Sermon Outline: Standing in the Righteousness of Christ

Details: Written by: Michael Angel; Published: 20 February 2025

Text: 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

Introduction:

One of the greatest struggles for believers is trying to be “good enough” to earn God’s favor.
Many rise and fall emotionally based on their perceived spiritual performance.
True Christian stability comes from understanding our standing in Christ, not our works.

I. The Exchange at the Cross (2 Corinthians 5:21)

A. Jesus, who was sinless, became sin for us.

B. Our sins were placed on Christ, and His righteousness was given to us.

C. This divine exchange is the foundation of our standing with God.

II. The Danger of Performance-Based Christianity

A. Walking by sight vs. walking by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7).

B. Performance-based Christianity leads to condemnation and instability.

C. Our righteousness is not from the law but through faith in Christ (Philippians 3:9).

III. The Importance of Confession and Fellowship (1 John 1:9)

A. Sin does not change our standing with God, but it affects our fellowship.

B. Confession restores fellowship and cleanses us from unrighteousness. C. Illustration: Jesus as the faithful cleanser (broom, dustpan, mop, and bucket).

IV. The Sufficiency of Christ’s Blood (Hebrews 9:14)

A. The blood of Jesus cleanses our conscience from dead works.

B. We are called to serve God with a heart freed from condemnation. C. God’s grace is available to keep us growing and developing.

V. Forgetting the Past and Embracing Grace (Hebrews 10:17)

A. Satan tries to condemn us through past failures. B. God has promised to remember our sins no more. C. Our focus should be on Christ’s righteousness, not our past mistakes.

Conclusion:

We never stand righteous before God by our own works.
We must live in the reality that we are made righteous through Christ.
Let us walk in faith, receiving grace daily, and living in unbroken fellowship with God.

Application:

Stop evaluating your spiritual life based on performance—trust in Christ’s finished work.
Confess sins quickly to restore fellowship with God.
Reject condemnation and embrace the righteousness of God in Christ.
Live in the freedom and grace that God has provided.

Call to Action:

If you’ve been struggling with guilt and condemnation, receive the truth of your righteousness in Christ today.
Confess and leave past failures behind; walk in God’s grace and enjoy fellowship with Him!