Embracing True Righteousness Through Divine Grace
Summary
### Summary
Today's sermon focused on the concept of righteousness, exploring its true meaning, common distortions, and the distinction between human efforts and divine grace. We began by reflecting on Jesus' teachings about not being anxious for material needs, emphasizing that God provides for all His creation, including us. This led to a discussion on the kingdom of God and how saying "yes" to God brings His kingdom into our lives.
Righteousness, derived from the Greek word "diokosune," means living in a right relationship with God, others, and all creation. It involves acting justly, honestly, and faithfully according to God's instructions. However, this concept has often been distorted. The Pharisees, for example, pursued righteousness to gain God's favor or to be seen by others, rather than out of genuine devotion. This quid pro quo approach and the desire for public recognition are not true righteousness.
The sermon highlighted that no one is inherently righteous. Our best efforts are like "filthy rags" before God. The law was given to show us our need for a Savior, as no one can fulfill it perfectly. Jesus' righteousness is imputed to us when we accept Him, making us righteous before God. This divine exchange is the essence of true righteousness.
We are called to seek God's kingdom and His righteousness, not for material gain or human approval, but out of a genuine relationship with Him. This involves seeking God's face, not just His hand, and allowing His righteousness to transform us. The sermon concluded with an invitation to embrace this divine righteousness through a relationship with Jesus, followed by a celebration of baptisms as an outward expression of this inward transformation.
### Key Takeaways
1. True Righteousness Defined: Righteousness means living in a right relationship with God, others, and all creation. It involves acting justly, honestly, and faithfully according to God's instructions. This holistic approach to righteousness goes beyond mere actions to encompass our entire being and relationships. [04:44]
2. Distortion of Righteousness: The Pharisees pursued righteousness to gain God's favor or to be seen by others. This quid pro quo approach and the desire for public recognition distort the true meaning of righteousness. Genuine righteousness is not about self-effort or human approval but about a sincere relationship with God. [06:11]
3. Human Inability to Achieve Righteousness: No one is inherently righteous. Our best efforts are like "filthy rags" before God. The law was given to show us our need for a Savior, as no one can fulfill it perfectly. This realization humbles us and points us to the necessity of divine grace. [12:24]
4. Divine Exchange: Jesus' righteousness is imputed to us when we accept Him, making us righteous before God. This divine exchange is the essence of true righteousness. Our sin is given to Jesus, and His righteousness is given to us, enabling us to stand justified before God. [17:06]
5. Seeking God's Kingdom and Righteousness: We are called to seek God's kingdom and His righteousness, not for material gain or human approval, but out of a genuine relationship with Him. This involves seeking God's face, not just His hand, and allowing His righteousness to transform us. True contentment and fulfillment come from this divine relationship. [21:40]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:52] - Introduction to the Kingdom of God
[02:46] - The Good News of Jesus Christ
[04:44] - Definition of Righteousness
[06:11] - Distortion of Righteousness
[07:35] - Pharisees' Misguided Righteousness
[09:35] - Neglecting Parts of God's Law
[11:43] - Human Inability to Achieve Righteousness
[12:24] - The Harsh Reality of Human Righteousness
[13:58] - The Purpose of the Law
[15:37] - The Necessity of Divine Righteousness
[17:06] - The Great Exchange
[18:25] - Misinterpretations of Scripture
[19:54] - Reframing Christian Life
[21:40] - Seeking God's Face
[23:28] - Invitation to Embrace Divine Righteousness
[24:42] - Closing Prayer and Baptisms
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 6:25-34
2. Romans 3:9-20
3. 2 Corinthians 5:21
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 6:25-34, what does Jesus say about being anxious for material needs? How does He illustrate God's provision? ([00:52])
2. In Romans 3:9-20, what does Paul say about the inherent righteousness of humanity? ([11:43])
3. What is the "divine exchange" mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:21, and how does it relate to our righteousness? ([17:06])
4. How did the Pharisees distort the concept of righteousness according to the sermon? ([06:11])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness over worrying about material needs in Matthew 6:25-34? How does this relate to the concept of true contentment? ([21:40])
2. How does Paul’s description of human unrighteousness in Romans 3:9-20 highlight the necessity of divine grace? ([12:24])
3. What does the "divine exchange" in 2 Corinthians 5:21 teach us about the nature of salvation and righteousness? How does this change our standing before God? ([17:06])
4. How can the pursuit of righteousness for public recognition, as criticized by Jesus, affect one's spiritual life and relationship with God? ([06:11])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you were anxious about material needs. How can Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:25-34 help you trust in God's provision more fully? ([00:52])
