The Process of Righteousness
1. The Gift of Righteousness — [Romans 3:22-28 TPT]
2. The Blessing of Righteousness — [Ephesians 1:2 NKJV]
3. The Pursuit of Righteousness — [Matthew 5:1-11 AMP]
4. The Proof of Righteousness — [2 Peter 1:3-4 NKJV]
Acts 26:18 [TPT], And you will open their eyes to their true condition, so that they may turn from darkness to the Light and from the power of Satan to the power of God. By placing their faith in me they will receive the total forgiveness of sins and be made holy [sanctified], taking hold of the inheritance that I give to my children.
Q—“What was suppose to happen after that?”
Ephesians 2:1-10 [NIV], As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts… 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions… 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works [righteous deeds], which God prepared in advance for us to do.
When we put our faith in Jesus we entered in the process of righteousness.
“God has put us on a course of continual development that involves many future changes so we can live out the righteousness [divine nature] He has imparted to us.”
1. His posture through the process
1 Thessalonians 5:23 [ESV], Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“Nothing hinders the process of righteousness more than a sense of condemnation.”
If we are going to be successful in the process of righteousness, we must come to a place of comfort and confidence in the Trinity’s heart for the process.
2. His promise in the process
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 [ESV], Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
“The divine call to holiness was intended to produce hope, not feelings of fear, guilt and unrealistic pressure.”
If we are going to be successful in the process of righteousness, we must put our faith in His faithfulness.
3. His holiness is really about our wholeness
If we are going to be successful in the process of righteousness, we must see holiness as more than the eradication of sin in our lives.
4. He views change as an exchange
“The further we go in God, the less we can take with us.”
If we are going to be successful in the process of righteousness, we must have open ears and hearts to heaven’s exchanges.
5. His promise still requires our cooperation
If we are going to be successful in the process of righteousness, we must be intentionally and actively involved in the process.
Ephesians 4:22-32 [NLT/AMP], throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life [completely discard your former nature], which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy [living in a way that expresses to God your gratitude for your salvation]. 25 [Therefore, rejecting all falsehood whether lying, defrauding, telling half-truths, spreading rumors]. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 [And do not give the devil an opportunity to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness] 28 If you are a thief [who has become a believer], quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don’t use foul [profane, worthless, vulgar] or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. 30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, [faultfinding] and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind [and helpful] to each other, tenderhearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Ephesians 5:1-11 [NLT/AMP], Imitate God, [copy Him and follow His example] in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love [that is value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. 3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people [for as believers our way of life, whether in public or in private, reflects the validity of our faith]. 4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. 7 Don’t participate in the things these people do. 8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. 10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. 11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.