Saturday, October 28, 2023

Self-Righteous Service

Bible Reading:  Matthew 23:3,13-29


Key Verse: Verse 3 - “All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.”


Key Words: for they say, and do not


In our Scripture readings for today, you find the word woe eight times.  Out of those eight woe’s you find six acts of self-righteous hypocrisy:

  1. verse 14: self-righteous prayer,
  2. verse 15: self-righteous soul-winning,
  3. verse 16: self-righteous words,
  4. verse 23: self-righteous giving,
  5. verses 25-27: self-righteous cleanliness, and
  6. verse 29: self-righteous works.

The fruit of self-righteous service always ends with emptiness.


Self-righteousness comes through human effort. True service comes from a relationship with the divine Other deep inside.


Self-righteous service is impressed with the “big deal.”  True service finds it almost impossible to distinguish the small from the large service.


Self-righteous service requires external rewards.  True service rests contented in hiddenness.


Self-righteous service is highly concerned about results.  True service is free of the need to calculate results.


Self-righteous service picks and chooses whom to serve. True service is indiscriminate in its ministry.


Self-righteous service is affected by moods and whims.  True service ministers simply and faithfully because there is a need.


Self-righteous service is temporary.  True service is a life-style.


 I trust today that your service is a righteous God-honoring service.


                                                                                Dr. Mike Rouse

What to do: 

Ask God to reveal to you all of your unrighteous service.


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