Living in Dependence: Embracing God's Grace and Righteousness

Devotional

Day 1: True Righteousness Comes Only Through Christ, Not Ourselves

No amount of self-effort, religious activity, or good behavior can make us right with God. Our best attempts at righteousness are like filthy rags compared to the perfect standard God requires. The only way to be accepted by God is to give up trying to earn His favor and instead receive the righteousness that Jesus freely offers through faith. When we stop relying on ourselves and trust fully in Christ, we experience true freedom and joy, knowing that our standing with God is secure because of what Jesus has done, not what we do. [53:08]

Matthew 7:21-23 (ESV)
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are still trying to earn God’s approval through your own efforts or good works? What would it look like to surrender those to Christ and trust in His righteousness alone today?

Day 2: The Law Reveals Our Need, But Only Christ Can Save

God’s law acts like a mirror, showing us our inability to meet His perfect standard and revealing our true spiritual condition. When we honestly look at ourselves in light of God’s holiness, we see that we fall short and cannot fix ourselves. This realization can lead to discouragement or even despair, but it is meant to drive us to Jesus, who offers us His righteousness in exchange for our brokenness. Instead of trying to hide our flaws or create our own standards, we are invited to throw ourselves on God’s mercy and receive new life through Christ. [01:01:00]

Romans 3:20-24 (ESV)
“For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

Reflection: When you see your own shortcomings or failures, do you try to hide them, fix them yourself, or bring them honestly to Jesus? What is one area of brokenness you can bring to Him today, trusting Him to give you His righteousness?

Day 3: Freedom in Christ Means Living by Faith, Not by Rules

Jesus set us free so that we could live in the freedom of a relationship with Him, not under the burden of religious rules or human expectations. This freedom is not a license to do whatever we want, but the power to do what God wants, as He leads us by His Spirit. When we walk by faith—asking, “What do you want me to do now, God?” and obeying—we experience the supernatural life God intends, full of stories where only He can get the glory. Don’t go back to the old ways of slavery to rules or self-effort; stand firm in the freedom Christ has given you. [01:21:10]

Galatians 5:1 (ESV)
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”

Reflection: Is there a rule, expectation, or old habit that you keep returning to instead of living in the freedom Christ offers? What is one step of faith you can take today to trust and obey God’s leading, even if you can’t see the outcome?

Day 4: Beware of Creating Your Own Standard of Righteousness

When we realize we can’t meet God’s standard, it’s tempting to invent our own version of righteousness—choosing causes, rules, or traditions that make us feel good about ourselves. But any righteousness we create apart from Christ is ultimately deception. God is not interested in our self-made standards or religious add-ons; He cares only that our righteousness is found in Jesus. Don’t be deceived by new teachings, trends, or spiritual shortcuts—cling to the simple, unchanging truth of the gospel: Christ alone is enough. [01:44:31]

Isaiah 64:6 (ESV)
“We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.”

Reflection: Are there “good things” or causes you’re relying on to feel right with God or others? How can you refocus your heart today on Christ’s finished work as your only hope and standard?

Day 5: Dependence on Christ Produces Love and Serves Others

The evidence that we have received Christ’s righteousness is a life of dependence on Him, resulting in love for others. When we are full of God’s love, it overflows in how we treat those around us—even when life squeezes us. True freedom in Christ is not about serving ourselves, but about serving others through love, empowered by God’s Spirit. As we walk in dependence on Jesus, asking Him for the power to do what He asks, our lives become a testimony to His grace and love in a world that desperately needs it. [01:54:31]

Galatians 5:13-14 (ESV)
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Reflection: Who is one person God is calling you to serve or love today, especially if it’s difficult? How can you depend on Christ’s power to let His love overflow through you in that relationship or situation?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus was on the reality that all of life is by God’s design, shaping us to be more like Him and bringing Him glory. We celebrated the work God is doing among us, not just in big events like baptisms, but in the everyday ways He moves in our hearts and orchestrates our lives. The heart of the good news is that God gives us grace—a gift that enables us to believe, to trust, and to live by faith. This grace is not something we earn or figure out; it’s a gift that allows us to rest in Christ’s righteousness, not our own.

