I am looking forward to preaching through the Sermon on the Mount in 2015. Currently, I am studying the Beatitudes.
In a recommended sermon on the beatitudes (2/11/90), Tim Keller explains that the difference between a Christian and a moralist is that a Christian mourns over his or her righteousness:
What’s the difference between a Christian and a moralist? Here it is: Moralists and Christians both repent for their sins. A lot of moralists are poor in spirit. A lot of moralistic people, religious people, mourn over their sin, and even are meek. The difference between a moralist and a Christian is moralists and Christians both repent of sins, but a Christian also repents of his righteousness.
That means a moralist says, “I’ve sinned, but look at all the good things I’m doing. Look how often I come to church. Look at how faithful a spouse I am. Look at what a great career I have. Look at this and that, and look at that and this and that.” The Christian says, “No, I even repent of that. I even give up that. I see the only way Jesus Christ can receive me is if I completely rely on what he has done, not on anything I have done.” That’s the difference between a Christian and a moralist.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6.
Working through the Westminster Larger and Shorter Catechism right now. The sections on the Ten Commandments reveal why all of life is repentance. Thanks for the post.
Chris – I’ve been working through this pdf (very much related to your post)- after following the sanctification debate for the past several years – this seems to be one of the best treatments of the topic – would be interested in your thoughts if you get a chance to read it – http://www.redeemerlm.org/uploads/1/2/0/7/12077040/resisting_the_temptation_of_moral_formation.pdf
Thanks Scott. Be sure and watch the video St. Patrick’s bad analogies!
Rick – – Wow. This looks very interesting. I scanned it but just don’t have time to really dissect it right now. But it looks to me to be a very profitable article to consider.