Date: 07-31-2020

Title: Self-Righteous Smoke

(S) cripture:
    Isaiah 65:5 (NASB) (the self-righteous) “Who say, ‘Keep to yourself, do not come near me, For I am holier than you!’ These are smoke in My nostrils, A fire that burns all the day.

(O) bservation:
    Isaiah has just listed all the “religious” things people do and then he drops the hammer. They think they are too good to be around sinners. God says the self-righteous are a stench – smoke in his nostrils and it lasts all day. It is not something that passes but the stench lasts all day.

(A) pplication:
    God has no place or time for the self-righteous. They do the right things but are useless to God. When I think I am too good or better than someone else, I am only a stench in God’s nostrils. I am a sinner saved by grace and I need to share that grace with other sinners. Lord, I want to serve you and never be a stench in your nostrils.

(P) rayer:
    Father, make me keenly aware when my self-righteous attitudes rear their ugly head. I want to be a fragrant offering not a stench in your nostrils. Use me today. Amen