Every time we become
involved in a new activity we are required to learn new terms, new procedures,
and new rules. Whenever I have someone
new come into my yoga class, I have to make sure I clearly explain the new
vocabulary, explain what I am asking my participants to do, and also correct
any improper form in order to prevent injury. Even in church there are terms and concepts
that we encounter that are strange to new people (and sometimes to those who
have been around a while too!)
This week, our passage
speaks to righteousness. On the surface,
righteousness speaks to “right living” or living life with morality. On a deeper level, someone who displays
righteousness is someone who is “judged” as leading a life that is pleasing to
God. When our actions, our words, and our
thoughts are judged by God, do they please Him?
If they do, you are counted as righteous.
In our passage this week,
Paul (the author of Romans) builds a contrast between two kinds of righteousness,
God’s righteousness and an individual’s own righteousness. God’s righteousness is available to everyone through
faith. Confessing with your mouth that “Jesus
is Lord” leads to salvation and believing with your heart leads to God’s righteousness.
A person’s own righteousness is bound up
with laws and works. When we are more
concerned with rules and regulations and shift our focus off of Jesus, we begin
feeling a false sense of righteousness.
Only righteousness
through Jesus offers salvation. Our
focus must shift off of ourselves and on to Him who saves.
Blessings,
Pastor Amy
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