DUNAMIS_ Self-Righteous Part 3DUNAMIS_ Self-Righteous Part 3
Resilient Truths
Dr. Bell concludes the study on leading self-righteous lives while professing the spirit of Christ. Self-righteous individuals tend to exist in fear of losing control. They have trust issues and must appear that they have it all together to everyone else.
40:32•4 May 2024
Self-Righteousness, Fear and Grace with Dr Theresa M Bell
Episode Overview
- Self-righteousness often stems from fear and a need to control every area of life.
- Revenge is discouraged, with emphasis that "vengeance is mine, saith the Lord" and God can deal with wrongdoing better than people can.
- Salvation and justification are presented as coming through grace and faith in Christ, not through good works or religious performance.
- Pastors and leaders are urged to live the word themselves, provide for their own households and avoid exploiting people financially.
- Genuine love for God is linked to practical love and empathy for others, rather than merely verbal declarations or outward religiosity.
“Self-righteous people like to take matters into their own hands. They like to have control over everything in their life as if they could possibly have control over everything in their life.”
Curious about how others navigate their sobriety journey and faith at the same time? This session of **Resilient Truths** brings together Pastor Dr Theresa M Bell and a room full of people on "Fellowship Tuesday" for a short teaching before sharing a meal, focusing on the traps of self-righteousness and the comfort of God’s grace. You’ll hear Dr Bell openly admit, "I can't be God.
I can't be everywhere for everybody," as she talks about juggling ministry, a demanding supervisor role, and the need to downsize her commitments without shrinking her calling. That honesty sets the tone: this isn’t about pretending to have it all together, but about exposing how self-righteousness is often rooted in fear and a need for control.
Drawing from Romans, Galatians, Ephesians and 1 John, she explains that some people try to prove they’re children of the "MOST HIGH" through works, titles and shiny lifestyles, yet their behaviour doesn’t match Christ’s example.
She warns that "self-righteous people like to take matters into their own hands"—seeking revenge, clinging to control, or performing good works—while forgetting that "vengeance is mine, saith the Lord" and that salvation is "by grace… not of works." Dr Bell links this to everyday struggles: wanting children or loved ones to choose God, facing mental health crises, and living in what she describes as the last days.
She challenges those in ministry who live off "the backs of the people" while ignoring their own responsibilities, calling that attitude "worse than an infidel." At the same time, she embraces her own journey out of fear, including being pushed to confront a long-standing fear of flying. The group closes in prayer, grateful to be "eating spiritually" before they eat physically, with a strong reminder that real love for God must show up in how people treat one another.
If you’ve ever tried to look "holy" while feeling like you’re busting at the seams inside, this conversation might be the nudge to trade self-righteous pressure for grace, honesty and genuine love.
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!
More From This Show
The latest episodes from the same podcast.