Why is it important to guard against self-righteousness?

Self-righteousness manifests when we begin to rely on our works or compare ourselves with others as evidence of our standing before God. The sermon warns that this attitude can creep in and corrupt our assurance of salvation. By recognizing that our works, while important, cannot earn God's favor, we shift our trust entirely onto Christ, who alone performs righteousness on our behalf. It protects us from pride and reassures us that our acceptance before God is unconditional and based solely on Christ's merit, leading us to true humility and reliance on His grace.