Tag: Righteousness

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Beginning to Forever, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study

The Road that Leads to Grace

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There is such beauty and hope in the book of Romans. It is the hope of our salvation. It is the glory of the Father and the reality of the Son. It is the forgiveness of sin, the promise of Heaven, and the gift of eternal life. It is the message we have been commissioned to carry to the ‘farthest ends of the earth, so that all might hear and believe and share in the hope of our salvation.

When we come to Christ as broken sinners, He exchanges our sin for His righteousness.

Gotquestions.org

Today’s journey is a collection of passages known as the Romans Road, which leads us straight to God’s gift of eternal life—by grace, through faith in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:8-9). This road through Romans is the main thoroughfare of our faith. It presents the problem, which is sin (Rom 3:23), and then the answer/provision, which is God’s deep, deep love for us, even while we were sinners (Romans 5:8). The next stop on the journey (Romans 6:23) reminds us that our sin demands a payoff, and that payoff is death. But thanks be to God, Jesus paid our debt! So that now, when we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved (Romans 10:9-10). ~ As today’s journal entry puts it: “It is at this moment that we are saved and cross over from death to life. God no longer views us by our sin but by Christ’s righteousness.”

“For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

2 Corinthians 5:21.

Friends, while God’s gift of eternal life is good news for us who have believed and been saved, for those who have not yet believed in the message of the Gospel, there is bound to be a fair amount of discouragement and misery on this Romans Road. For without faith in Jesus and the eternal life that is available to all who believe, there is no hope. This, my friends, is why we must not neglect our calling to shine the light of Jesus wherever we go in this dark, foreboding world.

Father, may we align our hearts with Your desire for all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the Truth1 – and may we live and pray to that end. ~ In the name of Jesus and for Your eternal glory, I pray ~Amen.

If you have not put your faith in Jesus Christ, if you do not know the hope of eternal life, I invite you to visit the link ‘Know These Truths’ and let me introduce you to the One who gave His life so that you might live. If you have questions or are ready to take the next step, please message me at m.black@lmbc.org ~

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Posted in Abide, Abiding in jesus, Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

The Proof is in the Living

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based on the LGG Study, Abiding in Jesus, w4d2

Read James 1:22-25 and SOAP: James 1:22

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

James 1:22-25

Our works do not save us, but they do bear witness to our salvation through Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

If you know me or have followed my posts, you most likely know that 2 Corinthians 5:17 is one of my key life verses.

So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away—look, what is new has come!

2 Corinthians 5:17

The truth of Paul’s words rocked my world many years ago and continues to push me to live as a new creation and not the old. For, as Paul wrote to the Church at Ephesus, we have been created in God’s image–in righteousness and holiness that comes from truth. What a beautiful reminder of the need and reason for believers to abide in Jesus (the Way, Truth, and Life) – for how can we be like one we do not know or spend time with?

Today’s journal entry in Abiding in Jesus, by Love God Greatly, explains it like this: “When we become Christians, we are given a new nature, a new birth. The Holy Spirit comes to live in us. He is the sap flowing from the vine into the branches, producing a godly character. That is why when we abide in Christ, we will bear fruit.”

James reminds us that becoming a Christian is only the beginning. The real proof of a person having been born again is that he or she will now ‘live out the message.'”

Living for Jesus a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.

O Jesus, Lord and Savior,
I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy redemption,
Didst give Thyself for me;
I own no other Master,
My heart shall be Thy throne,
My life I give, henceforth to live,
O Christ, for Thee alone.

Living for Jesus who died in my place,
Bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.

Living for Jesus, Author: Thomas O. Chisholm (1917)

Of course, “Living for Jesus” comes with challenges that we all struggle with. As the Love God Greatly entry points out, “The walk of a Christian is not an uninterrupted series of victories over sin. We often stumble and fail. Sometimes it looks like we are going two steps forward and three steps backward. But if we belong to Jesus, we will have victories over sin again and again. We will be different from the way we used to be. We will steadily grow in holiness and godly character. We have a living faith, not a dead, fake one. We are a living branch, abiding in the Vine and producing good fruit. The Father will make sure His children walk in His ways, to prove that we really belong to Him. We know these works do not justify us, but they are the proof of our having been made new in Jesus.”

