SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS

Philippians 3:9

“And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ (Christianity), the righteousness which is of God by faith.”

The Apostle Paul in the above scripture describes the righteousness of the law as HIS OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS. This was before he became born-again and accepted Jesus as His Lord and Savior. 

Therefore self-righteousness is living by the law without Christ; but to live by the law or the word of God with Christ is not self-righteousness, for we have been told to seek the kingdom of God first and His righteousness.  There is a righteousness of the kingdom and it is not through self it is through Jesus by faith, and it can only be accessed by faith. 

Years ago, when I was a very young Christian, I was taking driving lessons with a young man.  I don’t remember having any thoughts towards him at all, but I found that I was having some kind of feeling towards him, and I was married. 

So, I went home and knelt by my bedside.  I told the Lord that I was having feelings for this young man and I would like him to take it away.   The next time I saw him the feelings were completely gone.   I was so excited, I decided to share it with a close friend in church, but she laughed at me and didn’t believe me. 

My little children, confession is your way of demonstrating that you are in need of the righteousness of God.   Confession is a way of saying: Lord I need your help.  This is what you died for.  Not confessing your sins is saying: I am not in need of the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.   I can do it all by myself. It is, in a way, walking like a self-righteous person without Christ.   

When we confess our sins, I John 7 and 9 tell us that the Father forgives us and that the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all unrighteousness.  The power of the sin over us is broken and we are restored to the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.   

There are only two options.  Sincerely confess them, ask for His forgiveness, and ask him to change us OR don’t ever do wrong!

The Apostle Paul used to live a self-righteous life and was still blameless when he was examined by God (Phil 3:6).  Today, we have been given grace for obedience to the faith ( Ro. 1:5). We have been given power to become the sons of God (John 1:12). We have been given the Holy Spirit and still believe that we cannot be blameless in the eyes of the Lord.  We have faith for all sorts of things, but we don’t have faith to be found blameless by Him.  

So what is our problem?  Is it nonchalance?  Is it a lack of diligence?  Is it a lack of faith?  Is it lack of commitment?  Is it lack of knowledge of God? or Is it a lack of integrity? 

2 Peter 3:14        

Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

Grace and Peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God.

by K. Michael