James 3.1-11

My righteousness or His? Confidence in the flesh only produces self-righteousness. Faith in Jesus? That’s where the righteousness of God comes from.

What Paul once considered gain…that “what does it profit a man to gain the whole world” thing…he now considers loss, a liability for the sake of Christ. Paul knows that his self-righteousness is no true righteousness. True righteousness can only come from Jesus through faith. And nothing even comes close to what Paul calls “the surpassing value of knowing” Jesus. Everything that Paul had given up (his righteousness) and everything that Paul had suffered for the sake of Christ…it was worth it all to gain Jesus. The treasure in the field. The pearl of great price.

What are the things for you? What does your BC (before Christ) resume look like? What are the things that made you feel like you were ok with God? Maybe even a good person. What are the things that would weigh in your favor if God graded on a curve? Are you still holding on to any of those things? Maybe something that gives you a sense of self-worth? Those things can sometimes be hard to let go of. Because they have been a source of pride. It’s what “I’ve” done. Putting confidence in the flesh. But those things will never make us righteous before God…they only get in the way. Jesus is way better. For Paul, giving up the “good” was well worth it. I wonder if we can say the same thing…

If you are still putting confidence in the flesh…if you have not yet trusted in Jesus…please make today the day. It’s as simple as recognizing that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Believing that Jesus is the Savior that God promised. He lived a perfect life. He died a sacrificial death on your behalf and was raised the third day conquering both sin and death, so that by faith in Jesus you can have forgiveness of sins and eternal life. You too will have the righteousness that comes from God through faith in Jesus.

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our Philippians series. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or Twitter: @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.