8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
- How does being in Christ relate to righteousness?
- In what ways do you seek a "righteousness of your own"?
- What does your personal checklist that confirms you are ok contain?
- Why is self-righteousness such a temptation and danger?
- Which would you prefer to have, a good-looking "I'm OK checklist" or to know Christ, His suffering, and death?
I frequently talk about an "I'm OK checklist". I have found that many of us have an unseen list of the things we do and don't do that let us feel OK as a Christian. Perhaps it is "faithful" attendance. Perhaps it is "I don't drink, smoke, cuss, or run around on my spouse". Regardless of the contents and the goodness of the contents, the question is "Whose righteousness are you depending on?" I struggle with a righteousness that depends on faith. I don't have much control over that. A righteousness that is dependent on faith is not measurable. I cannot "know" that I'm OK. I have to believe that Christ will forgive my sins and make me righteous. That is harder for me than it should be.
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