The First Self-Righteous Church (revised)

We all got rebaptized whether we needed it or not …

Thanks to Hal.

One reason I posted this is I figured it was good material for a small group study. I just didn’t have time to write up anything.

Question: What are Ray Stevens’ assumptions about the heart of the First Self-Righteous Church?

[Hidden sin, Taking comfort in superficial religiosity]

Q: What was the impact of Sister Betterthanyou confessing sin?

[Embarrassment, leading to a need to feel forgiven]

Q: Why did the church seek re-baptism?

[Many felt being baptized would cleanse their now-disclosed sins]

Q: Do you think they wanted cleansing from God or to appear forgiven to their neighbors?

[Hmm. A little of both.]

Q: Why did the members give generously and volunteer for missions?

[Perhaps some were trying to earn forgiveness. Perhaps others were shocked into admitting their sinfulness and so felt the need for grace and therefore gained a new appreciation for grace.]

Q: Was the church truly revived? What would true revival require?

[A change in heart. Likely some were revived; others just embarrassed.]

Q: How can a Christian like Sister Betterthanyou look down on others when her life is so filled with sin?

[Don’t we all? We compartmentalize our lives. We gain comfort from being regular attenders and such.]

Q: In what sense did she feel better than others?

[Positive law obedience. She sat on the front row. She was likely very regular in her attendance and a regular participant in church activities.]

Q: How does a church become a Self-righteous Church?

[By being filled with self-righteous people — that is, people who feel entitled or superior because they adhere to certain externalities rather than having their lives and hearts right]

Q. What did Jesus say about these kinds of people?

[lots]

Q. Do people outside of our congregation think of us a Self-righteous Church? Why or why not?

[discuss]

Q: If the answer is yes, what are we going to do about it?