2. In what ways have you tried to achieve righteousness through your own efforts? How does understanding that our best efforts are like "filthy rags" before God change your approach to living a righteous life? ([12:24])
3. How can you actively seek God's kingdom and His righteousness in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to focus on a genuine relationship with God rather than seeking material gain or human approval? ([21:40])
4. Have you ever found yourself doing good deeds to be seen by others? How can you shift your motivation to align with true righteousness as defined in the sermon? ([06:11])
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of seeking God's face, not just His hand. What does this mean to you, and how can you apply this principle in your prayer life and daily walk with God? ([21:40])
6. How does the concept of the "divine exchange" impact your understanding of grace and forgiveness? How can you live out this truth in your interactions with others? ([17:06])
7. Baptism was highlighted as an outward expression of inward transformation. If you have been baptized, how has this experience impacted your faith journey? If not, what steps can you take to explore this act of obedience? ([24:42])
Devotional
Day 1: Living in Right Relationship with God and Others
True righteousness means living in a right relationship with God, others, and all creation. It involves acting justly, honestly, and faithfully according to God's instructions. This holistic approach to righteousness goes beyond mere actions to encompass our entire being and relationships. When we align our lives with God's will, we reflect His character in our interactions and decisions. This righteousness is not about perfection but about a sincere commitment to live according to God's standards.
Righteousness is derived from the Greek word "diokosune," which emphasizes the importance of relationships. It is not just about following rules but about embodying the love and justice of God in every aspect of our lives. This means treating others with kindness, standing up for justice, and living with integrity. True righteousness transforms our hearts and minds, leading us to live in harmony with God's creation. [04:44]
Isaiah 32:17 (ESV): "And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever."
Reflection: Think of a relationship in your life that needs mending. How can you act justly and faithfully to restore that relationship today?
Day 2: Avoiding the Distortion of Righteousness
The Pharisees pursued righteousness to gain God's favor or to be seen by others. This quid pro quo approach and the desire for public recognition distort the true meaning of righteousness. Genuine righteousness is not about self-effort or human approval but about a sincere relationship with God. When we seek to impress others or earn God's favor through our actions, we miss the essence of true righteousness.
True righteousness is about a heart transformed by God's love and grace. It is not about external appearances or seeking validation from others. The Pharisees' approach to righteousness was superficial, focusing on outward actions rather than inward transformation. Jesus criticized this approach, emphasizing that true righteousness comes from a heart devoted to God. We are called to seek God's approval, not human recognition, and to live out our faith authentically. [06:11]
Matthew 6:1 (ESV): "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: Reflect on your motivations for doing good deeds. Are you seeking human approval or genuinely desiring to please God? How can you shift your focus to seek God's approval alone?
Day 3: Recognizing Our Inability to Achieve Righteousness
No one is inherently righteous. Our best efforts are like "filthy rags" before God. The law was given to show us our need for a Savior, as no one can fulfill it perfectly. This realization humbles us and points us to the necessity of divine grace. Understanding our inability to achieve righteousness on our own leads us to rely on God's grace and mercy.
The law serves as a mirror, revealing our shortcomings and our need for a Savior. It shows us that we cannot attain righteousness through our efforts. This humbling truth drives us to seek God's grace and to depend on Jesus for our righteousness. Recognizing our limitations helps us to appreciate the gift of salvation and to live in gratitude for God's grace. [12:24]
Romans 3:20 (ESV): "For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself striving for perfection? How can you surrender these areas to God's grace and rely on His strength instead of your own?
Day 4: Embracing the Divine Exchange
Jesus' righteousness is imputed to us when we accept Him, making us righteous before God. This divine exchange is the essence of true righteousness. Our sin is given to Jesus, and His righteousness is given to us, enabling us to stand justified before God. This exchange is a profound act of grace that transforms our standing before God and our identity in Christ.
The concept of imputed righteousness means that Jesus takes on our sin, and we receive His righteousness. This exchange is not based on our merit but on God's grace. It allows us to stand before God as righteous, not because of our actions, but because of Jesus' sacrifice. This truth should fill us with gratitude and inspire us to live in a way that honors the gift we have received. [17:06]
2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV): "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Reflection: How does understanding the divine exchange of Jesus' righteousness for your sin change the way you view yourself and your relationship with God? How can you live out this truth in your daily life?