Friends, my prayer is that God will help us to be more than spectators or listeners of His Word. May we have the courage and faithful commitment to abide in Jesus, the Living Word, and to live it out every day. May we be always mindful that while our works do not save us, they glorify God in Heaven and give evidence that we have been made new through Jesus Christ. To God be all the glory, praise, and honor. Amen and Amen!

The More We Know

If you do not know Jesus, I invite you to read the truths about who He is and what He has done for you.

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Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Firm Foundation, From the Insideout, Joshua, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Two Representatives

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based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation/w2d2

Scripture and Observation

Read: Romans 5:12-21/SOAP: verses 12 and 17

Romans can be a tricky book to understand, but wow! It is filled with the news that we are sinners deserving of and destined to death. He makes it known that there is no one good, not even one. However, he also delivers the wonderful news that we have been offered a free gift of grace that leads to salvation, forgiveness of sins, freedom from slavery to sin, a relationship with God, and so much more – including eternal life. Is it any wonder that this is one of my favorite books?

Today’s part of our journey covers very little of Paul’s message, which was written primarily to Gentile believers living in Rome, but boy, is the message a good one! Up to this point, Paul has been pointing out the unrighteousness of all people (Romans 3:10-12) and the need that they all have for salvation and God’s provision of a Savior.

What then? Are we any better off? Not at all! For we have already charged that both Jews and Gentiles are all under sin,
10 as it is written: There is no one righteous, not even one.11 There is no one who understands;there is no one who seeks God.12 All have turned away;all alike have become worthless.There is no one who does what is good,not even one.

Romans 3:9-12

When we arrive at today’s destination, we find Paul introducing and explaining two representatives to the people. Adam is the representative of sinful humanity, which includes “all people” (Rom 3:23), but Christ represents only those who, by faith, have believed in Him. One created and one begotten, but both from God – the difference is Adam – the created – chose not to obey God, while Jesus, the begotten son of God, chose to surrender to the Father’s will and give His life as a ransom for many. ((John 12:49; 8:28))

Some have noted that Adam and Christ are alike, in that they affected many, many people by their choices.

For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:17
Application from the Journey

Today’s application of this passage is profoundly simple … it was mentioned yesterday and is worth noting/sharing again today: We must remember and heed the encouragement of Joshua, who said: “But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15 – It’s profound in the fact that the choice isn’t always easy – to turn away from worldly pleasures or what looks like the better choice/outcome to us at the time … or to follow God’s way choosing Him over everything … but we must remember one leads to death but choosing God’s way always leads to ‘life’.

Choose today whom you will serve – But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.

~Joshua 24:15
The More We Know

What does Romans 5:16 mean?

Paul continues to compare the impact of pivotal choices made by two men at two points in the history of the world. Adam, on the one hand, introduced sin into a world that knew no sin. He was the first to break God’s command. That choice caused all born after him to be born into sin. In response, all people lived under judgment for their sin and faced God’s condemnation.

Jesus, born as a man thousands of years later after many, many had sinned and broken God’s law, chose to become the source of God’s free gift of grace. He did this by dying on the cross to pay for human sin. His one action brought justification from God for everyone who receives it by faith.

Adam, by sinning, brought death and condemnation to all. Jesus, by not sinning and then dying, brought justification to all who believe. This “justification” is a declaration, as if in a courtroom setting. No person is actually righteous (Romans 3:10, 23), but Christ’s sacrificial death pays our penalty, allowing us to have peace with God (Romans 5:1).

Bibleref..com/Romans 5:16 (For the full commentary on chapter five visit Romans chapter 5
Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Psalm 119

 HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS IS FOREVER…

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Today’s post borrowed from the LGG Post by missionary Joy Forney | Jul 23, 2015 | LGG Psalm 119 Study/w6d5

A recap/response to this week’s journey through Psalm 119:121-144

I spent a few days earlier this week having a little pity party for myself. Yes, I know what you are thinking. I’m not under ten years old, and this is not appropriate behavior for a grown woman, let alone a missionary. But there it is.

The story is this: I was invited to a fun gathering of women that met last week in the States, but as I live in Uganda, I couldn’t make it. Seeing the photos of everyone attending and wishing I could be there… well, a little pity party started. Then I started thinking about my sister having her baby in the next few weeks. It’s her fourth, and I’ve not been there for even one of the births. Sigh. Don’t forget, of course, we’ll be missing out on yet another Thanksgiving and Christmas with family this year (yes, I’m aware it’s only July, but pity parties aren’t limited by the calendar).