We explored the “rowboat” illustration: if you only ask God what to do but never act, or if you act without asking, you just go in circles. The Spirit-filled life is about asking, “What do you want me to do now, God?” and then doing it, trusting Him even when you can’t see where you’re going. The only thing you can see is the wake of God’s faithfulness behind you. Faith is not about knowing the outcome or controlling the process; it’s about trusting the One who knows the past, present, and future perfectly.

We broke down four types of people in their approach to righteousness: the self-righteous (doomed), the unrighteous (distraught), the creatively righteous (deceived), and the Christ-righteous (dependent). Self-righteousness is relying on your own goodness to be accepted by God, but Scripture is clear—our best efforts are like filthy rags. When the facade of self-righteousness falls, we see our true state and can become discouraged, even hopeless. Many then try to create their own standard of righteousness, but this too is a deception.

The only way to be right with God is to exchange our unrighteous life for Christ’s perfect righteousness. This is not a partial trade; it’s all or nothing. Dependence on Christ is the mark of true faith. When we live in this dependence, we experience freedom, joy, and the supernatural work of God in our lives. We are called to stand firm in this freedom, not returning to the slavery of self-effort or legalism. The result is a life marked by love—God’s love flowing through us, even when we’re “squeezed” by life’s pressures.

Key Takeaways

1. Self-Righteousness Is a Dead End Relying on your own goodness or religious performance to be accepted by God is a path to spiritual doom. No amount of edited “good pictures” or selective obedience can meet God’s standard of perfection. The law is a mirror, not a ladder; it shows us our need, not our ability. True freedom comes when we abandon self-righteousness and rest in what Christ has done. [49:09]
2. Despair Is a Doorway, Not a Destination When we finally see ourselves as we truly are—unrighteous and unable to fix ourselves—it can lead to deep discouragement. But this is not the end; it’s the place where God meets us. The law’s purpose is to drive us to Christ, not to leave us hopeless. In our brokenness, we are invited to throw ourselves on the mercy of God and receive His righteousness. [58:49]
3. Creative Righteousness Is Just Another Form of Deception Many, unable to meet God’s standard, invent their own—joining causes, following new rules, or redefining what is “good.” This is the root of countless religions and movements, but it’s still a rejection of God’s way. Only Christ’s finished work is enough; anything we add is a distraction and a deception. The gospel spells salvation “DONE,” not “DO.” [66:02]
4. Dependence on Christ Is the Only Way to True Freedom The mark of a Christ-righteous person is total dependence on Jesus for everything—salvation, daily living, and hope for the future. This dependence is not passive; it’s an active, moment-by-moment trust that asks, “What do you want me to do now, God?” and then obeys. In this, we experience the supernatural, the joy of seeing God work, and the peace of knowing we are secure in Him. [76:13]
5. Grace Produces Love, Not License Grace is not permission to live however we want; it’s the power and desire to do what God wants. When we are full of God, love comes out—even when life squeezes us. The evidence of true grace is not self-indulgence, but sacrificial love for others, serving them as Christ has served us. This is the fulfillment of the law and the mark of a Spirit-filled life. [112:32]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[23:23] - God’s Work in Our Community
[40:07] - The Rowboat of Faith: Trusting God’s Direction
[43:13] - God’s Plan vs. Our Plans
[44:59] - Four Approaches to Righteousness
[47:24] - The Trap of Self-Righteousness
[50:24] - The Poverty of Spirit and Salvation
[53:08] - The Danger of Religious Activity Without Relationship
[57:01] - From Self-Righteous to Unrighteous
[58:49] - The Despair of Unrighteousness
[65:12] - Creative Righteousness: Making Our Own Rules
[76:13] - Christ-Righteousness: Living in Dependence
[78:36] - Freedom in Christ
[86:39] - The Folly of Adding to Christ
[96:39] - Living by Faith and Eagerly Waiting
[112:32] - Grace, Love, and the Fulfillment of the Law
[116:47] - The Fruit of Unrighteousness and the Call to Dependence
[118:37] - Prayer and Invitation to Respond

