A Word from the Vine No. 288: Living Righteously - Beyond Acts to Authentic Faith

Greetings, dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I'm Pastor Loren Christensen, and this is "A Word from the Vine."

Today, I invite you to journey with me into the heart of a transformative truth—one that beckons us beyond mere acts of religious duty into the depths of authentic faith. Our guiding scripture, from Galatians 4:6, illuminates this truth beautifully: "And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!'"

Now, as we delve into the concept of righteousness, let's begin by addressing a common misconception. Many equate righteousness with a checklist of do's and don'ts, a rigid adherence to laws and regulations. While obedience to God's commands is essential, genuine righteousness transcends external actions; it emanates from a transformed heart grounded in a vibrant relationship with God.

So, what does it mean to live righteously beyond mere acts? Let's unpack this together:

• Authentic Relationship with God: True righteousness flows from a genuine relationship with God, made possible through faith in Jesus Christ. When we embrace Christ as our Savior, we are not merely adhering to a set of rules; we are entering into a loving, intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father. The Spirit of God's Son dwells within us, prompting our hearts to cry out, "Abba! Father!" This intimate term, "Abba," signifies a deep, personal connection, reflecting the closeness and trust we share with God.

• Transformation of the Heart: Authentic faith produces a transformative work within us. It's not about external conformity but internal renewal. As we surrender to God's Spirit, He cultivates virtues like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control within us. These qualities reflect the righteousness of Christ, shaping our character and influencing our actions from the inside out.

• Fruits of Righteousness: When we prioritize our relationship with God and allow His Spirit to work within us, the fruits of righteousness become evident in our lives. Our actions, words, and attitudes align with God's will, reflecting His love, grace, and truth to the world around us. This righteousness is not self-generated but emanates from a surrendered life, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Beloved friends, let's embrace the profound truth that living righteously is not about religious performance but a heart transformed by God's love and grace. As we cultivate a deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father through faith in Jesus Christ, He equips us to live authentically, bearing the fruits of righteousness for His glory.

In closing, I encourage each of us to examine our hearts and priorities. Are we merely going through the motions, or are we cultivating a vibrant, authentic relationship with God? Let's seek His presence daily, allowing His Spirit to transform us from the inside out, that we may truly live righteously, reflecting His love and glory to a world in need.

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ. Help us to cultivate authentic relationships with You, allowing Your Spirit to transform our hearts and lives. May we live righteously, reflecting Your love, grace, and truth to the world around us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Thank you for joining me today. May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may His face shine upon you as you seek to live authentically for Him.