This is part 5 of In Christ, Volume 1. In this blog episode, you can listen to the audio, watch the video, and follow along with the study notes.
“If any man be in Christ he is a new creature.” The Bible uses this phrase in Christ to reveal the position of the believer. Through the light of the Scriptures, we can see the full picture of who we are in Christ. The series, In Christ Volume One, is exactly what you need to shine the light on the position you have as a believer in Christ Jesus.
In this series, Michelle Steele explains:
- what it means to abide in Christ,
- the process of maturity,
- how Jesus is our Justifier,
- the victory that He gives us,
- and much more.
Ephesians 4:22-24 (AMPC)
22 Strip yourselves of your former nature [put off and discard your old unrenewed self] which characterized your previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring from delusion;
23 And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude],
24 And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God’s image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness.
Righteousness Is a Right Standing
We are created in righteousness when we are born again.
Righteousness restores to man all that was lost in the fall plus a new relationship as son with all sonship privileges.
The Believer Stands Complete in Christ
- Jesus is our substitute—our sacrifice.
2 Corinthians 5:21
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
- Jesus was made a curse for us.
Galatians 3:13
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
- Jesus was made sin.
1 Peter 2:24
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
- Jesus was made sick with our sickness:
Isaiah 53:4 (YLT)
Surely our sicknesses he hath borne, And our pains — he hath carried them, And we — we have esteemed him plagued, Smitten of God, and afflicted.
- Jesus was made poor with our poverty.
2 Corinthians 8:9
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
From these verses, we understand that we have been made the righteousness of God in Christ. Righteousness is not something we have but something we are.
Righteousness is revealed as our faith develops.
Romans 1:16-17
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Awake to This Right Standing!
1 Corinthians 15:34
Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
Awake means “to cease from sleeping.” Don’t live numbed by the flesh and reacting to life like an unsaved person would (carnal=flesh ruled).
1 Corinthians 3:3
For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
Awake means “to become active again.” This is the action of our righteousness!
Hebrews 10:19-20
19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
Awake means “to become conscious or aware.” We learn to respect and honor our cleansed, unhindered communion with the Father.
Submit Yourself to God’s Righteousness
Romans 10:3
For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
Submit means “to yield to the authority or power of something.”
When you submit to right standing with God through the finished work of Christ, your mind, emotions, and will are dominated by who you are in Him.
Righteousness provides a fearlessness in the presence of the Father and in the presence of Satan.
Righteousness frees us from any sense of inferiority in the presence of disease, in a storm of life, or in the face of death.
How Will Developing in the Righteousness I Am Change My Life?
Our lives will have a flow of peace.
Isaiah 32:17
And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
We will be established—firmly settled in a place where fear cannot come near.
Isaiah 54:14
In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.
We will be filled with fruits of righteousness so that our lives glorify God.
Philippians 1:11
Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
Study Questions
1. How does our being made righteousness change the way we approach and interact with God?
2. Pastor Michelle Steele said, “Righteousness is not something we have but something we are.” How does this realization affect your perception of yourself? Does it make you want to draw closer to God? Explain your answer.
3. List the three definitions of awake and give an example of how a believer can apply each one.
4. Explain the results you can experience as you submit to God’s righteousness.
5. How will developing in righteousness change your life?
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