BEGINNING THE CHRISTIAN LIFE ARIGHT | The Imparted Righteousness Of Christ - Zac Poonen (3 of 8)
3.The Imparted Righteousness Of Christ - Zac Poonen
Summary
The sermon distinguishes between imputed righteousness (being declared righteous by Christ's work) and imparted righteousness (the ongoing process of living righteously by the Holy Spirit). While forgiveness is necessary, it is insufficient; believers must actively pursue holiness and mercy to avoid spiritual pride. True Christian life requires balancing the truth of imputed righteousness with the daily choice to live according to God's will, which manifests in one's relationships and actions.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why imputed righteousness alone is incompleteGod puts Christ's righteousness to our account through justification, but we still carry a sinful flesh until we die, which should keep us humble and merciful rather than judgmental.
Balancing scripture with scriptureJust as we need both hands, we need to balance imputed righteousness with imparted righteousness—the righteousness that is actually worked out inside us by the Spirit.Romans 4:23–24
The danger of The Emperor's New Clothes in the Christian lifeMany believers claim an invisible righteousness while continuing to live in sin, acting like the emperor who wore no clothes because they refuse to deny themselves and take up the cross.
Denying yourself dailyJesus made it clear that following Him requires denying oneself and taking up the cross daily, choosing not to walk according to the flesh.Luke 9:23
The difference between demon possession and spirit fillingUnlike demonic possession which strips away a person's control and free will, the Holy Spirit gives self-control, leaving our choices intact as we choose to put the flesh to death.
Recognizing the deceptions of the enemySatan disguises himself as an angel of light and his servants preach a counterfeit righteousness, making discernment and careful adherence to the Word essential.
Humility as the primary test of true righteousnessGenuine imparted righteousness always produces deep humility and a Christlike spirit, whereas pride and self-seeking reveal the work of the flesh or the enemy.
Having the attitude that was in Christ JesusPhilippians 2 outlines the ultimate example of imparted righteousness, showing how Jesus emptied Himself, took the form of a servant, and humbled Himself in complete obedience.Philippians 2:5–8
The two stages of taking up the crossStage one is taking up the cross to become holy ourselves, and stage two is allowing death to work in us so that the life of Christ can be manifested to bless others.
Crucifying the old man to live by faithThe cross has two aspects: Christ dying to forgive our sins, and our old man being crucified with Him so that Christ lives out His life through us by faith.Galatians 2:20
Overcoming selfishness, pride, and grumblingAs we let the Spirit deal with the core Adam characteristics of selfishness and pride, we can finally live without grumbling or complaining as God works in us.
