Embodying Righteousness: Living by God's Standards
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the profound concept of righteousness, a term often relegated to our "religious junk drawer" because we seldom use it in everyday conversation. Righteousness, however, is a pivotal biblical concept that encompasses living by a divine standard in all our relationships. It’s not just about personal piety but also about how we treat others. We explored how righteousness is integral to our interactions, reflecting integrity, compassion, mercy, and justice.
We began by imagining a scenario where a young man asks for a father's blessing to marry his daughter, only to be asked if he is a righteous person. This question underscores the importance of understanding and embodying righteousness. Righteousness is about living right by God's standards, both internally and externally. It’s about being in right relationships with others and with God, as exemplified by Adam and Eve before the fall.
Jesus redefined righteousness by setting a new standard through His life and teachings. His baptism by John the Baptist was a pivotal moment where He declared the fulfillment of all righteousness. Jesus invites us to seek His kingdom and righteousness, promising that all our needs will be met if we do so. This kingdom is characterized by peace, joy, fairness, and right relationships.
Paul’s letter to the Romans further clarifies that righteousness is not something we achieve through our efforts but something we receive through faith in Jesus Christ. Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness, and the same principle applies to us. Believing in Jesus and His resurrection brings us into a state of righteousness, enabling us to live upright lives and positively impact our relationships and communities.
In conclusion, righteousness is about trusting in God’s standard and living it out in our daily lives. It’s about making the world a better place by embodying the values of God’s kingdom. Let’s strive to walk in righteousness, allowing it to transform our lives and the world around us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Righteousness is Relational: Righteousness is not just about personal piety but about how we treat others. It involves integrity, compassion, mercy, and justice in our relationships. Living righteously means treating others fairly and with love, reflecting God's standards in our interactions. [05:01]
2. Jesus Sets the Standard: Jesus redefined righteousness by living a life that fulfilled all righteousness. His baptism marked the beginning of this new standard, showing us how to live rightly in our relationships and personal lives. By following Jesus, we can live lives that are blameless and upright. [11:02]
3. Righteousness Through Faith: Paul teaches that righteousness is not achieved by our efforts but received through faith in Jesus Christ. Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness, and the same applies to us. Believing in Jesus and His resurrection brings us into a state of righteousness. [17:49]
4. Impact on Relationships and Community: Righteousness affects our relationships and communities. By living righteously, we can make a positive impact, ensuring fair treatment and justice for all. This involves actively seeking to right the wrongs in our world and embodying the values of God’s kingdom. [22:57]
5. Living Without Regret: Embracing righteousness allows us to live without regret. By trusting in God and His standards, we can live lives of integrity and purity, free from the burden of past mistakes. This leads to a life filled with peace, joy, and right relationships. [24:48]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:28] - The Question of Righteousness
[02:52] - Defining Righteousness
[05:01] - Righteousness in Relationships
[07:15] - The Fall and Broken Relationships
[10:12] - Jesus Resets the Standard
[11:02] - Jesus' Baptism and Fulfillment of Righteousness
[12:52] - Seeking First the Kingdom and Righteousness
[17:49] - Righteousness Through Faith
[22:57] - Impact on Community and Relationships
[24:48] - Living Without Regret
[25:44] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 3:13-15 (NIV)
> Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
2. Romans 1:16-17 (NIV)
> For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
3. Romans 4:3 (NIV)
> What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the significance of Jesus' baptism according to Matthew 3:13-15? How did it relate to fulfilling all righteousness? [11:02]
