The Two Righteousnesses (video)
Zac Poonen explains the crucial difference between legalistic righteousness and the righteousness of God, urging believers to embrace humility and faith to truly live in God's righteousness.
This sermon delves into the contrast between the righteousness of the law pursued by the Pharisees and the righteousness of God through faith in Christ. It emphasizes the importance of humility, peace, and joy as marks of true righteousness, urging listeners to seek the righteousness that comes from God and is produced by the Holy Spirit. The speaker highlights the need to let go of self-righteousness, comparing it to filthy rags, and to embrace the righteousness that is written in the heart and mind by God.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The danger of legalistic righteousness
- Paul's pursuit of the law without salvation
- Legalism blinds and dishonors Christ
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II
- The two types of righteousness: legalistic vs. God's righteousness
- Isaiah 64:6 on human righteousness as filthy garments
- The imputed righteousness of Christ
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III
- The role of humility in receiving God's grace
- The bride making herself ready for the marriage of the Lamb
- Faith as the means to receive spiritual blessings
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IV
- Jesus' battle with temptation and sin
- The futility of blaming others for sin
- The necessity of personal responsibility in holiness
Key Quotes
“There is nothing so blind, that makes you so blind as legalistic righteousness.” — Zac Poonen
“Every person who goes to hell will go there not because of his sin, but because of his pride.” — Zac Poonen
“All our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment, a filthy garment.” — Zac Poonen
“The bride has made herself ready, but everything she got was given.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Examine your own righteousness and reject any form of legalism that blinds you from God's truth.
- Cultivate humility daily to receive God's grace and avoid pride that leads to spiritual failure.
- Respond to God's offer of righteousness by faith and actively pursue holiness in your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is legalistic righteousness?
Legalistic righteousness is trying to be righteous by strictly following the law or rules without a heart change, which blinds people to true salvation.
How does God's righteousness differ from legalistic righteousness?
God's righteousness is imputed to believers through faith in Christ, not earned by works, and leads to true transformation.
Why is humility important in the Christian life?
Humility opens the heart to receive God's grace and prevents pride, which is the root cause of spiritual downfall.
Can believers earn righteousness by their efforts?
No, righteousness is a gift from God imputed to us; however, believers must respond in faith and live in obedience.
What does it mean that the bride must make herself ready?
While God provides all necessary grace and righteousness, believers have the responsibility to actively pursue holiness and readiness for Christ.