Hi Friends👋🏾. I want to apologize for the mid-month post. I have been walking through a lot this season and it took me longer than expected to write what has been placed on my heart. I am coming to terms with the ministry path the Lord is giving me and it is something unexpected, amazing, and yet uncomfortable for me. I plan on keeping you posted of my journey as time permits. For now, let's jump into a word that is rooted in my heart which is that we are made righteous by the finished work of Jesus. Grab your Bible, favorite beverage, and notebook, and let's Journey on the Path of Righteousness by Trusting Wholly in the Finished Work of Jesus.
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We begin by remembering the stark difference between Lot and Abraham is that Abraham knew he was righteous by faith; Lot, though righteous, did not. The end of their lives looked very different. Lot’s life was spared, but he lost everything. What is tragic is those who were close to him suffered the consequences. Whereas Abraham became the father of faith and continues to leave a legacy that bleeds into eternity–And we are partakers of this destiny. For this reason, we need to understand that we are righteous by faith in Jesus so we do not fall prey to the enemy’s tactics.
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We often speak of the Gospel and the forgiveness of sins, which is an incredible blessing, yet we rarely talk about the righteousness that comes by faith and has been credited to our account. “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Romans 1:17.
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I cannot cease to talk about the righteousness of God because this is the ministry the Lord has given me, to equip the saints with the truth that it is not by our efforts but what Jesus has done that causes us to inherit. We must learn to receive because God Almighty is the Source of every blessing.
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An interesting phenomenon happens when we have an unbelief concerning any portion of the Gospel: we don't walk victoriously. Did you hear that? The extent to which we believe the Gospel is directly proportional to the ability to inherit the promises in the Gospel, and friends, there are many. I am presently studying the verses connected to the righteous, and there are so many. I am confident it will take eternity to fully understand all the blessings (benefits–Psalm 103:2v5) connected with what Jesus has done.
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Beloved, Christ has gone ahead of us and prepared everything. He did a finished work. We cannot add to the work of Jesus. We can believe wholly in His work, knowing this is the heart of God. We can receive and savor the revelation from the Spirit of God, and in this, we will be given privy to see with the eyes of God and understand those things freely given to us by God.
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Recently, I was prompted to re-read the story of the prodigal son. Interestingly is this 👉🏾 “And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them.” Luke 15:12. Notice the inheritance was given to “them.” Hum🧐. There is an important lesson to learn from the eldest son. He had access to everything but did not appropriate it because he didn't believe he had it😉. And the father said, “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.” Luke 15:31. I urge you to look at this parable with new eyes, seeing the relationship between the eldest child and the father to see what gems you can glean to strengthen your walk with Christ.
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My point: Our Abba has made all things ready, yet we often must be compelled to come in, rest, and be fed from His table (Luke 14:23 & Matthew 11:28).
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Beloved, the enemy of our souls is thrilled to watch us toil to become who our Father says we are and to strive to attain what He already says we possess. One of the things I am learning in this season is God isn't asking me to do (at least not initially); He is asking me to believe. It's beautiful because, in my study, He led me to read John 6 when Jesus is speaking to the people, look at these words:
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“Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” John 6:27.
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What is interesting is the crowd's response:
“Then they said to him, “What must we 𝒹ℴ to be doing the works of God?” John 6:28. (Italics mine). The flesh always is looking to 𝒹ℴ! But what does Jesus say: “Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you 𝒷ℯ𝓁𝒾ℯ𝓋ℯ in him whom he has sent.” John 6:29. (Italics mine).
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God’s word is consistent. From Genesis to Revelation, God is moved by our trust in Him because trust in Him is faith. When we trust Him, we essentially give Him our hearts—then He works within us, and then we can become His hands, feet, and voice in the earth.
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When we believe, we are then empowered to do so! I say this because we, too, can forget that it is Christ at work in us and not us in our own strength. When we rest in Christ, we produce fruit from the Vine. Just as an apple tree doesn't produce lemons, when we rest in the nourishment of the Savior, we will produce the fruit of our Lord Jesus.
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🌟Scriptures that will reinforce the Finished Work of Jesus📖.
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“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33.
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“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Romans 1:17.
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“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21.
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“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”
Romans 10:4.
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“For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:10.
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“And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.’” Luke 15:31.
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🌟Weekend Bible Study Journal Prompts to Deepen Your Time in the Word📖
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Reflect on a time when you struggled to fully trust in God's provision and righteousness in your life. How did your faith impact the outcome of the situation?
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Explore the concept of righteousness by faith versus righteousness by works in your own life. How has understanding this difference influenced your relationship with God?
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Consider the legacy you are leaving behind for future generations. How can you align your life more closely with Abraham's faith to impact those around you positively?
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Meditate on Romans 1:17 and its significance in your walk with Christ. How does the righteousness that comes by faith manifest in your daily decisions and interactions with others?
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Explore the parable of the prodigal son from a fresh perspective, focusing on the eldest son's relationship with the father. How can you apply the lessons learned to deepen your intimacy with God? How does God our Father’s grace shape your relationship with Him and cultivate generosity with others?
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Reflect on times when you have struggled to receive the blessings God has prepared for you. What barriers, like the eldest son's mindset, hindered you from fully appropriating God's provisions?
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Dive into John 6:27-29 and examine your own motivations for serving God. Are you driven by a desire to "do" or a willingness to "believe"? How can you shift your focus to trust in Christ's finished work?
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Explore the idea of resting in Christ's finished work and allowing Him to produce fruit through you. How can you surrender more fully to His leading and rely on His strength rather than your own?
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Choose one of the scriptures provided that speaks to you personally about God's righteousness. Reflect on how this truth impacts your identity and daily walk with Him.
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Consider how prioritizing the kingdom of God and His righteousness aligns with your current pursuits and goals in life. Are there any adjustments you need to make to ensure you are seeking God first above all else?
