Righteousness in Christ
Righteousness in Christ15
Not for Babies
By David Wilkerson0HEB 5:13David Wilkerson emphasizes that understanding God's justification is essential for mature believers, as many Christians remain spiritually immature, only grasping the basics of forgiveness. He compares spiritual immaturity to infants who rely on milk, highlighting that such believers live in fear of their salvation and lack peace with God. Wilkerson urges believers to move beyond the basics and embrace the deeper truths of Christ's righteousness, which provides security and victory over fear. He warns that without this understanding, believers are vulnerable to the devil's lies and cannot fully obey God. Ultimately, he asserts that true righteousness comes solely from Jesus Christ, not from our own efforts.
Hungering
By A.W. Pink0PSA 42:1ISA 45:8JER 23:6MAT 5:6ROM 1:16ROM 3:22ROM 5:19ROM 10:4PHP 3:8REV 7:16A.W. Pink emphasizes the profound spiritual hunger and thirst for righteousness that arises from a deep awareness of one's own sinfulness and need for salvation. He explains that this longing is not only a characteristic of the unconverted but also a continual experience for believers who desire to grow closer to God and be conformed to Christ's image. Pink highlights that true righteousness is found in Christ alone, who fulfills the law and provides the perfect righteousness needed for salvation. He reassures that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled, both in this life and in the life to come, where they will experience complete satisfaction in God's holiness. The sermon calls believers to reflect on their spiritual state and to seek a deeper relationship with God.
Your Spots and Blots
By Thomas Brooks0SNG 4:7JER 23:6ROM 3:222CO 5:21EPH 1:6PHP 3:9COL 1:22HEB 10:141JN 1:7REV 14:5Thomas Brooks emphasizes the assurance of believers standing before God, clothed in the righteousness of Christ, despite their imperfections and struggles with sin. He encourages those with weak hearts to remember that they are seen as lovely and without flaw in God's eyes, as stated in Revelation 14:5. Brooks reassures that even when believers feel overwhelmed by their shortcomings, they should find strength in the truth of their identity in Christ, who covers their spots and blots with His righteousness.
Redeemed by the Blood of Jesus
By David Wilkerson0JHN 8:36ROM 3:22ROM 8:12CO 5:21GAL 5:1EPH 1:7COL 1:14HEB 9:121PE 1:18REV 5:9David Wilkerson emphasizes the power of being redeemed by the blood of Jesus, contrasting the struggle of striving for righteousness in our own strength with the true righteousness that comes through faith in Christ. He encourages believers to stop listening to the lies of the devil and to boldly declare their redemption and freedom from sin. Wilkerson reminds us that our victories are not achieved through our efforts but through the grace and sacrifice of Jesus, who qualifies us to worship and serve God. He calls for a shift from self-reliance to reliance on Christ's righteousness, celebrating the freedom that comes from being redeemed.
Comparing Ourselves to Others
By David Wilkerson02CO 10:12David Wilkerson emphasizes the futility of comparing ourselves to others in our spiritual journey, revealing that true righteousness comes only from Jesus Christ. He reflects on his past struggles with feelings of inadequacy when measuring himself against seemingly holy individuals, only to realize that appearances can be deceiving. Wilkerson asserts that all believers receive Christ's righteousness in its fullness by faith, and that we should not gauge our worth by others but by the perfect standard of Christ. He encourages the congregation to embrace their identity in Christ, reminding them that they are accepted and made righteous through Him, regardless of their current struggles. Ultimately, the call is to focus on the unity of faith and the knowledge of Christ rather than on comparisons with others.
The Burning Fire of the Spirit - Part 1
By T. Austin-Sparks0REV 1:1T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the 'Revelation of Jesus Christ' as a call to the churches to recognize their spiritual condition and the need for alignment with God's purpose. He highlights the importance of understanding the timeless spiritual principles presented in the first chapters of Revelation, which serve as a basis for self-examination and accountability before God. Sparks stresses that the Lord's desire is to bless His people, urging them to overcome their shortcomings and embody the characteristics of Christ, the 'Son of Man'. The sermon calls for a deep reflection on how believers present themselves before God, emphasizing the necessity of being clothed in Christ's righteousness to stand in His presence. Ultimately, the message is a challenge to seek a true representation of Christ in the church and in individual lives.
His Unfinished Work
By Theodore Epp0ROM 3:22ROM 8:341JN 2:1Theodore Epp emphasizes the significance of Christ's role as our advocate in 'His Unfinished Work,' explaining that while John sets a high standard against sin, we often fall short. He reassures believers that when we do sin, we have Jesus Christ, the righteous, who intercedes for us before the Father, shielding us from condemnation. Epp highlights that our righteousness comes from Christ alone, allowing us to stand justified before God despite our shortcomings. This message encourages believers to rely on Christ's finished work and His ongoing intercession.
Believers Not ashamed...
By Robert Murray M'Cheyne0ROM 1:15Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the importance of preaching the gospel, particularly in a place as wicked and learned as Rome. He highlights Paul's readiness to share the message of Christ, stating that he is not ashamed of the gospel, which he sees as the power of God for salvation. M'Cheyne explains that many are ashamed of the gospel due to its perceived foolishness and the holiness it demands, while Paul gloried in the righteousness of Christ. He urges believers to recognize the transformative power of the gospel and to embrace it wholeheartedly, as it is the only means of salvation. The sermon concludes with a call to forsake all for Christ and to live in accordance with His righteousness.
