Living Out Christ's Righteousness: A Fresh Look at the Sermon on the Mount
Episode Overview
Christ fulfills the Law both for us and in us. Grace always precedes obedience. Understanding context is crucial for Bible interpretation. Christ's righteousness is not only imputed but also infused within us. We are empowered to live out Kingdom values in the present age.
We are not working to presently become something that we presently are not. Rather, we are working out something that we already are.
In this episode of Encounter Recovery Ministries, Rick Peterson takes you on a deep dive into the Sermon on the Mount, specifically Matthew 5:17-20. This study, originally presented at a men's breakfast meeting, explores how Christ fulfills the Law for us and in us. Peterson emphasises the need to move beyond just the imputation of Christ's righteousness to embracing the principle of Christ's righteousness being displayed in our character by nature.
This concept is often overlooked in Protestant-Evangelical circles, making this discussion both unique and enlightening. Peterson breaks down the text, reminding us that Jesus did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfil it. He warns against misinterpreting this as a call to revert to old covenant practices. Instead, he highlights three key principles of Bible interpretation: grace precedes obedience, context rules, and scripture interprets scripture.
Through these principles, Peterson shows how Jesus' coming has inaugurated the Kingdom of God on earth, enabling us to live out its values in the present age. Using various New Testament passages, Peterson illustrates how Christ's righteousness is not only imputed to us but also infused within us, transforming our nature. He argues that as Christians, we are now empowered to fulfil the Law through our union with Christ.
This episode challenges you to rethink your understanding of righteousness and encourages you to see yourself as an eschatological people living out the ethics of the future kingdom now. Why should you listen? If you're seeking a deeper understanding of how Christ's righteousness can transform your life, this episode offers profound insights and practical guidance. Peterson's engaging and accessible style makes complex theological concepts easy to grasp, providing a fresh perspective on familiar scriptures.
Are you ready to see how Christ's righteousness can be more than just imputed but also lived out in your daily life?