RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL ;
22ND JUNE , 2018 ; PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME;
SINCERITY ISN’T RIGHTEOUSNESS
For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17).
In your walk with God, you have to understand that there’s a huge difference between sincerity and righteousness. Sometimes, we think that God should look at our sincerity and count it for righteousness, but it’s not so. No matter how sincere you are, it’ll never amount to righteousness.
God doesn’t hear and answer your prayers because you’re sincere, but because you’re righteous; because of Jesus; and your righteousness is the righteousness of Jesus. The Bible says, “Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life” (Romans 5:18). Righteousness is what gives you right standing in the presence of God. Your sincerity never gives you right standing before the Father.
A whole lot of Christians pray and cry to God, pleading on their sincerity, because they’re not aware of the truth of God’s Word. Never use your “sincerity” as a currency; that’s not what works; it’s your faith—your faith in His righteousness—that produces results.
Having been declared righteous, you have a right to be heard in the presence of God; you have peace with God (Romans 5:1). This didn’t happen on the basis of your “sincerity” or personal effort; it happened because He gave you His righteousness. Never think of God as one you need to “impress” with your good works so He’ll accept you or do anything for you; Jesus already impressed Him in your behalf.
So, when you plead your case before God, it shouldn’t be on the basis of your “performance”or self-righteousness. Rather, let it be on the basis of your right standing with Him in Christ Jesus. God’s blessings in your life—His goodwill towards you—have to do with the righteousness of Jesus Christ; that’s why you can be bold in His presence to make demands in the Name of Jesus. Hallelujah!
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for my spirit is enlightened through your Word. I’m the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus; therefore, I reign in life and exercise dominion over circumstances, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 5:17; 2 Corinthians 5:21
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Acts 10:1-23 & Ezra 4-6
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
2 Corinthians 7:9-16 & Isaiah 9