Ministry of Condemnation versus Ministry of Righteousness

Ministry of Condemnation versus Ministry of Righteousness
For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.  (2Co_3:6-8)

Here is another vivid contrast between living by the old covenant of law versus living by the new covenant of grace. God's perfect law is a "ministry of condemnation," which compels people to draw upon man's sufficiency. God's glorious grace is a 
"ministry of righteousness," which allows people to draw upon God's sufficiency. 

When we try to live by the law, we walk in condemnation. 
When we try to minister by the law, we put others under condemnation. This is inevitable, since the law is a "ministry of condemnation." Living and ministering by the law depends upon human performance. The law demands righteous living. "You shall be holy" (Lev_19:2). The only resources available for law-performance are natural human abilities (the flesh). All natural abilities are flawed by unrighteousness. "We are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are like filthy rags" (Isa_64:6). This makes the flesh incapable of producing a righteous life.
 "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing" (John_6:63). 

Consequently, when we try to live by law (that is, attempt to meet God's standards by our resources), we sense condemnation. Others also experience condemnation, when we point them to the law for producing godly living. 
On the other hand, 

when we live by grace, we grow in righteousness. When we minister the message of grace to others, they can also grow in righteousness. Godliness results from ministering the new covenant of grace, because it is a "ministry of righteousness." The message of grace tells people that righteousness is available by faith.
 "But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed . . . even the righteousness of God which is through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all who believe" 
(Rom_3:21-22). 
In addition to this initial gift of righteousness (imputed, or credited to our account in heaven), grace also provides ongoing practical righteousness (imparted for our daily lives on earth): 
"That the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit" (Rom_8:4). 
As we humbly depend upon the Lord, the Holy Spirit brings forth a more Christlike life through us, by His grace.

Lord God of righteousness, I have often walked in legalistic condemnation. Also, I have pointed many others in that direction. Forgive me, Lord. Please teach me how to walk in righteousness, through humble dependence upon You. Equip me to minister Your righteousness to others, in Jesus name, Amen.

Hillsong Live New DVD Album, Cornerstone, 2012, Name of Song: Stand in awe

"Stand In Awe"

Better than all this world
Better than all I know
Better than life itself
Your love is
All that I have is Yours
All that I'm living for
All that I need is You Lord

Cause You alone are better than life
Than anything in this world
Cause You alone are all that I want
In everything You are good
I stand in awe of all that You are
I stand in awe of You

Everything unto You
Everything held by You
All of our hope is in You Jesus
Nothing compares to You
Nothing will take Your place
All of our trust is in You Lord

Cause You alone are better than life
Than anything in this world
Cause You alone are all that I want
In everything You are good
I stand in awe of all that You are
I stand in awe of You
[x2]

All of my heart
All that I am
Worship Jesus
[repeat]

Cause You alone are better than life
Than anything in this world
Cause You alone are all that I want
In everything You are good
I stand in awe of all that You are
I stand in awe of You
[x2]

I stand in awe of all that You are
I stand in awe of You
Only You, Lord

All of my heart
All that I am
Worship Jesus

In order to purchase this song:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/corn...

In order to buy CD or DVD from Hillsong Music
http://us.hillsongmusic.com/

In order to see videos of heaven visitation:
http://www.heavenvisit.com

• Category

  Music

• License

  Standard YouTube License
•