The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

RIGHTEOUSNESS

Job’s three friends were convinced that Job’s sufferings were the result of some sin he must have committed. They were wrong. God was not punishing Job — instead, God was displaying his glory to Satan and the entire world by sustaining Job’s faith in the midst of suffering. Yet, through the process of enduring suffering, Job was tempted to sin; he was tempted to justify himself (Job 32:2). It seems that Job revealed some pride and self-righteousness. Righteousness means being right with God. Righteousness is not something people can earn or claim for themselves; it is a title and name that God grants through his grace. Deep down inside, Job knew that his trial was not the result of some specific sin he committed. But he could easily drift into the thinking that he had no sin at all — and that would be a terrible mistake.

The Bible is clear that Jesus is the only person who ever lived who can claim a perfect life (Heb 4:15). Jesus is the standard, and from God’s perspective, everyone has fallen short of the standard (Ro 3:9 – 18). Becoming right with God is never based on what people do, or how good or kind they are or how they compare with others. Becoming righteous begins by agreeing with God in his assessment of humanity’s sinful nature and looking to the only perfect person, Jesus Christ, to be the perfect One on behalf of sinful humanity. Jesus’ righteousness is credited to his people when they call upon him in faith (1Co 1:30).

Jesus, protect me from the dangers of self-righteousness. Help me to remember that my best efforts are still like filthy rags and that my only righteousness comes from you. Amen.