And because misery loves company, I wrote a little snippet on Facebook about how I was sad about all of this, thereby extending said pity party not only in my head and heart, but around the world.

And one comment on that post really brought me back to reality. Randy Alcorn, author of  the book Heaven, wrote this on my sorry little post:

“You sound like Paul: “Remembering your tears, I long to see you that I may be full of joy” (2 Tim 1:4). You are in good company missing loved ones! The great reunion awaits, all together with the Lord:

“Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.” 1 Thes 4:17-18.

Thanks for joining Paul in bringing the gospel to the nations on our behalf. Some reward comes now, much will come later. Meanwhile He feels your pain.”

Ah yes, sweet perspective.

It brought me back to truth that my heart needed to hear and reminded me of two things:

1. Our memory verse for this week: 

Love God Greatly Week 6 Memory Verse

This. His righteousness is FOREVER. Forever. The part I was sorely missing in my self-imposed sadness. His righteousness really is forever, and we will be with Him forever. What a promise!

And His law is TRUE. His words are the words of a gentleman, and they are true. I can cling to His word, his promises, and his faithfulness when I am feeling down, lonely, and sad.

2. He has given us each other to remind us of this. 

Clearly, I needed Randy and others to bring me back to the truth, and that is why I love this community here at Love God Greatly so much. We are here to encourage one another in our walks with the Lord. We are here to spur one another on, and to remind each other of His righteousness and His Word.

So, thank you.

Thank you for being my community; for walking this road with me. Let’s commit to pick each other up when we stumble and fall, and point each other back to Forever and Truth.

Let’s continue to encourage each other in the comments. Share your struggles and find someone else to remind of both forever and truth!!

With Love From Uganda,

joy signature
Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Triumphs over Trials, Wisdom

Enslaved by What Controls You

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w6d3

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 2 Peter 2:17-22 and SOAP: verse 19

 These people are as useless as dried-up springs or as mist blown away by the wind. They are doomed to blackest darkness. 18 They brag about themselves with empty, foolish boasting. With an appeal to twisted sexual desires, they lure back into sin those who have barely escaped from a lifestyle of deception. 19 They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you. 20 And when people escape from the wickedness of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up and enslaved by sin again, they are worse off than before. 21 It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command they were given to live a holy life. 22 They prove the truth of this proverb: “A dog returns to its vomit.” And another says, “A washed pig returns to the mud.”

2 Peter 2:17-22 NLT

Clearly, we must be careful who we choose to hang with and/or follow and what habits we choose to take up.

Peter has been warning the people about false teachers that would arise among the body of Christ. Here, he is still talking about the men mentioned in verses 11-16, whom he had compared to “irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed,” and as those who would “suffer harm as the wages for their harmful ways.” He described them as those who were carousers in broad daylight, saying they were stains and blemishes, indulging their deceitful pleasures. Not only did they “have adultery in their eyes,” he said that “they never stopped sinning and enticed others who were unstable.” They had forsaken the righteous path of God and chosen to follow the unrighteous ways of Balaam.

Peter’s words are a warning that we would be wise to take note of. They are almost haunting yet – full of wisdom for sure. His words are a reminder that it becomes more and more difficult to walk away from sin the longer we are in it – for once we have “trained” ourselves in the unrighteous ways. by making a habit of chasing fleshly pleasures and giving in to the temptations – they become a way of “life” to us, and we wake to find ourselves living the life of a slave. We are captivated and then captured by the desires, and we are trapped (or enslaved) by the fleshly pleasures and the desire for more – until it is all but impossible to escape.

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

We must be careful with what we watch, see, hear, and get involved in—and who we get involved with—so that we are not enticed by the words of the unrighteous, “false teachers.” We must remember that the promise of earthly pleasures will never outweigh God’s presence and promises of heavenly treasures.

