980. The Futility of Pursuing Righteousness By "Doing"

Paul explains in Romans 9 that under the Mosaic law contained within the Old Covenant, the Jewish people were attempting to pursue righteousness through their works and actions. They believed the commandments written and engraved on tablets of stone would get them to this destination. But they failed. They were never able to attain or arrive at the "coveted" place of right-standing with God through such a law because faith wasn't in the mix.

On the other hand, Gentiles—non-Jewish people—who never had that law of commandments ... and had no covenant with the living God ... and were not chasing after righteousness ... they somehow attained it. This happened apart from the stone tablets and not by anything they did. How is this possible? The short answer is by the grace of God. Of course, a short answer wouldn't make for a very good podcast, so we're taking a dive into this living thing to help grow in our understanding of a simple but profound gospel.



   
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416. Transitioning From Legalistic Behavior to Belief

For the most part, organized Christianity has placed an emphasis on behavior modification and external change. Those with a legalistic foundation are afraid of grace because they are concerned it will cause disobedience and lead believers to a lifestyle that is controlled by sin. The danger is that when the goal is to achieve personal moral improvement by trying to keep a good works list, then the focus becomes more about "Christian living" rather than Christ Himself. It's actually the commandments of the law that will cause people to run wild. Grace empowers the believer with the very life of the Person of Jesus Christ.

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415. Eternal Life - It's More Than You Think

God has provided us with eternal life in Christ. This is not simply life that lasts forever without end. Eternal life is HIS life in us and it also had no BEGINNING. Your life was replaced with His life and in Him we are brand new creations. This (eternal) life in you provides the power to bear the fruit of the Spirit as He produces it through you.

Performance-based religion will emphasize behavior. It will attempt to put you in a position where the responsibility is on you to live up to a certain moral standard. When compared to the gospel, this is backwards thinking. Relying on your efforts is guaranteed to fall short. Stop trying! Begin to rest in Him and trust His life that is in you.

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This week's GIG Bite - A bite-sized chunk of this week's program.

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