What role does Jesus Christ play in producing righteousness, according to Philippians 1:11? The Verse in Focus “filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” — Philippians 1:11 Key Phrase: “Fruit of Righteousness” • “Fruit” pictures something produced, not earned. • “Righteousness” is right standing with God and right living before Him. • Paul links the two, showing that a believer’s righteous actions grow out of a righteous position. Jesus as the Source • Righteousness “comes through Jesus Christ,” not through personal effort. • 2 Corinthians 5:21: “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” • Romans 3:22: “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” • By His sinless life, atoning death, and resurrection, Jesus supplies the perfect righteousness God requires. How This Righteousness Flows to Us 1. Justification — our legal standing • Romans 5:17: believers “receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness.” • We are counted righteous the moment we trust Christ. 2. Sanctification — our daily growth • John 15:4-5: abiding in the true Vine (Jesus) produces fruit; apart from Him we can do nothing. • Galatians 2:20: Christ lives in us, empowering righteous actions. • Ephesians 2:10: we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ for good works prepared beforehand. 3. Glorification — our final perfection • 1 John 3:2: “When He appears, we will be like Him.” • The righteousness Christ provides now will be fully revealed then. Practical Evidences of Christ-Produced Righteousness • Growing love for God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). • Increasing obedience to Scripture (James 1:22). • Visible “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23). • Persistent repentance when sin surfaces (1 John 1:9). • Desire to serve and build up others (1 Peter 4:10-11). Result: Glory and Praise to God • The ultimate purpose of Christ-given righteousness is “the glory and praise of God.” • Ephesians 1:12: “so that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be for the praise of His glory.” • Our righteous position and practice showcase God’s grace, directing attention away from us and toward Him. |
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