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TITLE: The Self-Righteous

TEXT: Luke 18:9-14
PROPOSITION: We must be alert to signs of self-righteousness.
SCRIPTURE READING: Same

INTRODUCTION:

  1. Common complaint against Christians – Self-Righteous

  2. “Holier-than-Thou” - Arrogant, spiritual snobbery

  3. Are you “self-righteous”?


When evaluating their own spiritual maturity and ministry - - -

They fix everyone else first

    1. 1 Corinthians 4:13 – Paul was considered filth of world

    2. Matthew 7:1 – Judge not

    3. Romans 12:3 – thinks highly of himself

    4. 1 Corinthians 11:31 – not judge ourselves

    5. 2 Corinthians 13:5 – Examine yourselves

  1. They measure by popular opinion

    1. Matthew 6:1 – Give alms to be seen of men

    2. Matthew 23:5-6 – Works to be seen of men

    3. 1 Corinthians 4:3 – Paul was judged of them

  1. They measure by a clear conscience

    1. Proverbs 16:2-3; 25 – Clean in own eyes, way seems right to man

    2. 1 Corinthians 4:3-4 – I do not judge myself

  2. They grade on the curve

    1. Luke 18:9-14 – I am better than that sinner

    2. Matthew 6:5 – Hypocrites

    3. 1 Timothy 1:15 – Paul was chief of sinners


When evaluating others - - -

They often use three faulty measuring instruments

    1. Appearances, Giftedness, and Charisma

      1. 1 Samuel 16:7 – Don't look on outward appearances

      2. 2 Corinthians 10:7 – Do not look on outward appearances

    2. Fruitful ministry

      1. Matthew 7:21-23 – Not just say Lord, Lord

      2. Acts 19:13-15 – Evil spirits know Jesus and Paul

    3. Zealous spirituality

      1. Matthew 23:27-28 – White tombstones, unclean inside

      2. Jeremiah 17:9-10 – The heart is deceitful

      3. Luke 16:15 – They justify themselves

  1. They forget that they can't see MOTIVES

    1. Proverbs 16:2 – Clean in own eyes, God weighs spirit

    2. Matthew 6:1 – To be seen of men

    3. Psalm 90:8 – Our secret sins exposed

  2. They forget that they can't see CLOSETS

    1. Romans 2:12-16 – Gentiles obey the law

    2. 1 Corinthians 4:5 – Hidden things will be brought to light

  3. They don't see THE PAST

    1. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 – Such were some of you

    2. Ephesians 2:1-4 – In time past you walked according to the world

  4. They don't see THE FUTURE

    1. Matthew 13:24-30 – Tares will be removed from the wheat

    2. 1 Corinthians 4:5 – God will expose their sins

    3. 1 Timothy 5:24-25 – some known before, some follow after

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