2. In Romans 1:16-17, what does Paul say about the power of the gospel and its connection to righteousness?
3. How does Romans 4:3 describe the way Abraham attained righteousness? What was credited to him as righteousness?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why did Jesus insist on being baptized by John, and how does this act set a new standard for righteousness? [11:02]
2. How does Paul’s teaching in Romans 1:16-17 redefine the concept of righteousness from a faith perspective rather than through personal effort? [17:49]
3. What does it mean for righteousness to be "credited" to someone, as seen in the example of Abraham in Romans 4:3? How does this apply to believers today? [18:23]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you struggle to live righteously in your relationships? How can you begin to align these areas with God's standards of integrity, compassion, mercy, and justice? [05:01]
2. Jesus set a new standard for righteousness through His life and teachings. What practical steps can you take to follow His example in your daily interactions? [11:02]
3. Paul emphasizes that righteousness is received through faith in Jesus Christ. How can you strengthen your faith to better receive and live out this righteousness? [17:49]
4. Consider your community and relationships: How can you actively seek to right the wrongs and embody the values of God’s kingdom in your interactions with others? [22:57]
5. Living without regret involves trusting in God’s standards. Identify a past mistake that still burdens you. How can embracing God’s righteousness help you move forward with peace and joy? [24:48]
6. Think about a specific relationship in your life that needs healing. What steps can you take to bring righteousness into that relationship, ensuring fair treatment and justice? [22:57]
7. Jesus invites us to seek His kingdom and righteousness first. What distractions in your life prevent you from doing this, and how can you minimize them to focus more on God's kingdom? [12:52]
Devotional
### Day 1: Righteousness in Relationships
Righteousness is not just about personal piety but about how we treat others. It involves integrity, compassion, mercy, and justice in our relationships. Living righteously means treating others fairly and with love, reflecting God's standards in our interactions. [05:01]
Righteousness is a concept that extends beyond our personal relationship with God; it deeply influences how we interact with others. It calls us to embody integrity, compassion, mercy, and justice in all our relationships. This means that our actions and words should reflect God's standards, ensuring that we treat others with fairness and love. When we live righteously, we create an environment where trust and respect can flourish, mirroring the divine standard in our daily interactions.
In practical terms, this could mean standing up for someone who is being treated unfairly, offering a helping hand to those in need, or simply being honest and kind in our everyday dealings. By doing so, we not only honor God but also contribute to a more just and compassionate world. Righteousness in relationships is about making a conscious effort to live out God's love and justice in every interaction we have.
Bible Passage:
"Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor." (Proverbs 21:21, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a recent interaction where you could have shown more integrity, compassion, or justice. How can you make amends or improve your approach in future interactions?
### Day 2: Jesus Sets the Standard
Jesus redefined righteousness by living a life that fulfilled all righteousness. His baptism marked the beginning of this new standard, showing us how to live rightly in our relationships and personal lives. By following Jesus, we can live lives that are blameless and upright. [11:02]
Jesus' life and teachings set a new standard for righteousness, one that goes beyond mere adherence to rules and rituals. His baptism by John the Baptist was a significant moment where He declared the fulfillment of all righteousness. This act was not just a formality but a profound declaration of His commitment to living out God's standards in every aspect of life. Jesus' life serves as a model for us, demonstrating how to live rightly in our relationships and personal lives.
By following Jesus, we are called to embody the same values of integrity, compassion, and justice that He demonstrated. This means making choices that align with God's will, even when it is difficult or counter-cultural. Jesus' example shows us that true righteousness is about a heart transformed by God's love, leading to actions that reflect His kingdom values.
Bible Passage:
"For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps." (1 Peter 2:21, ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle to follow Jesus' example. What steps can you take to align your actions more closely with His teachings?
### Day 3: Righteousness Through Faith
Paul teaches that righteousness is not achieved by our efforts but received through faith in Jesus Christ. Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness, and the same applies to us. Believing in Jesus and His resurrection brings us into a state of righteousness. [17:49]
The Apostle Paul emphasizes that righteousness is not something we can earn through our own efforts; it is a gift we receive through faith in Jesus Christ. This principle is illustrated in the life of Abraham, whose faith was credited to him as righteousness. Just as Abraham believed God's promises and was considered righteous, we too are brought into a state of righteousness by believing in Jesus and His resurrection.
This understanding shifts our focus from trying to earn God's favor through good works to trusting in His grace and the finished work of Christ. It is through this faith that we are empowered to live upright lives, not out of obligation, but out of gratitude for what God has done for us. This faith-based righteousness transforms our hearts and enables us to positively impact our relationships and communities.
Bible Passage:
"And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness." (Romans 4:5, ESV)
Reflection:
Consider an area of your life where you have been striving to earn God's favor. How can you shift your focus to trusting in His grace and the righteousness that comes through faith?
### Day 4: Impact on Relationships and Community
Righteousness affects our relationships and communities. By living righteously, we can make a positive impact, ensuring fair treatment and justice for all. This involves actively seeking to right the wrongs in our world and embodying the values of God’s kingdom. [22:57]
Living righteously has a profound impact on our relationships and communities. When we embody the values of God's kingdom—such as fairness, justice, and compassion—we contribute to a more just and loving society. This means actively seeking to right the wrongs we encounter, whether they are in our personal interactions or broader societal issues. By doing so, we reflect God's heart for justice and mercy, making a tangible difference in the world around us.
This call to righteousness challenges us to look beyond our own needs and consider how our actions affect others. It invites us to be agents of change, working towards a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. By living out God's standards, we can create communities that reflect His love and justice, bringing hope and healing to those around us.
