DCLM Higher Everyday 8 December 2022 — Riches for the righteous
DCLM Higher Everyday 8 December 2022 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Riches for the righteous
TOPIC: RICHES FOR THE RIGHTEOUS
TEXT: PHILIPPIANS 4:10-20
11Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
12I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
14Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
15Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
16For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
17Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
18But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
19But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
20Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
MEMORY VERSE: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (MATTHEW 6:33).
MESSAGE:
C. H. Spurgeon said, “Nothing can damn a man but his own righteousness; nothing can save him but the righteousness of Christ.” A righteous person is someone who has been cleansed from his former sins and now lives by God’s holy standard.
Examples of the righteous in Bible times who enjoyed God’s riches are Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Job, Moses and King David. Despite his sufferings and adversities, Job upheld his integrity and God blessed him abundantly (Job 1:8 and 42:7-8).
Abraham was called the friend of God, and he was the richest man of his time. Like Job and Abraham, we are to obey God’s commands, possess inner purity and remain separated from the world, yet showing Christ’s love to all.
God’s righteousness is obtained through Jesus Christ. His atoning blood takes away our sins, and through Him God sees us as righteous. Henceforth, we seek His guidance and approval before taking actions. The privileges of the righteous include access to God’s blessings here and in eternity.
QUOTE: Job upheld his integrity, and God blessed him.
CHALLENGE: Faithfully serve God in righteousness and be blessed.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to grow in righteousness, in Jesus’ name
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