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Galatians 5:1-15 — (Main text of the sermon; see [01:18:36] and following)
- Matthew 7:13-23
(Referenced in the sermon regarding self-righteousness and Jesus’ teaching on true and false disciples; see [51:40])
- Romans 3:10-24
(Alluded to in the sermon about no one being righteous and the need for Christ’s righteousness; see [01:31:09])

Observation Questions

In Galatians 5:1, what does Paul say is the reason Christ has set us free? What does he warn us not to do with that freedom? ([01:18:36])
According to Matthew 7:21-23, what is the difference between those who do things “in Jesus’ name” and those who truly know Him? ([51:40])
In Romans 3:10-12, what does Paul say about the righteousness of people? How does this connect to the idea of self-righteousness discussed in the sermon? ([01:31:09])
The sermon described four types of people in their approach to righteousness. What are they, and what is the outcome for each? ([01:16:59])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul say that adding anything to Christ (like circumcision or law-keeping) makes Christ “of no advantage” to us? What does this reveal about the nature of salvation? ([01:26:39])
The sermon used the “rowboat” illustration to describe the Spirit-filled life. What does it mean to “pull both oars,” and why is it important to both ask God and obey Him? ([40:07])
When someone realizes their own unrighteousness and feels hopeless, why does the sermon say this is actually a doorway rather than a dead end? ([58:49])
How does true dependence on Christ lead to freedom, joy, and love, according to both Galatians 5 and the sermon? ([01:18:36])

Application Questions

The sermon said that self-righteousness is a “dead end” and that even our best efforts are like “filthy rags.” Are there areas in your life where you are still trying to earn God’s approval or acceptance? What would it look like to let go of that and rest in Christ’s righteousness? ([49:09])
When you feel discouraged by your failures or sin, do you tend to despair or try to “fix” yourself? How can you use those moments as an invitation to throw yourself on God’s mercy instead? ([58:49])
The “rowboat” illustration shows that asking God without acting, or acting without asking, both lead to going in circles. Can you think of a recent situation where you did one or the other? What would it look like to both ask and obey in your current circumstances? ([40:07])
The sermon described “creative righteousness” as making up our own standards or causes to feel good about ourselves. Are there any “good” things you do that might actually be a way of avoiding full dependence on Christ? ([01:06:02])
Galatians 5:1 says to “stand firm” in freedom and not return to slavery. What are some practical ways you can remind yourself this week to live in the freedom Christ has given you, rather than slipping back into self-effort or legalism? ([01:18:36])
The sermon said that grace produces love, not license. When life “squeezes” you, what usually comes out? Is there a specific relationship or situation where you want to see more of God’s love come out of you? ([01:52:32])
The only way to be right with God is to exchange our unrighteous life for Christ’s perfect righteousness. If you have already made that exchange, how can you express gratitude for it this week? If you haven’t, what is holding you back from making that exchange today? ([01:13:40])

Sermon Clips

That's what Paul means when he says, stand firm, therefore. If God said, do it this way, do it. And if it doesn't look like it's going to work, who's going to get the glory when it does? God. Do it God's way. Be a part of something so supernatural that only God can get blamed for. For freedom, Christ has set us free. Wouldn't it be great to have a bunch of cool stories about your life that, well, God did this, God did that, God did that. Whoa, let me tell you about this. Instead of, well, yes, in my strength and in my knowledge and in my wisdom, I did this. Who cares? Somebody else is smarter than you, stronger than you, prettier than you. Yes, prettier than you even. I'm just saying. But man, be godly. [01:21:10] (46 seconds) Edit Clip

You, by faith, you have to say, here, God, take my entire life. Give me a new life. Give me a righteous. By faith, he gives you his righteousness. He now gives you a new nature to do the right thing. That's what grace is, the desire to want what he wants and do what he wants. And so now you trade your old, unrighteous, tumorous life in for a brand new one that's going to last forever, the desires to do what God wants you to do. And yes, there's going to be suffering while we're here. [01:07:30] (33 seconds) Edit Clip

