How does our self-righteousness prevent us from coming to Christ?

The preacher highlights that many individuals, like the silversmith Demetrius, cling to their self-righteous works as a source of identity and security. This self-righteousness becomes a smokescreen that prevents them from recognizing their need for grace. In John 3:20, it states that people love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil, which shows how clinging to one's own perceived goodness can keep one from coming to the truth of Christ’s righteousness. True acceptance of the Gospel requires a relinquishing of self-righteousness and an acknowledgment that our best efforts are like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), allowing us to embrace Christ fully for salvation.