Luke 18:9 "And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted inthemselves that they were righteous, and despised others:"
People who are self-righteous often despise others. The self righteous people mistakenly believe that they can please God with their good works. But the truth is God could not find a human being who is qualified, except for the perfect man Jesus. Self righteousness is a deception from the devil to steal our inheritance from the Lord Jesus.
The Sadducees and Pharisees were the most self righteous people who ever lived in this earth; they were so focused on their good works. They walked right, dressed right, sat right, ate right to earn the righteousness with God, but could not receive the gift of righteousness from God. We cannot focus on two things at one time; likewise we cannot seek the gift of righteousness when we are so much focused on our own righteousness. So quit trying to be qualified, and receive the gift of righteousness. I believe self righteous believers are the worst enemies to the kingdom of God all the time.
If we preach the law as a means for justification, believers will tend to compare themselves with other fellow believers, and use their adherence to the law as the measuring stick to judge others. Even though we know that we cannot satisfy God or ourselves by keeping all the laws, in frustration we will compare us with others in order to justify our weakness. According to the New Testament, trusting in our own good works is the worst sin you commit towards God''''s grace, because it frustrates the Grace of God and Christ has become of no effect (Gala 2:21). This “Holier than though” attitude breeds a critical mindset towards others by exalting self and debasing others.
No one can ever be righteous in the sight of God through his own good deeds. We must trust in Jesus and receive His righteousness which is completely based on our faith in what Jesus did for us.
So, do we have any benefit in leading a holy life? Yes. Most people are unaware that there are two kinds of righteousness. They are the righteousness with God and righteousness with man. The righteousness with God is independent of our actions, and is the birth right of a born again believer. The righteousness in regards to man is dependant on our actions and thus people relate to us based on our good actions.
The righteousness that is acceptable to God is the gift of righteousness through our faith in Jesus. Our actions benefit us in relationships with people and prevent satan from taking advantage over us, but they cannot make us right (righteous) with God.
God''''s righteousness is not something that we do, but something that we receive as a gift through faith in Christ. It''''s not possible to trust in our own righteousness and in God''''s righteousness. Righteousness is not what Jesus has done for us plus some minimum standard of holiness that we have to accomplish. God''''s righteousness is perfect and He offered it to us freely through Christ Jesus. Accept this gift He offers to you