“For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith.” Romans 4:13.
Grace is the root; holiness is the fruit. By grace through faith, we realize God's promises in Christ Jesus. Our Abba kept it simple: Believe we are righteous by faith in Jesus.
We don't have to believe for things or an outcomes. We only need to place the mustard seed of faith in what Jesus accomplished, knowing we have everything in Him. We can rest by focusing on Him, knowing Jesus is faithful in making everything work for our good.
But don't believe my words; please study the Word for yourself. Come into the revelation of Him and be set free from self-effort, thereby resting and allowing His fruit to be produced.
Remember, Abraham had two sons, Ishmael and Issac. Ishmael was born of self-effort, whereas Issac was the son of the promise, which is by grace through faith.
We must understand the difference between self-effort and the gift. I will speak plainly: Self-effort essentially says we don't need God and prefer to do it our way. At the very least, it is manipulation to get what we want and, at its highest, self-righteousness, thinking we know better than God. The Gift of righteousness can ONLY be received. And it comes wrapped in Salvation in Jesus alone.
Isn't God sweet and ever so kind to meet our greatest need and then woven within it the blessing of righteousness? Look at our God; He is breathtaking, awesome, and filled with loving kindness and tender mercies.
The Difference Between Works and Fruit.
Now, we turn to how the abundant life is manifest. First, we must realize that it is the fruit of the Spirit versus the works of the flesh. Fruit is the result of abiding quietly in the Vine and is proof of His life in us; Works are the result of effort.
“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.” 1 Corinthians 15:56.
The more we try, the worse things become. For example, you may notice when someone upsets you, so you decide you will not say anything wrong or even go out of your way to be nice to them. Ever notice that you get in the worst argument with them that day? Why? There is no grace in effort; works are the results of effort.
“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, “idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, “envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Galatians 5:21.
Grace is the root of life in the Spirit.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23.
Fruit occurs as a byproduct of life in the Spirit. When we let go, the Spirit flows.
“If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25.
In our attempt, we are manipulating the process to achieve an outcome instead of realizing the promises; all of God’s promises are by grace through faith. When we let go, God's promises flow.
We are reminded that Abraham did not become righteous because of his works. He was righteous by faith. He realized the promise when He rested in God and had no strength of His own ➸
“He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb.”Romans 4:19.
“No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God.” Romans 4:20.
“fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.” Romans 4:21.
“That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” Romans 4:22.
“But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.” Romans 4:23-25.
The Power of Our Confession.
We are children of the Promise; therefore, we inherit it. When someone inherits, they do nothing to earn it; it is a gift because a death has occurred. Our part is to believe in what Jesus has done and declare that we are the righteousness of God in Christ. Our confession is paramount because it demonstrates Who and what we believe.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33.
Notice that this verse focuses on the declaration that we are righteous not by works but as a gift of God’s amazing grace because of what Jesus accomplished. We glorify God when we relish the work of His Son. What I mean is when we accept that He finished it and rest in Him to be all we need. Jesus is the PROVISION. He always has been. He always will be.
Remember, “Abraham said, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they went both of them together.” Genesis 22:8.
Abraham had a revelation of what was to come, “Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” John 8:56.
“…Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works Abraham did,” John 8:39.
Beloved, what was the work of Abraham?
“For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”Romans 4:3.
If we desire to receive God's promises, we must submit to the gift of righteousness.
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“For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:17.
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A promise to cling tightly to for our times:
“In righteousness you shall be established; you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near you.” Isaiah 54:14.
Who will you believe? What words will fill your confession?
◇Biblical Journal Prompts.
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◇Romans 4:13 — “Heir of the World” How does the promise to Abraham through the righteousness of faith shape your understanding of your inheritance in Christ? Reflect on what it means to receive God’s promises by faith, not by works.
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◇The Difference Between Works and Fruit
Consider a time when you relied on self-effort rather than grace. How did that affect your life or situation? What does abiding in Jesus and allowing the Spirit to produce fruit look like in your daily walk?
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◇Romans 4:19-20 - Strengthening in Faith
How can you grow strong in faith as Abraham did, even in moments when circumstances seem hopeless? What promises of God are you trusting Him to fulfill in your life?
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◇Self-Effort vs. Receiving the Gift
Reflect on areas of your life where you may still be striving or relying on your own strength. How can you shift from self-effort to receiving God’s grace in those areas?
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◇Matthew 6:33 - Seeking His Righteousness
What does it mean for you to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness? How can focusing on the gift of righteousness, rather than material things and outcomes to bring you peace and rest in His provision?
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◇Romans 5:17 - Reigning Through Grace
What does reigning in life through the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness look like to you? Journal about how you can receive and live in the space of His grace today.
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◇Your Confession of Faith
Reflect on the power of your confession. What are you declaring over your life right now? How does your confession align with the truth of being righteous in Jesus Christ?
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◇Genesis 22:8 - God’s Provision
Abraham trusted in God’s provision even before it was revealed. How can you trust God in areas where you have not yet seen His provision? Write about any promises you are waiting on Him for.
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◇Isaiah 54:14 - Established in Righteousness
How does knowing you are established in righteousness through Christ impact your view of fear, oppression, or terror? Journal about how this truth can change how you face challenges.
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◇Faith vs. Effort
Reflect on how faith allows you to rest in God’s promises. Where are you still striving for an outcome rather than resting in what Christ has already accomplished?
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