Harvest of righteousness

12 December 2012

Opening Prayer/Worship

Song: Praising the Lord always

Theme: Behold, Jesus is coming again

Topic: Harvest of righteousness

Reading: Philippians 1:3-11

Introduction

Last week, our discussion was on how Christ is our righteousness; that the righteousness God seeks in us can only come through our commitment and faith in His Son Jesus Christ.  In today’s study, we will be discussing the nature and attributes of our need for the righteousness of Christ.  Our text from Philippians 1:10-11 put it this way: ‘so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, - having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God’.  The basis or foundation for producing the harvest of righteousness comes through first, knowing and believing in Christ; then secondly, allowing the Spirit of Christ to control our thoughts, words and deeds.  Then the love of Christ will be flowing through us to everyone we meet.  However, the transformation is not instant, but rather gradual; with each passing day we get closer to Jesus, becoming more and more like Him. 

Questions/Discussion

1. How is that we need the nature Christ in our lives to be considered righteous by God?  Romans 3:21-26.

2. What are the things we can do to keep living in the righteousness of Christ? 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; Hebrews 11:6-16; James 2:14-26.

3. What happens then, if we fall into temptation?  Do we lose the righteousness from God?  Romans 6:1-4, 8-18; 1 John 1:5-10, 2:1-2.

Intercession/Worship

Conclusion

Through the grace of God, we are made righteous, and through His grace, we are kept righteous.  May we continue to seek the righteousness of Christ, that He may fill us with His Holy Spirit and keep us holy and blameless until His coming again.

Closing Prayer (Collect for Second Sunday of Advent)

Almighty God, who sent Your servant John the Baptist to prepare Your people to welcome the Messiah, inspire us, the ministers and stewards of Your truth, to turn our disobedient hearts to You, that when the Christ shall come again to be our Judge, we may stand with confidence before His Glory; who is alive and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.