Understanding RighteousnessSample

The Two Types of Righteousness

Scripture: Romans 10:3 (NKJV)

“For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.”

Devotional

This verse reveals two types of righteousness. The first is the righteousness of works—the attempt to get right with God by trying to keep the Law and through our own efforts. We often find that these efforts feel incomplete, leading us back to the sufficiency of God’s grace. Paul testified about the Jews, that they had a zeal for God, but it was a misdirected zeal because they did not understand God’s way of making people right. They refused to accept God's way and clung to their own way of works. The righteousness of works is never right; it never measures up.

The second is the righteousness of God by faith—the finished work of Christ through his death and resurrection. We are invited to submit to this righteousness by simply believing in Christ, trusting that He has already accomplished the purpose of the Law on our behalf.

Reflection Questions:

• Where am I still trying to rely on my own righteousness of works (following rules) instead of trusting the righteousness of faith?
• Am I fully submitting to God's way of making me right, which is solely through Christ?

Prayer Declaration

Lord, I renounce the righteousness of works and every attempt to establish my own worth. I submit to Your righteousness which comes by faith in Jesus Christ. Thank You that Christ is the end of the Law for me. I walk today in the finished work of Christ. Amen.