Faith in Christ: The Path to True Righteousness
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound truth that our righteousness and salvation are not achieved through our own efforts or adherence to rituals, but through faith in Jesus Christ. We began by acknowledging our human frailty and the tendency to rely on our own strength, which often leads to frustration and a lack of joy. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, warns against placing confidence in the flesh, using the example of circumcision as a misguided attempt to earn salvation. He emphasizes that true righteousness comes from knowing Christ and trusting in His work on our behalf.
We reflected on the story of Abraham, who was counted as righteous because of his faith in God's promises, despite the impossibility of his circumstances. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that God is capable of doing the impossible, and our role is to trust in His promises and character. Just as Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness, we too are called to place our faith in Christ, who is our transport to righteousness and eternal life.
The sermon also highlighted the importance of removing barriers to faith, emphasizing that salvation is not about cleaning ourselves up or bringing a gift, but about coming to Jesus as we are, with our burdens and desperation. It is through faith alone in Christ alone that we are transformed and made new. This transformation is not just a one-time event but a continual process of living by faith, allowing Christ to work in us and through us.
As we concluded, we were encouraged to bring our burdens to Jesus, trusting Him to provide the wisdom, grace, and resources we need. By doing so, we can experience the joy and peace that come from a deep, intimate relationship with Him, and we are empowered to share this good news with others.
Key Takeaways:
- Faith Over Flesh: Our human efforts and rituals cannot achieve righteousness. True righteousness comes from faith in Jesus Christ, who has done the work on our behalf. Like Paul, we must count our own efforts as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. [29:32]
- The Promise of God: Abraham's story teaches us that God can do the impossible. When we trust in His promises, despite our circumstances, we are credited with righteousness. This faith is not based on our abilities but on God's character and His ability to fulfill His promises. [36:25]
- Removing Barriers: Salvation is not about what we can do but about coming to Jesus as we are. We must remove any barriers that suggest we need to clean ourselves up before coming to Him. Faith in Christ is the key that opens the door to fellowship and transformation. [43:55]
- Continual Faith: Living by faith is a continual process. We must keep calling on Jesus' name, especially in times of suffering or need. Our faith in Him allows us to experience the power of His resurrection and transformation in our lives. [46:44]
- Joy in Christ: When we place our faith in Christ, we experience joy and peace that surpass understanding. This joy is not dependent on our circumstances but on our relationship with Jesus, who empowers us to live out His purposes. [47:35]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [13:04] - Opening Prayer
- [16:05] - Prayer of Confession
- [20:47] - Children's Hymn
- [25:42] - Rejoice in the Lord
- [26:44] - Confidence in the Flesh
- [27:38] - The Swimming Analogy
- [29:32] - Faith in Christ
- [30:43] - The Law and Righteousness
- [31:33] - Human Flaws and Effort
- [33:14] - Abraham's Faith
- [35:36] - God's Promise to Abraham
- [37:12] - Belief and Righteousness
- [38:27] - Christ as Our Transport
- [40:55] - Miracles Through Faith
- [42:00] - The Gospel's Good News
- [43:55] - Removing Barriers to Faith
- [45:04] - Calling on Jesus' Name
- [46:44] - Continual Faith and Transformation
- [47:35] - Joy in Christ
- [50:15] - Intimate Relationship with God
- [51:49] - Faith and Transformation
- [52:53] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Philippians 3:3-9
2. Genesis 15:1-6
3. John 3:16
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Observation Questions:
1. In Philippians 3:3-9, what does Paul say about placing confidence in the flesh, and how does he describe his own past efforts? [26:44]
2. How does the story of Abraham in Genesis 15:1-6 illustrate the concept of faith being credited as righteousness? [36:25]
3. According to the sermon, what are some barriers that people might place before coming to Jesus, and how does this relate to the concept of salvation by faith alone? [43:55]
4. What analogy does the pastor use to explain the futility of relying on human effort for righteousness, and how does it relate to the need for faith in Christ? [28:43]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Paul's personal testimony in Philippians 3:3-9 challenge the idea of earning salvation through religious rituals or personal achievements? [29:32]
2. In what ways does the story of Abraham's faith in Genesis 15:1-6 serve as a model for believers today in trusting God's promises despite seemingly impossible circumstances? [35:36]
3. The sermon emphasizes the removal of barriers to faith. What might be some modern-day "barriers" that prevent people from fully trusting in Christ, and how can they be addressed? [43:55]
4. How does the pastor's analogy of swimming to the South Pole help illustrate the concept of relying on Christ as our "transport" to righteousness? [28:43]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there any rituals or personal achievements you have been relying on for your sense of righteousness? How can you shift your focus to faith in Christ instead? [29:32]
2. Consider a promise from God that seems impossible in your current circumstances. How can Abraham's example of faith encourage you to trust in God's character and promises? [35:36]
3. Identify any barriers you might have placed between yourself and Jesus. What steps can you take to remove these barriers and come to Him as you are? [43:55]
4. The sermon encourages continual faith, especially in times of suffering or need. How can you practice calling on Jesus' name in your daily life, particularly during challenging times? [46:44]
5. Think about a specific area in your life where you need transformation. How can you invite Christ to work in you and through you in that area? [47:35]
6. Joy in Christ is described as not being dependent on circumstances. What practical steps can you take to cultivate this joy in your relationship with Jesus? [47:35]
7. How can you share the good news of faith in Christ with someone in your life who might be struggling with the idea of earning their way to righteousness? [50:15]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Over Flesh: Trusting in Christ's Righteousness
Our human efforts and rituals cannot achieve righteousness. True righteousness comes from faith in Jesus Christ, who has done the work on our behalf. Like Paul, we must count our own efforts as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, warns against placing confidence in the flesh, using the example of circumcision as a misguided attempt to earn salvation. He emphasizes that true righteousness comes from knowing Christ and trusting in His work on our behalf. This understanding liberates us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor through our actions and allows us to rest in the completed work of Christ. [29:32]
"For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin." (Romans 3:20, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you still trying to earn God's approval through your own efforts? How can you shift your focus to trusting in Christ's righteousness instead?
