Daily Worship, Spirit and Word Aug. 20, 2024
The practice of the free gift of righteousness is necessary for the sons of God to be manifest in the earth.
Romans 8 tells us that the earth is subjected to futility until the sons of God are revealed (manifested) in the earth. The earth groans for the sons of God to fulfill their purpose in the earth. “The son of God is manifest to destroy the works of the devil.” The earth is groaning for a people who will practice the righteousness of God in the earth and destroy the manifestation of the devil in the earth. When the sons of God manifest, light overwhelms darkness. Righteousness overwhelms wickedness.
What futility is the earth subjected to? Wickedness, the works of the flesh, the plans of evil men. The practice of righteousness in the earth by a “new creation” will set the earth free from all of that futility. Why are the plans of men futile? Because the earth can not fulfill its purpose while being ruled by evil. In order for the earth to fulfill its purpose and return to its creation glory, the sons of God must practice the righteousness of God.
This is not me telling you to stop sinning. This is The Spirit calling us into our true identity as sons of God. We read Eph. 4:1-3 and 5:1-2 yesterday. It tells us to walk worthy of the vocation to which we are called. What is that vocation? Sons of God. It also tells us to imitate God as dear children (beloved sons).
The practice of righteousness is not out of reach. We are empowered by grace, directed by command (God’s Word), and led by Holy Spirit. We walk it out by steadfast faith. Our part is steadfast faith and obedience with humility. Watch what will happen when you start walking and living by faith - making your decisions and choices based upon God’s Word and Spirit. It may be difficult at first, but so is plowing the land to make it ready for planting. But a farmer won’t get a harvest without plowing and planting. The harvest is worth the effort.
Reminder: the practice of righteousness is godliness, aka, love.