This kind of Christ-centered life requires us to:

stay on the alert –

not succumb to the unrighteous pleasures of this world

stay true to God and not turn back from the holy command, which bibleref.com explains as “the gospel, the command to trust in Christ.” —

Question FOR THE JOURNEY

Has there been a time in your life when the temptation of sin promised satisfaction but only left you feeling empty and unfulfilled? What did you learn about God during this season?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

“Dear Lord Jesus, guide us away from the empty promises of this world. Fill our hearts with Your truth, that we may find true freedom in You. Strengthen us to recognize and resist those who would lead us astray.” – Amen

THE MORE WE KNOW

Explore verses 19-21

19. https://www.bibleref.com/2-Peter/2/2-Peter-2-19.html

20: https://www.bibleref.com/2-Peter/2/2-Peter-2-20.html

21: https://www.bibleref.com/2-Peter/2/2-Peter-2-21.html

Be sure and check out today’s LGG blog for even more insight

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Triumphs over Trials

Sidetracked from Righteousness

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w6d2

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 2 Peter 2:11-16 and SOAP: verse15

By forsaking the right path they have gone astray, because they followed the way of Balaam son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness,

2 Peter 2:15 NLT

INTO THE TEXT: My commentary today is borrowed from the LGG Journal, Trials over Triumph journal/p176 – It is a beautiful explanation of the text and helpful to our journey in triumphing over trials.


Have you ever heard the story of Balaam? Nestled in the pages of Numbers 22-24, we find a telling account of a Gentile prophet named Balaam. He stands as a vivid example of someone who knew the distinction between right and wrong but let temptation sidetrack him from righteousness. Despite understanding that it was wrong to curse the Jews, Balaam’s heart wavered when wealth and honor dangled before him. Just like that, the man who was once clear about the right path allowed himself to be led astray by worldly temptations.


Much like Balaam, many false teachers during Peter’s time, and our time, have allowed their souls to become ensnared by greed and self-centered desires. The allure of material gains and recognition has made them lose sight of the ultimate truth and divine purpose. They, who could have been bright beacons of God’s wisdom, instead chose a shadowy path, leading themselves and others into spiritual darkness.


Thankfully there are other, much more inspiring role models in Scripture for us! When we look at the model of a true servant of God, such as Moses, Daniel, or Esther, what do we see? A heart brimming with humility, eyes that look beyond personal gains, and hands that seek to serve others with love and obedience. Such a servant doesn’t chase after worldly praise or monetary rewards. Her joy and satisfaction come from the very act of serving God where radiating His love to others is enough.

In today’s world, where temptation often comes dressed in the most enticing of guises, may we be women who stand firm in our faith. May our hearts remain anchored in God’s truth, and our spirits be invigorated by a genuine love for Him. Let’s not be swayed by fleeting pleasures or the fickle applause of the world. Instead, let our hearts sing a song of undying devotion and steadfast obedience to our Heavenly Father.

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Stand firm in our faith

Don’t be swayed by the pleasures or applause of the world

Cultivate good habits that lead to God and not away from Him

Choose righteousness over unrighteousness

Stay alert

QUESTION FOR THE JOURNEY

In what areas of your life do you feel most tempted to prioritize worldly gains over

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Dear Lord Jesus, please strengthen my heart against the enticement of worldly temptations. Help me serve You with unwavering love and obedience, placing Your will above all else. Amen –

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The Armor of God

Lay Aside the Old – Put on the New

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, The Armor of God /w2d5

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-24; SOAP: Ephesians 4:22-24

You were taught with reference to your former way of life to lay aside the old man who is being corrupted in accordance with deceitful desires, 23 to be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and to put on the new man who has been created in God’s image—in righteousness and holiness that comes from truth.

Ephesians 4:22-24

At the beginning of chapter four Paul reminds those in the church of Ephesus that they have been called by God and should live accordingly – that is “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, putting up with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” He goes on to tell them, and by extension – us, that they are no longer to live like the Gentiles. This is best explained by Bibleref.com and, for context, should be understood before digesting or soaping verse 22-24.

[In verse 17-19] Paul instructs the Ephesians not to share in the kind of immoral lifestyle which non-believers follow. The Ephesian Christians were mostly Gentiles, in the sense of being non-Jewish: they were not descendants of Israel. Symbolically, “the Gentiles” mentioned in this context are those people who are separated from God. They are the unsaved. As saved believers, the Ephesians were once “spiritual” Gentiles, but no longer. Paul’s point here is that believers cannot continue to live as unbelievers and expect to please God.

Verses 22-24 of chapter four are some of Paul’s best teaching as to Christian living – or living righteously. He reminds them of what they were taught and gives them word pictures in regard to both their former way of life and the new. As we have seen throughout week two of The Armor of God, living righteously requires more than God saving grace, it requires personal responsibilities on our part. We must be active in our faith – like putting off, or as Paul says here, “laying aside the old man … being renewed in our minds … and putting on the new man.” It is important not to miss the distinction between the two –

  • “The old man is being corrupted in accordance with deceitful desires.”
  • “The new man has been created in God’s image – in righteousness and holiness that come from ‘Truth.'”

