Embracing Righteousness Through Faith and Humility

In our journey of faith, we are called to embrace a righteousness that comes by faith, not by our own efforts or adherence to rules. This righteousness is rooted in love, as faith works through love. We are encouraged to love others as we wish to be loved, and to seek God's help in living out our convictions. Our self-efforts often lead to pride and rebellion, but humility and the fear of the Lord are essential for spiritual growth and righteousness by faith.

Psalm 25 reminds us to trust in the Lord, especially when answers are not forthcoming. We are to wait patiently for Him, knowing that He is our strong tower and refuge. In times of affliction, we must cry out to God, acknowledging our inability to overcome on our own. It is through humility and dependence on God that we find victory over our struggles, such as anger or fear.

The fear of the Lord is a key to spiritual growth and prosperity. It teaches us to guard our tongues, to bless rather than curse, and to bring our thoughts captive to Christ. This fear is not about being afraid, but about reverence and obedience to God. It leads to a life of humility, where we recognize our need for God's grace and guidance.

True righteousness is not about outward appearances or religious activities, but about a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit. It involves making restitution and humbling ourselves before God and others. This humility allows us to be teachable and to receive God's guidance and mercy.

Finally, the fear of the Lord and humility are intertwined. They make us teachable and open to God's ways. As we choose the fear of the Lord, we are invited into a deeper relationship with Him, where He shares His secrets and makes us His special treasures. This journey is not easy, but it is marked by God's deliverance and the promise of His covenant of grace.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Righteousness by Faith: True righteousness is not achieved through self-effort or adherence to rules, but through faith working in love. This requires humility and a reliance on God's grace, as our own efforts often lead to pride and rebellion. [21:59]
• 2. Trust and Patience: In times of uncertainty and affliction, we are called to trust in the Lord and wait patiently for His deliverance. This trust is rooted in the belief that God is our refuge and strong tower, and that He will come to our aid. [23:10]
• 3. The Fear of the Lord: The fear of the Lord is essential for spiritual growth and prosperity. It teaches us to guard our tongues, to bless rather than curse, and to bring our thoughts captive to Christ. This reverence leads to a life of humility and obedience. [26:01]
• 4. Humility and Teachability: True righteousness involves humility and a willingness to be taught by God. It requires us to make restitution and to recognize our need for God's grace and guidance. This humility allows us to be open to God's ways and to receive His mercy. [32:03]
• 5. God's Special Treasures: As we choose the fear of the Lord and walk in humility, we are invited into a deeper relationship with God. He shares His secrets with us and makes us His special treasures, promising deliverance and the blessings of His covenant of grace. [38:22]
  ** [38:22]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [21:22] - Faith Working Through Love
• [21:59] - The Dangers of Self-Effort
• [22:27] - Humility and the Fear of the Lord
• [22:44] - Trusting in God Amidst Uncertainty
• [23:35] - Finding Refuge in God
• [24:21] - Waiting on the Lord
• [25:39] - Learning the Fear of the Lord
• [26:40] - The Power of Humility
• [27:08] - Deliverance Through Faith
• [28:06] - Testing and Spiritual Growth
• [29:28] - Revelation of Sin and Righteousness
• [31:12] - The Importance of Restitution
• [33:07] - Humble Sinners and God's Guidance
• [37:45] - The Secret of the Lord

1. Galatians 5:5-6
2. Psalm 25:1-5
3. Psalm 34:11-14

1. According to Galatians 5:5-6, what is the relationship between faith and love? How does this relate to the concept of righteousness by faith? [21:22]
2. In Psalm 25:1-5, what actions does the psalmist take to express trust in the Lord during times of uncertainty? [22:44]
3. Psalm 34:11-14 speaks about the fear of the Lord. What specific behaviors are encouraged in these verses, and how do they contribute to spiritual growth? [25:39]
4. The sermon mentions the importance of humility and teachability. How does Psalm 25:9 describe the way God interacts with the humble? [33:07]

1. How does the sermon describe the dangers of self-effort and pride in achieving righteousness? What are the consequences mentioned? [21:59]
2. The sermon emphasizes waiting on the Lord during afflictions. How might this practice of waiting and trusting in God change a person's response to difficult situations? [24:21]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between the fear of the Lord and humility? How do these qualities work together to deepen one's relationship with God? [36:17]
4. In what ways does the sermon illustrate the concept of being God's "special treasures"? How does this idea relate to the fear of the Lord and humility? [38:22]

1. Reflect on a time when you relied on your own efforts rather than faith in God. What was the outcome, and how might you approach a similar situation differently now? [21:59]
2. Consider a current situation where you are waiting for God's guidance. How can you practice patience and trust in the Lord during this time? [24:21]
3. The sermon highlights the importance of guarding our tongues. Identify a recent instance where you struggled with this. What steps can you take to speak more life-giving words? [26:01]
4. How can you cultivate a deeper fear of the Lord in your daily life? What practical changes can you make to ensure you are living in reverence and obedience to God? [36:17]
5. Think of a person or situation where you need to practice humility. What specific actions can you take to demonstrate humility and openness to God's guidance? [32:03]
6. The sermon speaks about being teachable. Identify an area in your spiritual life where you need to be more open to learning and growth. How can you actively seek God's teaching in this area? [33:07]
7. Reflect on the idea of being one of God's "special treasures." How does this perspective influence your understanding of your identity in Christ, and how can it impact your daily walk with Him? [38:22]