LifeGroup Discussion Notes 1-24-2010 (Stronger- Part 3; Righteousness)
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SUMMARY: The message Pastor Judith brought to our church family on January 24 was taught out of the book of Romans on the subject of righteousness. That is a big religious sounding word. Simply put, righteousness is the measurement by which we are counted worthy to stand in the presence of God. A God who is described as “an all consuming fire.” Are you that righteous? I know I am not. In fact, I know none of us are. Roman 3:23 says that “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” James 2:10 tells us that if we spend our whole life being perfect, except for breaking God’s command just one time, we are equally as guilty as someone who has spent their life in sin. The message is clear. We cannot become righteous in our own effort. The message of the Bible is also clear, that God has made a way where there is no way. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the “good news” that through the blood of Christ we have become worthy to “approach the throne of grace with boldness.” In our LifeGroups this week, discuss this miracle of our righteousness in Christ, and talk about the liberty and freedom that it brings to our lives.
DISCUSSION POINTS:
1. Jesus’ righteousness satisfied God’s demand for relationship.
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1,2)
Talk about the difference it makes in our lives to be able to come before God with our failure, knowing he accepts us based on Jesus righteousness and not our own. Talk about how this reality frustrates the devils attempts to keep us isolated in the guilt of our own shortcomings.
2. Jesus’ righteousness is now on our heavenly court record.
“However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.” (Romans 4: 5)
Talk about how the eternal hope we have impacts our ability to walk our lives out by grace and not in fear.
3. Jesus’ Righteousness gives you a new identity. Read Romans 3:21-26 & 8:29-30
“We do righteousness because we have been made righteous not to become righteous.”
—Pastor Judith Crist
Talk about the difference it makes in our lives when we see ourselves through our new identity in Christ.
4. Jesus’ righteousness is an unlimited force of unending, abundant life.
Read Romans 6:22-23 Talk about the abundant life, and what that means to you in light of this discussion on righteousness. Talk about the power of living for God out of his supply of righteousness versus striving for a righteousness of our own.
Taking Action: In your devotional time this week, consider reading the entire book of Romans, prayerfully asking God to reveal to you fresh insights into the righteousness we have been given through the loving sacrifice of Christ.
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