1. CHURCH OF CHRIST – NIGERIA NSIRIM ROAD, RUMUEME MILE 4 PORT HARCOURT. 12TH JUNE, 2016. SUNDAY INDOOR LECTURE TOPIC:RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH TEXTS:PHILIPIANS. 3:9, ROMANS 10:5-6; 9:30

2. Introduction: Goodness is not synonymous to Righteousness and vice – visa. Romans 5:7. Hence in Phil. 4:8 – it says “think” There are divine differentials in rewards – Matt. 10:40-42, II Kgs. 4:8-17, IKgs 17:10-16. Definition: Righteousness – the quality of being (or character) righteous, uprightness; rectitude. A righteous act or quality; just, rightfulness – (Webster Dictionary). I John 3:7-10; 2:29

3. Discussion: There are people who are righteous but not by faith. There are different types of righteousness. They include the following:  Legalistic righteousness  Sensual righteousness  Traditional/ idolatrous righteousness  Righteousness by faith

4. The definition of what is right is also a subject for consideration. The secularists opined that right and truth is relative, hence, they believe that what is right and truth is situational – what sound right to one person is perceived as evil by another – one man’s meat is another’s poison. etc. This is further compounded by some who sing EXPEDIENCY erroneously. Hence there is confusion. Acts 19:32, anarchy and the winner take it all syndrome.

5. LEGALISTIC RIGHTEOUSNESS The laws given through Moses are good. Ps. 19:7. The laws of the land based on true conscience are reflections of the laws of God. Rom. 2:14-15. But these are not done based on a genuine heart of faith and reverence to God. Rom. 3:19-22; 4:7-10; Gal. 2:16-17; 3:9-12. SENSUAL RIGHTEOUSNESS This based on discretion of an individual. It is determined by prevailing circumstance, the feelings and emotion, level of awareness (or knowledge); custom and traditional bias etc. Jas. 3:15, John 18:38-40, Mark 15:12-15.

6. TRADITIONAL RIGHTEOUSNESS This is idolateous. Actions and procedures of doing things traded from one generation to another. In some instances, they show a seemingly picture of godliness but they are unconnected with faith and so, devilish. Matt. 15: 1-3,7-9, Gal. 1:14; Col. 2:8, I Peter 1:18. RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH Note that the fundamental differences between goodness and righteousness include but not limited to: Appropriacy and adequacy by divine rule. Luke 10:33-35; I John3:15-17 Truthful grace in humility. Matt. 11:29; 6:1-4. Faith and spirituality. Romans 14:22-23; 8:14. We must completely believe that – “He Is” Heb. 11:6. We must operate on the MOST HOLY FAITH. Jude 20.

7. Based on human measurement who is qualified for Christ to die on his behalf. If Christ accepted you graciously, why condemn another? If you believe none is qualified to serve as BISHOP in this local church, are you qualified to go to heaven? Even if your belief has some percentage of being correct, should we not rather put up the structures as commanded by God so to help us be perfect and go to heaven? Should we continue to condemn or pray for God to heal all that are spiritually sick for the whole church to be perfect? John 5:15-16, Jas. 5:14-16. Brethren, our self righteousness is as filthy rags before God. Isa. 64:6; Only Christ makes us perfect before God. Heb. 11:39-40.

8. Our acts of righteousness are only made perfect and acceptable to God when they are done by FAITH. If indeed you have faith, you will support and practice the things that constitute the WILL OF GOD. Rom. 12:2 Finally brethren – EXAMINE yourselves whether you are in the faith. II Cor. 13:5. May God help us so that our labour in the Lord will not be in vain in Jesus name, Amen! Bro. Kenneth S. Okirie (Slave of Jesus Christ)