1 Cor. 1:30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God — and righteousness and sanctification and redemption — NKJV
Dear brothers and sisters,
According to our opening Scripture, the Christ in you is your righteousness. Beyond that it means that you are an expression of God’s righteousness as we studied last week. This means you make the right decision the first time. It means I think the right thoughts. I choose the right words. I go to the right places. I do the right things. You are righteous in Him. Your consciousness of that reality is what enables you to live right.
Unfortunately too many believers are sin-conscious; too conscious of their failures, their inabilities and ineffectiveness and inefficiencies. They never think about their righteousness in Christ Jesus. If you’re the righteousness of God, then you’re the EXPRESSION OF HIS PERFECTION, the fulfillment of His dream. He has become your righteousness and you are also His righteousness. (2 Cor. 5:21.) That means that your life is the proof of His rightness; an expression of His perfect nature on this planet. When people look at the way you live your life, the decisions you have made, the way you serve the Lord, they see the proof of your being made righteous by a righteous One who lives in you.
Phil 1:10-11…being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. NKJV
When people look at your life, they shouldn’t have to shake their heads in dismay wondering if that is what Christianity is. When they look at you, they’re supposed to see the fruits of righteousness; the excellence of our God in you. Your life preaching a gospel of right living and right doing. As you know brethren, the effects of Adam’s fall have been on display long enough! Broken homes, drug and alcohol dependency, fornication and adultery including the so called ‘come we stay” (just a reminder…just because you messed up and became pregnant outside of a covenant marriage union does not mean you’re condemned forever…you can repent and be cleansed from ALL unrighteousness.) However, after you repent, your life should express the fruit of your repentance.
The Bible teaches us that creation is crying out for the manifestation (display) of the sons of God (Romans 8:19.) who will display the perfections of our Christ.
1 Peter 2:9 …that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. AMP
We’re to display His perfections. Some people say: “Well, nobody is perfect, you’re not perfect either.” The Bible teaches us that Scripture has been given to us to attain exactly that…to give you instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be perfect.
2 Tim 3:16-17 KJV All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
You are complete (perfect) in Him on the inside. (Col. 2:10). So you have the ability to live right on the outside. Brethren, your life should and must express your righteous nature! It is your privilege in Christ.