Compare Paul's past righteousness with true righteousness found in Christ. Paul’s Past “Righteousness” under the Law Philippians 3:6 — “as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless.” • Meticulous obedience: circumcised on the eighth day, of Israel, of Benjamin, a Pharisee (Philippians 3:5). • Zealous reputation: surpassed many in Judaism (Galatians 1:14). • External compliance: blameless in ritual, sacrifices, feasts, tithes (Luke 18:11–12 reflects the mindset). • Self-generated effort: righteousness “from the law,” produced by human performance. • Still powerless against sin’s root; the law “merely brings awareness of sin” (Romans 3:20). Why Law-Based Righteousness Falls Short • Isaiah 64:6 — “all our righteous acts are like a polluted garment.” • James 2:10 — breaking one point breaks the whole law. • Romans 10:3 — Israel “sought to establish their own righteousness” and missed God’s. • Galatians 3:10 — “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” True Righteousness Found in Christ Philippians 3:9 — “and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.” • Source: “from God,” not from self. • Means: “through faith in Christ,” trusting His finished work. • Basis: Christ’s perfect obedience and atoning death credited to the believer (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Nature: complete, irreversible justification (Romans 3:21-22; 4:5). • Result: peace with God (Romans 5:1), freedom from condemnation (Romans 8:1). Side-by-Side Contrast • Origin — Law-keeping vs. God’s grace. • Focus — Self-effort vs. Christ’s obedience. • Extent — External conformity vs. heart transformation. • Standing — Uncertain, always falling short vs. secure, “made the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Boast — Human achievement vs. “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31). Living Out the New Righteousness • Rest: stop striving for acceptance already granted (Hebrews 4:10). • Gratitude-fueled obedience: “We are His workmanship… created for good works” (Ephesians 2:10). • Humility: no room for pride; salvation is “not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Bold witness: Paul’s own story illustrates the gospel’s power (1 Timothy 1:12-16). Takeaway Summary Paul traded a flawless religious résumé for the flawless righteousness of Christ. Law-based righteousness exalts human effort yet cannot save; faith-based righteousness exalts Christ and saves completely. |
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