our righteous acts are like filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6). This stark imagery underscores the futility of relying on one's own deeds for justification before God. Isaiah calls the people to recognize their need for God's mercy and grace. 3. Paul's Teaching in Romans: The Apostle Paul addresses self-righteousness in his letter to the Romans, particularly in Romans 10:3, where he writes, "Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness" . Paul emphasizes that true righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through adherence to the law or personal merit. 4. Jesus' Condemnation of the Scribes and Pharisees: In Matthew 23, Jesus delivers a series of woes to the scribes and Pharisees, condemning their self-righteousness and hypocrisy. He criticizes them for their outward displays of piety while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). Jesus warns that such behavior leads to spiritual blindness and judgment. The Danger of Self-Righteousness Self-righteousness is dangerous because it blinds individuals to their need for God's grace and mercy. It fosters a spirit of pride and judgmentalism, leading to a false sense of security in one's own abilities and moral standing. This attitude can create barriers between individuals and God, as well as between individuals and their fellow human beings. The Call to Humility The Bible consistently calls believers to humility and repentance. James 4:6 reminds us, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble" . Believers are encouraged to examine their hearts, confess their sins, and rely on the righteousness of Christ rather than their own. In doing so, they align themselves with God's will and open themselves to His transformative work in their lives. Conclusion The biblical warnings against self-righteousness serve as a reminder of the importance of humility and dependence on God's grace. By recognizing our own sinfulness and the sufficiency of Christ's atoning work, believers can avoid the pitfalls of self-righteousness and live in a manner that honors God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 9:4Speak not you in your heart, after that the LORD your God has cast them out from before you, saying, For my righteousness the LORD has brought me in to possess this land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD does drive them out from before you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Modern Revivals, Continued. Epistle of Paul to the Philippians. The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians The Three Last Parables of the Per??an Series: the Unrighteous ... The Morning-Meal in the Pharisee's House - Meals and Feasts among ... The Ship on Fire --A Voice of Warning The Sermon on the Mount - the Kingdom of Christ and Rabbinic ... Jesus Only Sabbath Observance The vineyard Labourers. Resources What does the Bible say about self-righteousness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to pursue righteousness? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about self-hatred? | 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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