Who Are The Self-Righteous? Luke 18:9-14 I. Introduction. A. Two men went to the temple to pray. B. These two represent the "extremes of Jewish social and religious life"(McGarvey) C. Often a misunderstood and misapplied parable. D. Does show one can be extremely religious and be wrong; one can be exceedingly sinful and become righteous. E. Righteousness comes from obeying God; self-righteousness comes from one's own self. F. Many confuse this and accuse those who are trying to be righteous of being "self-righteous." G. "Self-righteous"(expression) does not appear in the Bible. Closest: Luke 18:9. II. Body. A. What was the trouble with some of Jesus' day? v. 9. 1. "Trusted in themselves." 2. "They were righteous." 3. "Set all others at nought." B. The Pharisee was "trusting in himself." 1. Stood and prayed--- a. Stood: Indicates a prominent, obvious position(struck a pose). b. Prayed where others would notice. 2. "I thank thee...not as other men." a. Note list: verse 11. b. Counted "self" as being righteous. 3. And "even as this Publican." 4. What he did: (v. 12) a. Fasted twice each week. b. Gave tithes of all he got. c. Belonged to the chosen race and rigidly obeyed certain "laws." 5. He was reminding God of who he was. 6. As prayed--had himself in mind more than God. a. Boasted of himself. b. Also: His prayer was a criticism. 7. "Confessed his virtues rather than his sins." C. The publican stood "afar off."(v. 13) 1. Humility: Would not lift up his eyes." 2. Constraint: "Smote his breast." 3. Trust in God: "Be thou merciful to me." 4. Position: "A sinner"(I Timothy 1:15). a. Realized his need of the Lord. b. Confessed his sins. c. Note: Isaiah 66:2. (Some might call him "self" righteous.) 5. Did not try to excuse himself; nor accuse the Pharisee. a. Currently: Those who accuse Christians may be trying to excuse themselves. b. Accepting personal accountability is not easy or pleasant. D. The results of the prayers. 1. The Publican was justified: a. Humbled--not exalted. b. A hated tax collector of the Roman Government. 2. The Pharisee was condemned: a. Exalted--not humble. b. A rigid, self-satisfied member of the strictest sect of Israel. E. Is one "self-righteous" when: 1. Lives a righteous life?(Paul) 2. Stands up for the word of God?(Peter) 3. Condemns iniquity?(Steven) 4. Teaches sinners to repent?(Peter, Paul, the apostles, etc.) 5. Condemns error?(Paul resisting Peter: Galatians 2:11) 6. Upset over iniquity of others: friends, neighbors, etc.? Remember Lot: II Peter 2:7, 8. F. One is not to measure by "other men"--but by the word of God. 1. Whatever the Publican was/had been--he was not the standard for the Pharisee. 2. The Publican made no excuse--his humiliation spoke to his character. G. Who is being "self-righteous" in our day? 1. A sinner that is unwilling to repent will accuse disciples. 2. Those who are too proud to obey God? 3. Those who continue to practice sin--thinking they will be somehow & someway--saved? 4. Those who accuse Christians of such and ignore what the scriptures reveal? 5. The Pharisee was being "self-righteous" because he was proud arrogant, and thought he had it made. a. Additionally: showed contempt to the publican. b. Also: Thought he was safe because fasted and tithed. 6. Those who are satisfied with themselves? 7. Those who have sin but are unwilling to acknowledge or correct it? 8. Folks claiming they are Christians(church of Christ) while living a life that does not reflect Jesus Christ? a. My ancestors were.... b. I been going here all my life... c. Professing allegiance to a building, to a group, or to a community more than to Christ? d. It is not what I have done in the past--what am I doing now! 9. It is a matter of attitude! III. Conclusion: Luke 18:14(end) -James L. Yopp