Isa. 64:6 & 61:10 contrast the filthy rags of our self-righteousness with the rich robe of God’s righteousness. Righteousness is being in right relationship with God. God provides the robe of righteousness. He covers us.
Rom. 3:10 The sin in our hearts condemns us and separates us from a sinless God. We cannot cleanse our hearts of sin or make ourselves righteous.
Rom. 10:1-3 Zeal is misdirected if it is not based on accurate knowledge of God’s word. Rom. 10:6-10 God’s righteousness is based on the perfect sacrifice of his Son, Jesus, on the cross. We go from rags to riches when we turn from our way of sin to believe with our heart in Jesus as Lord.
The only way we enter God’s eternal kingdom is by his grace and righteousness. God’s righteousness or self-righteousness? Humility or pride? We live from one perspective or the other. And the one we believe affects our relationship with God and our relationship with others.
Riches or rags?
I. Grace or works Rom. 3:19-24
Grace is God’s undeserved and unearned favor, which he freely gives when we place our faith in Jesus. Pride wants to do something to be recognized or take credit for righteousness. But we have nothing to offer God except sinful selves and our faith in him. And that’s what he wants.
II. Gratitude or boasting Eph. 2:8, 9; 2 Cor. 9:14, 15 NLT
If we recognize our terminal spiritual condition that leads to hell, and the grace of God to give us his righteousness, how can we not be grateful? God’s grace births gratitude in our hearts. Let’s boast in Jesus and what he did for us on the cross. Are you grateful for God’s love, mercy, and grace? Gratitude makes us want to please God. Right relationship with God produces the fruit of right living, living by God’s standards.
III. Compassion or contempt Lk. 18:9-14
This may reveal our tendency for self-righteousness. Despised means to treat with contempt or look down on. We compare others to ourselves to make us look good or spiritual. Like the older brother in the story of the prodigal son, self-righteousness robs us of the joy of close fellowship with our Father and our brothers and sisters in Christ.
We’re to hate sin. Jesus never condoned or excused evil. But he was moved with compassion for people. Compassion will lead us to pray for people, to share God’s word with them.
Think of the conflict we could avoid if we live with compassion rather than contempt.
Have you ever heard the phrase, “But for the grace of God, there go I”?
Lk. 18:13, 14 Do you sense repentance and genuine faith in the prayer of the tax collector? He went home in right relationship with God.
Will you ask God to reveal any self-righteousness in your heart that is hindering God’s grace and joy in you, that takes his blessings for granted, and leads to contention with others?
Grace from God, gratitude to God, and compassion for others.
From rags to riches.