29 Apr Resting in Christ’s Righteousness
Last Sunday, Pastor Jeremy Chasteen preached the sermon: “Mercy for the Doubter,” from John 20:24-31 and encouraged us to believe that Jesus is the risen Christ and have life in him.
Read: John 21:1-19
This Sunday, Pastor Jason Finley will preach from John 21:1-19, and we will consider the truth that Jesus restores and deploys those who recognize their own inadequacy. As you prepare your heart for our corporate gathering, let this devotional from Milton Vincent lead you to further die to self-righteousness and rest in Christ’s righteousness.
Reflect: “Resting in Christ’s Righteousness”
The gospel encourages me to rest in my righteous standing with God, a standing which Christ Himself has accomplished and always maintains for me (Romans 5:1-2; 1 John 2:1-2). I never have to do a moment’s labor to gain or maintain my justified status before God (Romans 4:5; Hebrews 4:3; Matthew 11:28)! Freed from the burden of such a task, I now can put my energies into enjoying God, pursuing holiness, and ministering God’s amazing grace to others.
The gospel also reminds me that my righteous standing with God always holds firm regardless of my performance, because my standing is based solely on the work of Jesus and not mine (Romans 5:18-19). On my worst days of sin and failure, the gospel encourages me with God’s unrelenting grace toward me (Romans 5:20-21; Romans 6:1; 1 John 2:1-2). On my best days of victory and usefulness, the gospel keeps me relating to God solely on the basis of Jesus’ righteousness and not mine.
“Resting in Christ’s Righteousness,” in A Gospel Primer for Christians, by Milton Vincent
Sing: Song List for Sunday
- “God Is for Us,” by CityAlight
- “The Depths of Your Love,” by North Wake Music
- “Redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb,” by People and Songs