“But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners.”
Romans 4:5 NLT
Righteousness is often a word that people can feel pressured by. “You must live a righteous life” or “that’s not very righteous” are thoughts that can pop into people’s minds or into conversations.
That shows how focused on “doing” we can all still be!
It amazes me that we know full well it’s only through the cross that we are saved, but yet we still think it depends on our works. How much we read the Bible, how little we sin, how well we feed the hungry, are all qualifiers we use, or marks of different levels of holiness or righteousness.
Sure, some of these things can show our level of maturity in the faith, or perhaps just how much we have disciplined ourselves in certain areas, but as markers for righteousness? Using anything but faith in the works of Jesus Christ to measure righteousness is futile. The Bible even calls it self-righteousness! It’s a whole sin in and of itself! By measuring your “works” for righteousness you end up doing the opposite and sinning!
In GoChurch Liverpool we have been looking at the Hebrew names of God in one of our Grow Groups. One of my favourite names is Jehovah Tsidkenu, the Lord our Righteousness. It’s a great reminder that it is the LORD who is our righteousness.
It’s not us. It’s not our good deeds. But HE is our righteousness.
Let’s thank Him today for becoming our righteousness, and know that the works we do flow out of that righteousness that HE has won by forgiving our sins.
QUESTIONS
Monday 3rd August
- We love hearing testimonies!
“Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.” Romans 4:20-21 NLT
Can you tell us of a time when you were fully convinced God could do something that He promised?
Tuesday 4th August
- “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.” Romans 5:3 NLT
Rejoice today because of what God is teaching and developing in you through a problem or trial
Wednesday 5th August
- “But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life.” Romans 6:22 NLT
What things can you do today that lead to holiness?
Thursday 6th August
- In this chapter Paul talks about his struggle with sin and sinful nature. What ways help you to avoid sinning and choose to do what is right?
Friday 7th August
- Today, let’s just simply celebrate the amazing work of Christ:
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.” Romans 8:1-2 NLT
Post a comment to show your celebration and thankfulness! What does it mean for you?!
Saturday 8th August
- “No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” Romans 8:37 NLT
What area have you seen overwhelming victory in your life?
Sunday 9th August
- “They are the people of Israel, chosen to be God’s adopted children. God revealed his glory to them. He made covenants with them and gave them his law. He gave them the privilege of worshiping him and receiving his wonderful promises.” Romans 9:4 NLT
What a great statement about the Israelites. Write a statement about you and your family!
Becci Linscott
Lead Pastor
GoChurch Liverpool