Righteousness and Holiness come from TRUTH, God’s Word is TRUTH.

Do you want to live the righteous and holy life God has called you to? Surround yourself with God’s Word, fill yourself with it, and study it for yourself. Then we can say like the Psalmist who asked how he could keep his way pure. Answering his own question – he realizes that it is by living according to God’s word. He then acknowledges that he seeks [God] with all of his heart – and asks God not to let him stray from His commandments – and ends with the profession: I have hidden Your Word in my heart so that I might not sin against You” (119:9-11)

How can a young person maintain a pure life? By guarding it according to your instructions. 10 With all my heart I seek you. Do not allow me to stray from your commands. 11 In my heart I store up your words, so I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:9-11

Reflection of the Journey

What does Romans 12:1-2 teach about the process of putting off the old self and putting on the new self? How does this process lead to a change in our behaviors and actions?

Going Further

Read Romans 12:1-2 for more about being renewed and not conformed to the ways of the world

Be sure and check out today’s Love God Greatly blog post –

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The Armor of God

Declared Righteous

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based on the LGG Study, The Armor of God, w2d4

Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6; Romans 4:1-5/ SOAP: Romans 4:3

For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

Romans 4:3

Oh the joy I find diving into God’s Word! I marvel as I travel from the Old Testament through the New Testament reading messages of the redemptive stories of those, who, by no merit of their own – were saved by grace through faith. Today’s Scripture reading is an example of this, as we read that Abram (later named Abraham) who was credited with the righteousness of Christ, not because of anything he had done but because of his faith. Verse six of chapter fifteen says that “Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD credited it as righteousness to him.” We should note that this is not the first evidence of his belief in God. We find that part of the story in Genesis chapter twelve, verse four, when he leaves country, home, and family to follow God’s command.

Go out from your country, your relatives, and your father’s household to (the land) that I will show you. 2 Then I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you, and I will make your name great, so that you will exemplify divine blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, but the one who treats you lightly I must curse, so that all the families of the earth may receive blessing through you.” 4 So Abram left, (read the rest of the story)

Genesis 12:1-4

I hope you won’t skip through the Genesis portion to focus on the SOAP verse. A walk through the story of Abram – who left all he knew for an unknown location and a promise that he could not see – much less understand – reveals much. In Abram we see both faith and curiosity, that some would say was born of doubt; and if you look carefully you will even see the evidence of what appears to be fear in Abram(v1). In God we see, comfort and encouragement as well as personal interaction as He answers Abram’s questions and goes a step further with a beautiful and demonstrative sky-gazing moment of the promise yet to come. Finally, we see first-hand evidence(v6) of the account that Paul speaks of in Romans chapter four. As the old saying goes, “stop and smell the roses”, so to speak, before moving on to Paul’s account. Let yourself imagine walking in Abram’s shoes (for an even better understanding back up to chapter twelve), consider his questions – and then close your eyes and imagine the vision in verses four and five. Hear God say, “But look,” Do you feel the hope? Do you hear it in these two little words and in the message that follows? Visualize walking outside with him and looking up into the sky at the countless stars and hearing God say that Abram’s descendants would be as numerous as the stars. – I love that we serve a God who understands who we are and what we are thinking or feeling and responds with such compassion and such an excitement for what is ahead that He infuses hope into our hearts and minds that helps us to press on.

Fast Forward

“There is no one righteous, not even one,
11 there is no one who understands,
there is no one who seeks God.
12 All have turned away,
together they have become worthless;
there is no one who does good, not even one.”

Romans 3:10-12

In today’s focus passage, Paul picks up right where we left off with Abram. Keep in mind that Paul had just announced that “man” can be justified/saved (which is to be made right with God) by something other than the law, (Rom 3:21-26). Now, with this one question, he takes them back to Abraham/Abram to show them how. The question was perfect, for anyone who knew of Abram knew the answer. God had credited Abram with righteousness simply yet profoundly because He had “believed God“. Paul goes on to give an example that teaches the people that FAITH is greater than works when it comes to righteousness. The outcome of work is an obligatory payment or accolade – but what comes from belief/faith in God is His gracious gift of a righteousness that covers all of our sin and shame. It was the righteousness of His only son, given to take the sins of the world on himself and die on a cross that did not belong to him – but to each of us. – Now this is love and grace at their greatest!