Day 5: Seeking God's Kingdom and Righteousness
We are called to seek God's kingdom and His righteousness, not for material gain or human approval, but out of a genuine relationship with Him. This involves seeking God's face, not just His hand, and allowing His righteousness to transform us. True contentment and fulfillment come from this divine relationship. When we prioritize God's kingdom and righteousness, we align our lives with His purposes and experience His peace and joy.
Seeking God's kingdom means prioritizing His will and purposes above our own desires. It involves a deep, personal relationship with God, where we seek to know Him more intimately and to live according to His ways. This pursuit leads to transformation, as God's righteousness shapes our character and actions. True fulfillment is found in this relationship, not in material possessions or human accolades. [21:40]
Matthew 6:33 (ESV): "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to seek God's kingdom and righteousness more intentionally? How can you prioritize your relationship with God in your daily routine?
Quotes
1. "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient is the day for its own trouble. Well, today we're going to continue in our series, and we're using the idea of the kingdom of God, the overarching idea of the kingdom of God, a phrase that's found in what we call the Lord's prayer." [00:52] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The good news that even though you're sinful and imperfect and separated from God because he's perfect, perfect and holy, that Jesus has bridged that separation. He lived a life. We can't live a life of perfection. He died the death that we deserve, a death of punishment. And he rose from the dead. And when we receive him, we receive that resurrected life." [02:46] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Righteousness is living in a right relationship with God, with others, and with all of creation. So we act righteous when we live justly and honestly and faithfully according to God's instruction. Well, that's pretty simple. And I don't think that definition is too far from what you would conjure in your mind. You might give it some different words yourself, but I think we have a basic understanding of righteousness." [04:44] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The reality that comes out of this is that we're not righteous in and of ourselves. The Holy Spirit, through the apostle Paul, in writing to the roman church, puts it like this in chapter three and verse nine. What then? Are the Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin. As it is written, no one is righteous. No, not one. No one understands. No one seeks for God. All have turned aside together and have become worthless. No one does good. Not even one." [11:43] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The law was given as a schoolmaster or a teacher. To show us our need for a savior. You take the ten Commandments and then the whole law, the 613 commandments, and then the thousands that the scribes and Pharisees added to it. Nobody could live up to it. And it was intended to show our need for a savior. That was the whole reason the law was given. And we can't be justified by trying to be good, because no one is good enough, only Jesus. But the good news is that nobody's too bad. For the reach of God's grace and love and mercy." [13:58] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Our righteousness has to come from God through Christ. That's the reality of righteousness. It's. Use another latin phrase. It's pro bono. Giving something, expecting nothing in return. That's God's relationship with us and should be our relationship to him. We strive to be good by allowing him to live his life through us, not to gain his favor, not to stay in his favor, but because we have his favor in Christ, not to get a blessing in this life and in this world." [17:06] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "We need to reframe some of our thinking about the christian life, you see, we're to seek after him to gain his righteousness. It's my submission to him and his righteousness. It's not trying to be good. You see, that's why in front of seeking his righteousness, it says, seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness. When we're chasing after God. And that deepened relationship with him, the intended consequence is his righteousness is imputed to us. It's how you're going to go to heaven. When God sees you, he sees the righteousness of Christ. Jesus took your sin and took care of it on the cross. And God has exchanged your sin for his righteousness." [19:54] (72 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "This whole thing really is about seeking God's face and not his hand. You see, our faces are an exuding of who we are. It's our identity. And when we pursue God just for him, for that relationship with him, it's a beautiful thing, and his righteousness is given to us. But too often in the christian life, we're seeking what God can do for us or what God can do for others. And we need to just seek God because it's goddesse and worthy of being sought. And all of the contentment of life is going to flow out of that reality, not out of what we need him to do for us, what we want him to do for others." [21:40] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "You can't be good on your own. You can only be good as God works in and through you. Because of that relationship, I would love to talk more with you about it, any of our elders and others here. Maybe today you're realizing that you've been trying to be good or to not be bad in and of your own effort. Maybe today you realize that you need to receive Jesus because you're separated from him. God's perfect and holy, and you're the not. And unless your righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees, you cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven." [23:28] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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