REMOVING SELF FROM SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS
CHURCH-WIDE BIBLE STUDY 7/2/11
REMOVING SELF FROM SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS
Unmasking the Invisible Sin
Self-righteousness is one of the most difficult sins to recognize within ourselves, because it disguises itself as obedience to Scripture and firm convictions about the truth. That’s why Christians are prone to its deceptive lure; after all, we know right from wrong and have a genuine desire to obey the Lord. This “invisible sin” is overcome only through exposure and repentance.
The Pharisees were examples of self-righteousness. By examining their lives, we can understand the inner workings of this manifestation of pride that still traps many believers today. Let’s strip off our blinders, humble our hearts, and allow God’s Word to reveal any false righteousness in us (Heb. 4:12-13).
Characteristics of the self-righteous person:
1. The self-righteous are quick to point out the sins of others but can’t see their own (Luke 6:39-42). (Pharisee Theology: "I thank God we're not like all those other people!" Luke 18:11)
2. Their focus is on good behavior, not on a pure heart. They appear outwardly righteous but are inwardly full of hypocrisy (Matt. 23:25-28).
3. They cannot be corrected (Matthew 12:14 - see context)
4. In the area of Prayer: They pray so people can see them (Matthew 6:5).
5. In the area of God's Word: They miss the point! They don't live it. (Matt. 23).
6. In the area of Worship: They don't! (Matt. 15:7-9)
7. In the area of Faith: Faith is replaced with legalism (Matt. 23:23-24; Phil. 3:6)
Dangers:
1. They reject God’s purpose for their lives by refusing to repent (Matt. 3:1-11).
2. Their hearts are far from the Lord (Matt. 15:1-9).
3. They will be judged by their own standard (Luke 6:38).
Remedy:
1. Ask the Lord to search your heart and reveal any hidden self-righteousness (Ps. 139:23-24).
2. Confess your arrogance (1 Cor. 8:1-3).
3. In repentance, humble yourself (James 4:6-10).
4. Pursue an intimate relationship with Christ, not your own righteousness (Phil. 3:3-11; Acts 4:13).
5. Extend grace, not condemnation, to others (Rom. 8:1).
Questions for Reflection in your Discipleship Groups:
1. Does your knowledge of Scripture or success in obeying God lead you to compare yourself with others who are less knowledgeable or who struggle with certain sins? If so, why do you think you do this?
2. Do you find yourself being defensive and saying things like "Well how about you?!" whenever you are corrected or confronted with sin? Why is this so? What is the difference between correction (as shown by Jesus, the Apostle Paul, etc.) versus condemnation (as shown by the Pharisees).
3. What do you tend to do more: find fault with others, or extend mercy and grace? What does Christ mean when He says that you will be judged by the same measure that you use for others (Luke 6:38)?
4. Are you hesitant to ask the Lord to examine your heart? What do you fear He may find? What are the benefits of bringing hidden areas of your life into the light?
REMOVING SELF FROM SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS
Unmasking the Invisible Sin
Self-righteousness is one of the most difficult sins to recognize within ourselves, because it disguises itself as obedience to Scripture and firm convictions about the truth. That’s why Christians are prone to its deceptive lure; after all, we know right from wrong and have a genuine desire to obey the Lord. This “invisible sin” is overcome only through exposure and repentance.
The Pharisees were examples of self-righteousness. By examining their lives, we can understand the inner workings of this manifestation of pride that still traps many believers today. Let’s strip off our blinders, humble our hearts, and allow God’s Word to reveal any false righteousness in us (Heb. 4:12-13).
Characteristics of the self-righteous person:
1. The self-righteous are quick to point out the sins of others but can’t see their own (Luke 6:39-42). (Pharisee Theology: "I thank God we're not like all those other people!" Luke 18:11)
2. Their focus is on good behavior, not on a pure heart. They appear outwardly righteous but are inwardly full of hypocrisy (Matt. 23:25-28).
3. They cannot be corrected (Matthew 12:14 - see context)
4. In the area of Prayer: They pray so people can see them (Matthew 6:5).
5. In the area of God's Word: They miss the point! They don't live it. (Matt. 23).
6. In the area of Worship: They don't! (Matt. 15:7-9)
7. In the area of Faith: Faith is replaced with legalism (Matt. 23:23-24; Phil. 3:6)
Dangers:
1. They reject God’s purpose for their lives by refusing to repent (Matt. 3:1-11).
2. Their hearts are far from the Lord (Matt. 15:1-9).
3. They will be judged by their own standard (Luke 6:38).
Remedy:
1. Ask the Lord to search your heart and reveal any hidden self-righteousness (Ps. 139:23-24).
2. Confess your arrogance (1 Cor. 8:1-3).
3. In repentance, humble yourself (James 4:6-10).
4. Pursue an intimate relationship with Christ, not your own righteousness (Phil. 3:3-11; Acts 4:13).
5. Extend grace, not condemnation, to others (Rom. 8:1).
Questions for Reflection in your Discipleship Groups:
1. Does your knowledge of Scripture or success in obeying God lead you to compare yourself with others who are less knowledgeable or who struggle with certain sins? If so, why do you think you do this?
2. Do you find yourself being defensive and saying things like "Well how about you?!" whenever you are corrected or confronted with sin? Why is this so? What is the difference between correction (as shown by Jesus, the Apostle Paul, etc.) versus condemnation (as shown by the Pharisees).
3. What do you tend to do more: find fault with others, or extend mercy and grace? What does Christ mean when He says that you will be judged by the same measure that you use for others (Luke 6:38)?
4. Are you hesitant to ask the Lord to examine your heart? What do you fear He may find? What are the benefits of bringing hidden areas of your life into the light?
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