Brandan Kraft argues that religious self-righteousness and judgmental attitudes toward sinners represent the greatest obstacle to effective Christian witness and ministry. Drawing on Matthew 23's critique of Pharisaical behavior, he contends that those who rest in Christ's finished work and God's sovereign grace have no basis for condemning others, and should instead approach the lost with sympathy rooted in gratitude for God's unmerited favor rather than self-righteous superiority. True gospel proclamation requires believers to share Christ's redemptive work while abandoning sanctimonious judgment, recognizing that doctrinal correctness divorced from humble, loving relationships with the triune God through Christ fails to advance God's kingdom.
What does the Bible say about self-righteousness?
The Bible condemns self-righteousness, particularly through Jesus' criticism of the Pharisees in Matthew 23.
Furthermore, in Romans 3:10-12, the Apostle Paul reiterates that none are righteous in their own strength; all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. This reinforces the notion that relying on self-righteousness is futile and ultimately leads to spiritual alienation. True freedom comes from acknowledging our deficiencies and resting in the finished work of Christ, rather than boasting in our moral or religious achievements.
Matthew 23:4-5, Romans 3:10-12
How do we know that grace is important for Christians?
Grace is essential for Christians as it underpins our salvation and transforms our conduct.
When we grasp the depth of God's grace towards us, it humbles us and dispels any sense of self-righteousness. The foundation of our Christian life rests not upon our works or moral performance, but rather upon the perfect righteousness of Christ who took our sins upon Himself. It is this understanding that should lead us to extend grace and love to others, rather than judgment and condemnation. Recognizing our own need for grace enables us to share the good news effectively, as we approach those around us with the humility and mercy that mirrors God's own heart.
Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:8
Why is it important for Christians to avoid judging others?
Avoiding judgment is crucial as it aligns with Christ's teachings and promotes compassion over self-righteousness.
Engaging others with a judgmental attitude often results in repulsion rather than acceptance. When we judge, we risk alienating those who need to hear the good news of Christ's love and forgiveness. Instead, we are called to exhibit the same grace we've received, demonstrating sympathy and compassion as we bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. By refraining from judgment, we create an environment conducive to genuine conversation about faith and encourage others to see their need for Christ in a loving and respectful manner.
Matthew 7:1-5, James 4:12
Our greatest hindrance in ministry, whether it be our preaching from the pulpit, or just telling others of what Christ has done for us is our sinful behavior. Specifically, it is our religious behavior, which is in my opinion the most sinful behavior.
Those of us who rest in the finished work of Christ and are aware of God's sovereign grace in the work of salvation have absolutely no reason to come to others including non-believers, and bang them over the head with a snobbish self-righteous attitude, or strict religious rules that do nothing but condemn. And that person you are looking down upon because you don't think they know as much as you or have their life together as well as you, you should approach with sympathy and concern, not fire and brimstone judgment.
I look around this world and I see all kinds of people suffering through all kinds of terrible situations. I see people involved in sinful lifestyles, sinful and false religions, and instead of being angry at everything, I have sadness and sympathy in my heart. If I meet a drug addict, a criminal, or a false religionist, my heart is not immediately set to that of anger and of judgment, but one of sympathy and sadness for them. The only reason I'm not sharing in their misery is because the Lord has shed His grace on me and rescued me from such a life. Instead of patting myself on the back for having it together, I thank the Lord for his preserving grace.
And while I don't believe it's our duty to try and win souls, as there is only One soul winner, we should be desirous to see God's elect come to a knowledge of Christ. And though we are not able to hinder God, sometimes our actions and speech have a repelling effect, not an inviting one. If you think that unbeliever will embrace what you have to say while having a self-righteous attitude toward them, you can think again. They will turn away and reject what you have to say.
For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men:they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the bordersof their garments. (Matthew 23:4-5)
Jesus had a lot to say about the Pharisees and self-righteous people. Maybe we should all examine ourselves and take a refresher course on these things. Just read Matthew 23, and see what He has to say.
We are all to preach the Gospel. We can do this obviously from the pulpit. But we can also do this with our talents and materials the Lord has given each of us. We can tell others what great things the Lord has done for us! We can tell of the good news of how the Lord took pity on such deplorable and wretched souls like us and lifted us off the dung heap and robed us with the perfect righteousness of Christ. He has covered all of our sins and deficiencies. And He has shown us unmerited favor, love and mercy. And we can tell everyone of this great news while leaving our own sanctimonious opinions out of our speech.
Preach the truth. And leave it at that. God has it all under control. You don't need to judge. And He didn't give you the authority to run around with a self-righteous attitude so you can judge others by laying a guilt trip upon people. You aren't serving the Kingdom by acting like a Pharisee!
Instead of passing around judgment and condemnation upon everyone, maybe you should consider going into your prayer closet, being quiet, and studying the Scriptures. Doctrine is important, but our life in Christ is not just a doctrine. It's about a relationship with the living and triune God through Christ our Lord.
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