The Lie of Self-HelpSample

The Pharisee in All of Us

Word on the street is that God approves of religious performers and condemns sinners. But it’s exactly the opposite! Jesus’ life shows God’s true character—He condemned the self-righteous performers and saved sinners. Never be afraid of the light of Jesus; He’s here to help those willing to admit our needs.

Want to see how much God hates the broken system of religious performance, living for the approval of others, and checking those boxes? God saves His most scathing words for the pretenders—the Pharisees, Jewish spiritual leaders distinguished by strict observance of the traditional and written law and pursuing superior sanctity. They were respected by many, and some Pharisees were well-intentioned God seekers. But their system of performance and pride missed the mark. They had put God in a box and wanted everyone else to do the same. It was an empty religion, and Jesus called the system for what it was—like a well-used travel mug, reasonably clean on the outside but filthy on the inside (Luke 11:39-40).

We talked about Paul yesterday, who was so against self-help because he was delivered from this life of performance-based faith. He said he’d take on anyone if righteousness were measured by self-help and religious performance: “... if anyone else thinks he has a reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more” (Phil. 3:4). But he saw that any effort outside of God’s power got him nowhere! Now he knows the true power of Jesus Christ and can strive to live a godly life because he has His perfect righteousness to depend upon.

In desperation, we cried out to God to save us, realizing we couldn’t save ourselves. And this is the posture we must continue in if we want to become more like Jesus.

TIME TO LET GO:

• Make a list of what you perceive as your accomplishments as a Christian (attending church and Bible studies, prayer and Scripture reading, etc.).
• Now, surrender that list to God, acknowledging that doing these things does not help you earn His approval and that it is only in His strength that you can do them.