Matthew 3

“And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father’” (v9).  John the Baptist warned the religious leaders not to trust in their good cultural heritage.  We all naturally think our own group is superior, but John insisted that everyone needed to repent of sin (v8).  Water baptism was not just a ritual to look good in front of others.  John said it was preparation for being baptized by God Himself, with “the Holy Spirit and fire” (v11). 

When we let go of deadly self-righteousness, we are free to receive the real righteousness of the beloved Son, and the power of His Spirit.