How does the gospel challenge self-righteousness?

The sermon asserts that the gospel is an offense to the self-righteous, as it requires them to abandon their trust in personal accomplishments for salvation. Those who are zealous for their own righteousness often become hostile to the message of grace that emphasizes Christ’s complete work. The preacher illustrates how the Pharisees and Sadducees reacted with indignation to the gospel because it threatened their perceived righteousness. Thus, the gospel challenges everyone to confront their pride and reliance on self, calling them instead to embrace the sufficiency of Christ’s atoning work for salvation. This humbling aspect of the gospel fosters genuine faith that relies entirely on what Christ has done rather than what we can do.