Reflection for the Journey
  • What does Romans 4:3 teach us about the relationship between faith and righteousness?
  • How doe it challenge the lie that we must earn righteousness through what we do?
Going Further

How It All Began

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Quiet Time, The Armor of God

The Grace of Righteousness

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based on the LGG Study, The Armor of God /w2d3

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; SOAP verse 21

God made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we would become the righteousness of God.

2 Corinthians 5:21

I have many passages of Scripture that I refer to as “one of my favorites”, however, this one is among the top 10. It is one of the passages that allowed me to believe and understand the true meaning of God’s grace – a grace that not only saved me from my sins and took them all away, but a grace that neither remembered my sins nor held them against me any more. It freed me from sin’s condemnation, and forever made me new! It is this passage that made me realize and claim the phrase, “From the Inside-out”, for my blog page and other postings. It is this passage that made me love butterflies (ok so – let me explain that one – lol …). You see, as I continually reread the passage, enamored with its truth, the picture that I kept seeing over and over again was a beautiful butterfly emerging from its cocoon – struggling and then breaking free to fly free and growing stronger with each second of flight. Because I love the passage so much it is hard for me to zero in on just the one verse so I have included a snapshot of today’s “soap” from my journal.

The Righteousness of God

There is beauty and truth in all of the verses but in light of understanding “the breastplate of righteousness” let’s zero in on verse 21. As you will notice in the illustrated journal page, I paraphrased this verse to read, “God made Jesus, His sinless son, take my sins on Himself so that God no longer sees me covered in sin but instead covered by the righteousness of Christ!” This is love and grace at its finest and a great illustration of the Gospel of Christ.

As Paul points out Christ was not only sinless but He was the way for us to become righteous before God. This is why we no longer face the condemnation that our sins deserve. This is why God is faithful and just to forgive us of sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This is why we can enter into a relationship with God – because God made a way where there was no way.

borrowed from the LGG Devotional Book, The Armor of God, p 68

Reflection on the Journey
  • How does the concept of righteousness relate to the work of Jesus Christ on the cross?
  • How does it affect our relationship with God and our daily life on Christians?

Going Further

Don’t forget to check out today’s LGG Blog Post

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The Armor of God

Body Armor

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based on the Love God Greatly study, The Armor of God / w2d1

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18 / SOAP 14

 Stand firm therefore, by fastening the belt of truth around your waist, by putting on the breastplate of righteousness

Ephesians 6:14
In the first week of our study we looked briefly at the second piece of armor but focused primarily on the first, which is the “belt of truth.” This week we will spend time exploring the breastplate and learning how to implement it. Just as the belt of truth is vital to our battles – so it is with the breastplate of righteousness, which “refers to the righteousness purchased for us by Jesus at the cross.1“

1https://www.gotquestions.org/breastplate-of-righteousness.html

The Second Piece

The second piece of armor that Paul mentions is the “breastplate of righteousness” or, as the NLT translates it, “the body armor of God”. I love that description! We must understand this is not a righteousness of our own (Romans 3:10-12) that protects us but rather the righteousness of Christ that has been imputed to us (Romans 4:22-25) – and covers us in such a way that it defends us against the evil one and the evil he entices us with. Just as the breastplate a soldier wore was meant to protect his heart and other vital organs – so it is with the righteousness we received from Christ through faith, a faith, which according to gotquestions.org – “guards our hearts against the accusations and charges of Satan and secures our innermost being from his attacks.” What a beautiful definition of the job of “the breastplate of righteousness”, the reality of which should move our hearts to gratitude and worship, and surely a faithfulness in putting it on daily.

 At salvation, a “breastplate” is issued to each repentant sinner. It is specially designed by God to protect our heart and soul from evil and deception. Our own righteous acts are no match for Satan’s attacks (Isaiah 64:6). The breastplate of righteousness has Christ’s name stamped on it, as though He said, “Your righteousness isn’t sufficient to protect you. Wear mine.”

Putting It On

We are instructed to “put on” this armor, which implies that we do not automatically wear it all the time. Putting on the armor of God requires a decision on our part. To put on the breastplate of righteousness, we must first have the belt of truth firmly in place. Without truth, our righteousness will be based upon our own attempts to impress God. This leads to legalism or self-condemnation (Romans 8:1). We choose instead to acknowledge that, apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5). We see ourselves as “in Christ” and that, regardless of our failures, His righteousness has been credited to our account.