Bible Passage:
"But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." (Amos 5:24, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a specific injustice you have witnessed in your community. What steps can you take to address this issue and promote fairness and justice?
### Day 5: Living Without Regret
Embracing righteousness allows us to live without regret. By trusting in God and His standards, we can live lives of integrity and purity, free from the burden of past mistakes. This leads to a life filled with peace, joy, and right relationships. [24:48]
When we embrace righteousness, we are invited to live lives of integrity and purity, free from the burden of past mistakes. Trusting in God's standards and His grace allows us to move forward without regret, knowing that we are forgiven and empowered to live rightly. This freedom from regret brings a deep sense of peace and joy, as we are no longer weighed down by guilt or shame.
Living without regret also means making choices that align with God's will, ensuring that our actions and decisions reflect His love and justice. This leads to healthier and more fulfilling relationships, as we interact with others from a place of integrity and compassion. By embracing righteousness, we can experience the fullness of life that God intends for us, marked by peace, joy, and right relationships.
Bible Passage:
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on a past mistake that still burdens you. How can you embrace God's forgiveness and move forward in righteousness, living a life free from regret?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Righteousness is about a standard, okay? It's about a standard for how to live right, okay? How to do right, how to be right, how to live right. But here's the other piece that we usually never think about. Righteousness is a standard about how to live right in all of our relationships. It's not just about you. Righteousness isn't just about... What's happening, like, internally in your little heart." [04:15] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus replied, Let it be so now. It is proper for us to do this to, look at the next three words, fulfill all righteousness. It is, Jesus says, it is necessary, John, for you to baptize me. This moment is key. What we're doing right here, John, this baptism moment, this is key. My life is key. What I'm going to do after this moment is key. Everything about me is key because starting now in this moment, I'm fulfilling. I'm fulfilling all righteousness." [11:02] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Righteousness is not something that you achieve. It's something that you believe, okay? So I'll say it again. Righteousness, it's not about what you achieve. It's not about you becoming like this better person and like trying harder and kind of working your way there. It's not about what you achieve. It's about what you believe." [17:15] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Believe in Jesus and righteousness is credited to you. It's given to you. Believe. Believe in Jesus and who he is and what he did in his life and his death and his resurrection. And are people going to think that you're maybe a little strange or weird for believing that? Yeah. You start telling people that you believe in a guy that was like born of a virgin and walked on water and came back to life. Yep. You're weird." [21:29] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Righteousness, it is about right making in our world. It's about taking that kingdom of heaven picture that we create a few minutes ago and like living that out in your personal lives, in your family relationships, in this community, community that we're in, in our world." [22:57] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Righteousness is a standard about how to live right in all of our relationships. It's not just about you. Righteousness isn't just about... What's happening, like, internally in your little heart. It is that, and that's important, okay? It's not just about, you know, when was the last time you prayed, and when was the last time you were, you know, here, you know, worshiping with other people, and those types of practices and things. It is about... It's not just about you internally. It is a word that is also an external word." [05:01] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Adam and Eve decide that instead of continuing to trust in God and his standard of what is good and right. Instead of continuing to trust him and to follow him and to know that what he says is good and right is, in fact, good and right. They decide to decide for themselves what is good and right. What is right versus wrong. Good and evil. They eat from that tree. And what happens? The second they stop trusting God, stop believing and trusting in him, and the second they begin or decide to kind of step away from God. And create their own standard of what is right, of what rightness looks like in our world, in our relationships, in our lives. What happens? It all goes bad quickly." [07:50] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus invites us into this way of living. He sets the standard, right, of right living, but he invites us into it. He seek first my kingdom and my righteousness. And all these things will be added unto you as well. And instead of thinking, hey, I can never achieve. That's right. It's not something, and this is where we get to Romans now, and Paul helps us. Righteousness is not something that you achieve. It's something that you believe, okay?" [17:15] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you want to be and live this type of right living life, right? An upright life. A life where you're not living like with all the regrets so much. You know, if you want to live a life where your relationships are right and good and where you're treating others around you in that way, then believe in Jesus and righteousness is credited to you. It's given to you. Believe. Believe in Jesus and who he is and what he did in his life and his death and his resurrection." [20:45] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Righteousness, it is about right making in our world. It's about taking that kingdom of heaven picture that we create a few minutes ago and like living that out in your personal lives, in your family relationships, in this community, community that we're in, in our world. You hear, you heard Paul a few minutes ago say, and we're in Malawi and we're helping people get free from six months of prison because they owe a $5 fine, right? That that's making some wrong things in our world, right? And this is what this word righteousness is about." [24:03] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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