But in reality, if you're under the word of God and the Holy Spirit is acting, he's going to bring conviction to you. And you're going to see that you've blown perfection. You're going to see that you're not as righteous as you thought you were. You're going to have it. So guess what you can do? Go find another church, go find another Bible study, go find another religion, go find another, you know, because what happens is you go from being self -righteous to what's the next one? Help me out. Unrighteous. And you know what unrighteous means? It means you now see yourself in the true light of who you are in light of a holy God. [00:57:20] (38 seconds) Edit Clip

I heard so many people like, man, the closer I get to God, the worse I see I am. And I'm like, awesome. They're like, no, it's not. It's a horrible thing because now they're actually seeing how unrighteous they actually are. And again, that unrighteousness, it's, it's a, it's like a mirror that the law is supposed to show us our unrighteousness so that when we see that we're messed up, we can fix it, but not with the mirror. We fix it with Christ. Amen. [01:01:00] (28 seconds) Edit Clip

So distraught people do all kinds of crazy stuff. We're going to see in the passage when we get to it, they actually fight with each other because they don't know what's right. They don't know what's wrong. It's a, they're just whatever, you know, every day is different. There's no stability and therefore there is no freedom. That's not how God designed us. He designed us to realize who we are and throw ourselves on the mercy of the court and say, Jesus, man, I'm yours. Jesus, I'm yours. And he gives us his righteousness. We give him our unrighteous life. And now by faith, we get to live in this righteous life. What do you want me to do now? God, do it. What do you want me to do now? God, do it. We live by the work. When, when I brought you back up, Quinn, that represented you not being the boss of your life. But when I brought you back up, is it now you better just do everything God said in your own power? Or is it by resurrection power? It's by resurrection power. [01:03:47] (58 seconds) Edit Clip

So grace isn't, well, oh, I can live any way I want and I'm not going to lose my salvation and I'm not going to lose that or this or whatever. And no, you got a wrong idea of grace. Grace is desire and ability to do what God wants you to do. And it's going to result in love. [01:45:58] (15 seconds) Edit Clip

When you get squashed, God comes out. And that's what we've got to do. That's what he's talking about. So he said, you were called to freedom, brothers, or do you not? Do not use your freedom as an opportunity of flesh. So this idea that, well, if somebody's got grace, they can just live any way they want. No, no, no. God gave you grace to love and serve one another. In fact, here's a running theme throughout the Bible. It's called the golden rule. And the Pharisees even got it wrong. We studied the other night in Bible study for the whole law, the whole law. You want to summarize it up in one? It's fulfilled in one word. And I think they mean words. [01:55:00] (33 seconds) Edit Clip

You got no advantage of having Christ because you're still in yourself. You're still counting on your righteous. In fact, man, God's put this on my heart. Revelation. I want to say chapter 19 or 20, right at the end, he talks about the great white throne judgment. You can find it and look it up in there. And in the great white throne judgment, he says, heaven and earth fled away. In other words, there's nothing except a giant throne and him who sat on the throne, which we know is Jesus Christ. And there's nothing for anybody to be distracted of. And everybody, the rich, the poor, the great, the mighty, the weak, everybody stands before God, before Christ on the throne. And he says, the books are opened. [01:29:59] (45 seconds) Edit Clip

So we're eagerly waiting on God to come through with everything, but we're especially eagerly waiting for this righteousness to be completed. How many of you know that you know that you know that you are righteous in Christ because you've given him your life? He's giving you his righteousness. So by faith, how many of y 'all know that Christ has given you his righteousness and you're righteous? Let me see your hand. All right. Good. I'm not memorizing all the people didn't raise their hands because there's some people just sleeping right now, but, but, but you know that you know, but how many of y 'all who raised your hand looked in the mirror this morning and said, boy, that ain't right. [01:38:36] (39 seconds) Edit Clip

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