(The following account is a narrative of the parable told by Jesus in Luke 18:9-14 KJV).
The Pharisees were one of the largest and wealthiest sects among the Jews. They adhered strictly to many of the laws of Moses and felt just as bound to the oral Mosaic traditions. The word Pharisee means separatist. They separated themselves from the pollution of the Jewish worship and stood apart as holy and undefiled. Read more
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? —Micah 6:8
We owe a debt to our Savior which can never be repaid. We were unworthy and undeserving of His grace and love, yet He forgave us. There are many important teachings in the Bible, but humility is one of the greatest. God wants every child of His to walk in humility and love. It is saddening to see spiritual pride so often exhibited by people who have knowledge of so much truth.
The burden God placed on me for this quarter is on the subject of self-righteousness. While this is a deviation from the type of theological truths studied in past quarters, it is just as vital. We can have understanding of many truths and doctrines; but if we have spiritual pride and trust in our own works, we will miss the true blessings of the Kingdom in this life and in the life to come.Read more
(Matthew 23:23-24; Luke 11:42)
Jesus addressed the self-righteous Pharisees on multiple occasions. Christ did not minimize their carefulness nor their strict adherence on issues of the law; but He reproved them for omitting the weightier matters—judgment, mercy, faith, and the love of God.Read more
Scripture Reading: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. —Ephesians 2:8-9
Summary: Self-righteousness is contrary to the essence of the gospel message and brings spiritual death. Salvation is not earned but is a gift of God. All glory should always be given to the Father and never to self or to an institution of man.Read more
Salvation is an experience of divine favor which God gives to those who humble themselves and repent of their sins. Salvation is not attained through one’s own strength, fortitude or ability; but it is a miraculous work of God. The scripture warns that it is “not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:9). Self-righteousness is the strong belief of one’s own goodness, opinions and actions while believing that other people’s are wrong. Read more