Empowered for Righteousness
Posted by Karah
Pause
Smartphones can be great, but they can be death to your time with God. Close your apps or turn off your phone, and anything else that keeps you connected to the world. In prayer, ask God to meet with you today as you study His Word.
How do people describe you? Jot down a few ideas below.
So, what did people say about Jesus? Peter was one of Jesus’ closest followers. Read how Peter described Jesus in 1 Peter 2:21-25. Then, focus your attention on verse 24.
“He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness; you have been healed by His wounds.” —1 Peter 2:24
Ponder these questions:
Underline the phrase “bore our sins” in verse 24. How would you explain this idea in your own words?
Jesus took the consequences of our sin upon Himself and died in our place to make atonement for our sin. Because of this, sin no longer has power over those who have a relationship with Jesus. According to verse 24, how should that change the way we live?
As Christians, sin should no longer define our lives. Righteousness should characterize our lives as believers. Does it characterize your life? Why or why not?
Respond
Think about how well you are reflecting Christ’s life of righteousness. If you are known more for your athletic accomplishments, academic achievements, or anything else than for your walk with Christ, pray that Jesus would empower you to live for righteousness.
Look at your calendar or write down the highlights of your schedule for the rest of this week. Where will you go? Who will you see? What will you do? List ways you will choose to live in righteousness as you go about your daily routine
For further study, read “Walking in the Power of God,” by George Fox from Devotional Classics, edited by Richard J. Foster and James Bryan Smith.
Behind the Story
The word righteousness involves right living. Jesus is the example of righteous living—He endured suffering and derision without sin. While we will never lead sinless lives as Jesus did, the power of Christ at work in us will allow us to lead lives that are characterized by righteousness.
Righteousness n.= Right living according to God’s standard; matching your life with God’s commands, love, and purposes
Atonement n.= To cancel of cover one’s sins; theological doctrine that God has reconciled sinners to Himself through Jesus.
The Point
Because Jesus made atonement for our sins, we can live for righteousness.
Posted in Boys, Devotions | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest Alumni and Friends, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Weekly Devotions