We “put it on” by seeking God and His righteousness above everything else (Matthew 6:33). We make Him and His ways our dwelling place (Psalm 91:1). We delight in His commands and desire for His ways to become our ways (Psalm 37:4; 119:24, 111; Isaiah 61:10). When God reveals an area of change to us, we obey and allow Him to work in us. At the point where we say “no” to God, we open a little crack in the armor where Satan’s arrows can get through (Ephesians 6:16).

As we wear Christ’s breastplate of righteousness, we begin to develop a purity of heart that translates into actions. Wearing this breastplate creates a lifestyle of putting into practice what we believe in our hearts. As our lives become conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29), our choices become more righteous, and these godly choices also protect us from further temptation and deception (Proverbs 8:20; Psalm 23:3).

PUTTING IT ON [borrowed from Gotquestions.org]

The “righteousness” Paul is referring to can not be bought or earned – it belongs to Christ alone and comes to us only through faith in Christ – a faith, which as gotquestions.org explains, guards our hearts against the accusations and charges of Satan and secures our innermost being from his attacks. The following details from got questions.org will be helpful to our understanding and implementing the “breastplate of righteousness” that has been so graciously given to us.

  • We “put it on” by seeking God and His righteousness above everything else (Matthew 6:33). We make Him and His ways our dwelling place (Psalm 91:1). We delight in His commands and desire for His ways to become our ways (Psalm 37:4; 119:24, 111; Isaiah 61:10). When God reveals an area of change to us, we obey and allow Him to work in us. At the point where we say “no” to God, we open a little crack in the armor where Satan’s arrows can get through (Ephesians 6:16).
  • At salvation, a “breastplate” is issued to each repentant sinner. It is specially designed by God to protect our heart and soul from evil and deception. Our own righteous acts are no match for Satan’s attacks (Isaiah 64:6). The breastplate of righteousness has Christ’s name stamped on it, as though He said, “Your righteousness isn’t sufficient to protect you. Wear mine.”
  • We are instructed to “put on” this armor, which implies that we do not automatically wear it all the time. Putting on the armor of God requires a decision on our part. To put on the breastplate of righteousness, we must first have the belt of truth firmly in place. Without truth, our righteousness will be based upon our own attempts to impress God. This leads to legalism or self-condemnation (Romans 8:1). We choose instead to acknowledge that, apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5). We see ourselves as “in Christ” and that, regardless of our failures, His righteousness has been credited to our account.
    • Guard Against Wearing it Incorrectly
      • When armor is abused or worn incorrectly, it can malfunction. Likewise, there are several factors that can interfere with the effectiveness of our spiritual breastplate. Carelessness (1 Peter 5:8), unbelief (Hebrews 3:12), abusing grace (Romans 6:1–2), or disobedience (1 John 3:4; Hebrews 4:6) can hinder our ability to stand firm and defeat the enemy in our lives. When we tolerate sin, refuse to forgive (2 Corinthians 2:10–11), rely on personal righteousness (Titus 3:5), or allow earthly concerns to crowd out time for an intimate relationship with God, we, in effect, take off the breastplate of righteousness, minimizing its power to protect us.
      • We need our breastplate of righteousness in place in order to gain the victory specified in 2 Corinthians 10:5: “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” When we quickly reject heretical ideas, idolatry, and the “counsel of the ungodly” (Psalm 1:1) and instead “keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2), we keep our breastplate securely fastened.
Reflection on Today’s Journey

Why is it important for the breastplate of righteousness to be worn with the belt of truth?

Going Further

Be sure and check out today’s LGG Blog

More on the Breastplate: “A Roman’s breastplate would typically be made from bronze or chain mail and would cover the vital body parts (heart, lungs, stomach). Righteousness, or doing what is right, is essential to protecting the life of the believer through spiritual battle. Also, the breastplate is a primary means of identification: this is one of the clearer ways for soldiers to recognize each other in battle. Likewise, a Christian’s behavior is meant to identify them to the world, and other believers, as a follower of Christ.” The breastplate would be attached to the belt and if the belt wasn’t applied correctly the breastplate would fall right off leaving the soldier in grave jeopardy. further evidence that the armor was intended to be worn in full not in pieces. [borrowed from bibleref.com]