Day 2: The Promise of God: Believing in the Impossible
Abraham's story teaches us that God can do the impossible. When we trust in His promises, despite our circumstances, we are credited with righteousness. This faith is not based on our abilities but on God's character and His ability to fulfill His promises. Abraham was counted as righteous because of his faith in God's promises, despite the impossibility of his circumstances. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that God is capable of doing the impossible, and our role is to trust in His promises and character. Just as Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness, we too are called to place our faith in Christ, who is our transport to righteousness and eternal life. [36:25]
"He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb." (Romans 4:19, ESV)
Reflection: What is one promise of God that seems impossible in your current situation? How can you actively choose to trust in His character and promises today?
Day 3: Removing Barriers: Coming to Jesus as We Are
Salvation is not about what we can do but about coming to Jesus as we are. We must remove any barriers that suggest we need to clean ourselves up before coming to Him. Faith in Christ is the key that opens the door to fellowship and transformation. The sermon highlighted the importance of removing barriers to faith, emphasizing that salvation is not about cleaning ourselves up or bringing a gift, but about coming to Jesus as we are, with our burdens and desperation. It is through faith alone in Christ alone that we are transformed and made new. [43:55]
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28, ESV)
Reflection: What barriers have you placed between yourself and Jesus? How can you come to Him today with your burdens and trust Him to transform you?
Day 4: Continual Faith: Living by Faith Daily
Living by faith is a continual process. We must keep calling on Jesus' name, especially in times of suffering or need. Our faith in Him allows us to experience the power of His resurrection and transformation in our lives. This transformation is not just a one-time event but a continual process of living by faith, allowing Christ to work in us and through us. By doing so, we can experience the joy and peace that come from a deep, intimate relationship with Him, and we are empowered to share this good news with others. [46:44]
"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a daily habit of calling on Jesus and living by faith? How can this practice transform your response to challenges?
Day 5: Joy in Christ: Experiencing Peace Beyond Circumstances
When we place our faith in Christ, we experience joy and peace that surpass understanding. This joy is not dependent on our circumstances but on our relationship with Jesus, who empowers us to live out His purposes. As we concluded, we were encouraged to bring our burdens to Jesus, trusting Him to provide the wisdom, grace, and resources we need. By doing so, we can experience the joy and peace that come from a deep, intimate relationship with Him, and we are empowered to share this good news with others. [47:35]
"Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory." (1 Peter 1:8, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus that leads to joy and peace, regardless of your circumstances? What steps can you take today to focus on this relationship?
Quotes
1. "The amazing thing about God's love and Christ's command is that when we confess our sins, he's humble and faithful, that he'll forgive us our sins and cleanse us and renew us. By way of his Holy Spirit, may he do that work in all of us, reminding us that in him and through him we are a new creation." [00:17:53] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And so, that's what Paul is saying. He's saying, you know what? It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter how hard you try to be good. You cannot be good enough. It's like swimming to the South Pole. It's impossible. You need another transport. There's got to be another means to get you there." [00:29:12] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Of course, he begins to define that means. He says that he's putting his faith in Jesus Christ. He says, but whatever gain I had, because I could swim 10 miles and most people could only swim one mile, right? But it's not enough to get there." [00:29:45] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Whatever gain I thought compared to everyone else, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. That there's something about knowing him that surpasses this. And what is it? It's that Christ can take us where we can't go on our own." [00:30:01] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And it's written way back in Genesis, and Paul is reflecting back that righteousness is by faith alone in Jesus Christ. In the person of Christ, and what He has promised. And we have this Christ putting His arms around all these people who are in difficult spots, who reach out to Him, and He continues to put His arm around them, and He says, what is it that's troubling you?" [00:40:02] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Miracles happen when we put our faith in Christ. Not our resume, but his resume. And we trust in his promise. And that's the gospel. That's the good news, you see. The good news is that I don't have to swim to South Pole with my own effort. That he will do the transforming and making me into a new creation." [00:40:55] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Your gift is your desperation. Your gift is your faith that you pick up the faith phone and you call Him and you ask Him for help. And He is humble and He is good. And there isn't one person you'll find in the Gospels that He doesn't stop in His tracks and help who calls on His name. And that's you. And that's me." [00:46:04] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "And that's what Paul is saying. If it's suffering or whatever, I'm going to continue in faith until I know the power of the resurrection, until it becomes more and more evident. And so it's constantly in those places of our ache, like Abraham. Whatever that complaint that we have is, that's a moment. It's a moment to come to the Savior and say, can you intervene?" [00:46:52] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "It's not on you and me to fix the world and to fix ourselves. It's on the author and the creator and the redeemer of the world to do it. And when we are putting that right, we're not going to be on the flesh. We're always trusting in his spirit to begin to do that new work in us and around us." [00:47:58] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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