What are the grounds or foundations of favour? II

ByPastor Rufus Ajiboye Reading Time: 3 minutes
Hello, Dear friends. I pray that you will prosper in everything and be in health even as your soul prospers. Yesterday we started a discussion on the foundation for God’s favour. We saw that righteousness is the basis on which God chooses to bless and favour us. However, we must differentiate between two kinds of righteousness: between legal-based righteousness and practical righteousness. Through faith in Jesus Christ we become clothed in his righteousness and nature. In our spirit we have the perfect character of the Almighty God even though we do not become perfect in our actions immediately after becoming followers of Jesus. We reflect God’s life, character and thoughts more and more in our lives to the extent to which we submit ourselves to the new nature in our spirit.  Our daily submission to God’s nature and character in us is what I call practical righteousness that qualifies us for God’s favour. Paul agreed with this, that is why almost all his Epistles are divided into two parts: Our legal position in Christ and the practical implications of that. For example, the Epistle to Ephesians is divided into two parts – doctrinal part and practical exhortation. In the doctrine chapters (1-3) the main subject is the great redemption wrought  by God through Jesus Christ. In the practical chapters (4-6) we see guidelines laid down for us, as to how to live as Christians in a way that is pleasing to God our redeemer. Both parts are clearly connected and talk about our righteousness in Christ. The second part of this message is obviously very practical, advising us on how to live out our faith (4:1; 6:24). So we see two sections in Ephesians, the first talks about our status in Christ (chapters 1 – 3), the second talks about our life in the world (chapters 4 – 6). When the Bible talks about righteousness as a foundation for favour, it takes both of these two aspects into consideration. Without redemption and the forgiveness of our sins it is impossible to enter into this heritage. Favour is a heritage for God’s children. On the other hand, having accepted God’s redemption and received His forgiveness, God expects you to bring forth the fruits of righteousness in your life. He expects you to live worthy of the calling with which you are called.
“Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous” (1John 3:7)
The righteous person is not simply the one who thinks or confesses that he or she is righteous, but the one who does what is right or lives a life of righteousness. Practical righteousness, purity and holiness will bring God’s favour to your life no matter where you stand right now. Dear friend, if you value God’s favour and would like to see its clear manifestation in your life, it is not enough for you to proclaim yourself righteous, but you must indeed walk in righteousness. See you tomorrow,Pastor Rufus Ajiboy

Similar Posts

  • The fruitfulness of a Christian starts with the discovery of God’s will in all areas of his life and the readiness to fulfills it

    AutorsPastor Rufus Ajiboye Reading Time: 5 minutes
    «And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God» (Romans, 12: 2).We are filled with the knowledge of God’s will through renewing our minds by the Word of God. Through the renewal of our minds we learn to think as God thinks and look at our lives through His eyes. You won’t be able to please God if you are not doing His will for your life. In order to do His will you first need to discover it. That is why wise people who want to bring real fruit for God through their lives devote themselves to discovering and comprehending what God wants to do in their lives and through their lives. We have pointed out many times that a person can become fruitful by renewing of his or her mind through personal fellowship with God, prayer and intensive study of God’s Word.

  • 26 points that confirm we need the revival!

    AutorsPastor Rufus Ajiboye Reading Time: 3 minutes
    We do not love God as much as we used to in the past.We are more concerned about the things of this world than of those related to eternity.We prefer watching TV or reading secular books and magazines instead of reading the Bible or praying.We are hardly willing to pray or don´t want to do it at all.We rather make money than give it away.

  • Any change in our life is done by the Holy Spirit, who transforms us and moves us from glory to glory

    AutorsPastor Rufus Ajiboye Reading Time: 3 minutes
    Are you able to accomplish something only the Holy Spirit can do? Surely not! However, by constantly watching the glory of the Lord with open face the Holy Spirit can transform us into the same image, from glory to glory.I noticed there is a problem with persistence in our fellowship with God not with coming before Him. You probably experience the time when inspiration visits you and you are willing to get closer to God and have fellowship with Him. While those moments come rather rarely or very rarely they do not change anything in essence. We all need persistence! During fellowship with God Holy Spirit will work at your heart, at your character, at your relationships, at your way of thinking that, in turn, will transform you.

  • Our highest calling – to reveal God in our flesh II

    AutorsPastor Rufus Ajiboye Reading Time: 4 minutes
    Jesus dwells in me, therefore I must manifest His life to others. Jesus did not reveal Himself to others; He only revealed and manifested to others Who the Father is and He did only the Father’s will. God said in His Word that whoever glorifies Him will also be glorified by Him. When God glorifies or uplift you, nobody can break, humiliate or pull you down.«Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing» (2 Corinthians, 2:14-15).

  • What is a breakthrough? II

    AutorsPastor Rufus Ajiboye Reading Time: 4 minutes
    Breakthrough always changes a person’s status and position. Today, I want to draw your attention to the fact that in this story, not only the crippled man experienced a breakthrough but also Peter and John, the Apostles. Not only the cripples need a breakthrough. Every person needs a breakthrough!Along with the crippled man, also Peter and John, the Apostles, experienced a breakthrough, because miracles that had not happened beforein through their ministry took place exactly on that day. Ever since then, different miracles never ceased in their lives and ministries. Even the shadow of Peter who started healing the sick as he passed by them. Imagine what will happen to you when you begin to experience a continual breakthrough in every sphere of your life.