Prepare for Worship | Resting in Christ's Righteousness

Last Sunday, Pastor Jeremy Chasteen encouraged us from Philippians 2:12-18 that we shine like lights as we work out and rejoice in our salvation.

Read: Philippians 2:19-30

This Sunday, Ryan Heard will preach from Philippians 2:19-30 and will call us to honor Christ as honorable servants. As you prepare for our Sunday gathering, let this devotional by Milton Vincent remind you of your righteous standing in Christ and freedom to enjoy God, pursue holiness, and minister to others.

Reflect: “Resting in Christ’s Righteousness”

The gospel encourages me to rest in my righteous standing with God, a standing which Christ Himself has accomplished and always maintains for me (Romans 5:1-2; 1 John 2:1-2). I never have to do a moment’s labor to gain or maintain my justified status before God (Romans 4:5; Hebrews 4:3; Matthew 11:28)! Freed from the burden of such a task, I now can put my energies into enjoying God, pursuing holiness, and ministering God’s amazing grace to others.

The gospel also reminds me that my righteous standing with God always holds firm regardless of my performance, because my standing is based solely on the work of Jesus and not mine (Romans 5:18-19). On my worst days of sin and failure, the gospel encourages me with God’s unrelenting grace toward me (Romans 5:20-21; Romans 6:1; 1 John 2:1-2). On my best days of victory and usefulness, the gospel keeps me relating to God solely on the basis of Jesus’ righteousness and not mine.  

“Resting in Christ’s Righteousness,” in A Gospel Primer for Christians, by Milton Vincent

Sing: Song List for Sunday

1. “We Give Thanks (Psalm 107),” by Sovereign Grace Music
2. “You Said I Am (Behold and Believe),” Arr. The Gospel Coalition
3. “God of Every Grace,” Arr. The Worship Initiative
4. “The Depths of Your Love,” by North Wake Music