For He Hath Made Him to Be Sin for Us
By C.H. Spurgeon0ROM 8:12CO 5:21EPH 1:6COL 2:10HEB 4:14C.H. Spurgeon encourages mourning Christians to find solace in the perfection of Christ, reminding them that their acceptance before God is not based on their own righteousness but on Christ's sacrifice. He emphasizes that believers are clothed in the righteousness of God, making them complete and free from condemnation despite their struggles with sin. Spurgeon reassures that their standing is secure in Christ, who intercedes for them, and urges them to rejoice in their identity as accepted in the beloved. He highlights the transformative power of Christ being made sin for humanity, allowing believers to attain the righteousness of God. Ultimately, he calls Christians to live joyfully, anticipating their eternal reign with Christ.
The Lord Our Righteousness
By C.H. Spurgeon0ROM 5:12CO 5:21EPH 2:8PHP 3:9COL 2:10C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the profound peace and joy that comes from understanding the perfect righteousness of Christ. He encourages believers to shift their focus from their own corruption to the completeness they have in Christ, reminding them that they are 'perfect in Christ Jesus.' Spurgeon asserts that despite life's challenges and the assaults of Satan, believers can rejoice because Christ has accomplished everything necessary for their salvation. He highlights that true gratitude for salvation leads to a life dedicated to serving and loving Christ, as the love of Christ compels us to live for Him. Ultimately, he concludes that those who embrace Christ's righteousness will experience a deeper appreciation for their own righteousness imparted by Him.
The Ethics of Jesus
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 28:19A.W. Tozer emphasizes that the teachings of Jesus are meant for the Church and not for a sinful society that opposes God. He explains that Christ's followers are called to be a minority in a hostile world, tasked with preaching repentance and teaching the ethics of Jesus to new disciples. Tozer asserts that understanding and obeying these ethics requires a transformative experience of the new birth through God's grace. He highlights that true righteousness is only realized in those who walk in the Spirit, as Christ's life is manifested in His redeemed followers. Ultimately, the source of righteousness is Jesus Christ Himself, who empowers believers to live according to His teachings.
God's Wisdom in Christ 1 Corinthians 1
By John Nelson Darby0JER 9:24ROM 3:231CO 1:25John Nelson Darby emphasizes that the foolishness of man, including that of believers, serves to highlight God's wisdom. He explains that all human righteousness and pride are ultimately broken down in God's presence, leaving no room for boasting except in the Lord. Darby illustrates that true wisdom and righteousness come from Christ, who offers redemption and sanctification, allowing believers to glory in Him rather than in their own achievements or sins. He contrasts the folly of self-righteousness with the divine wisdom found in Christ, who provides a way for sinners to be reconciled to God. Ultimately, Darby encourages believers to embrace their identity in Christ, recognizing that their worth and righteousness are rooted in Him alone.
2 Peter 3:14
By John Gill0MAT 5:9ROM 5:1EPH 5:27PHP 3:9COL 1:201TH 5:23HEB 12:142PE 3:14JUD 1:24REV 21:1John Gill emphasizes the importance of being diligent in our faith as we await the coming of Christ and the establishment of the new heavens and new earth. He explains that believers must strive to be found in Christ, clothed in His righteousness, and living in peace, both with God and one another. Gill reassures that those who are reconciled to God through Christ will not face judgment with fear but with joy and satisfaction. He highlights that while sanctification is imperfect, believers are ultimately presented as faultless before God through Christ's sacrifice. The sermon encourages believers to focus on their spiritual state and relationships as they anticipate eternal glory.
Christ Revealed as God's Provision
By T. Austin-Sparks0JHN 14:26ROM 5:1ROM 8:12CO 4:62CO 12:9GAL 2:20EPH 2:8PHP 3:9HEB 12:11JN 3:4T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that Christ is revealed as God's provision for righteousness and acceptance, highlighting the transformative power of seeing Christ's face. He discusses how Paul's encounter with Jesus dismantled his self-righteousness and led him to understand that true righteousness comes from faith in Christ, not from personal merit. Sparks reassures believers that despite their struggles and failures, their standing with God is secure through Christ's righteousness, and that the Holy Spirit is actively working to transform them. He encourages the congregation to recognize the sufficiency of God's grace in their trials and to maintain faith in Christ as their source of strength and righteousness.
Sermon on the Mount, 5
By John Wesley0MAT 5:17John Wesley emphasizes that Jesus did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them, asserting the enduring nature of God's moral law. He warns against the false hope of a new, easier religion and stresses that true righteousness must exceed that of the Scribes and Pharisees, who were known for their strict adherence to the law but lacked true spiritual depth. Wesley explains that the moral law remains in effect and that every commandment, no matter how small, is significant in the eyes of God. He calls believers to a higher standard of righteousness that encompasses both outward actions and inward purity, urging them to live out their faith authentically. Ultimately, Wesley encourages Christians to embrace the fullness of the law through love and obedience, which leads to greatness in the kingdom of heaven.