May 09, 2021 - Righteous Living - Colossians 3:1-10 (Pastor Stephen Puett)
Problem: How does a Christian move beyond imputed righteousness to imparted righteousness?
Imputed righteousness - At the moment of your salvation you are seen by God as righteous.
Imparted righteousness - Living out a righteous life
Main Point: How you come into faith is the same way you grow in the faith.
John 16:8-11 - “And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgement: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgement, because the ruler of this world is judged.
Genesis 15:5-6 - And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.
Genesis 15:17-18 - When the sun had gone down and it was dark, behold, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram saying, “To your offspring I give this land…”
Summary: You became a Christian when you stopped relying on the law and began to believe in Christ and him crucified.
Ephesians 1:18 - …having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints…
Question: How do you receive imparted righteousness?
1 Peter 1:14-16 - As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
We believe we are justified by faith but sanctified by trying really hard to live out the law/commandments.
Ephesians 4:32 - Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
To the degree that you trust God and His word is the degree that you will live righteously.