Weird Words: “Saint” & “Righteousness”

Nov 07 / Sunday – Overview

Our “Weird Word” message series looks at important words used by Christians, but that are just plain weird to other people. Each week’s message will unpack one or more of these words to try and “un-weird” them.

08 / Mon – Saint Who?  |  Read 1 Corinthians 1:2 (Revised Standard Version)

The word saint can be confusing because of its various meanings. You might use it to refer to a good and kind person. Or you may think of someone who was canonized by the Catholic Church because of their example as an especially faithful Christian. But did you know that you too are a saint? It comes from the Greek word hagios which means holy, set apart, sanctified, consecrated. How does this definition help you understand this is what you are called to be?

09 / Tue – The reason  |  Read Matthew 6:33 / Matthew 5:6

You have been called apart for a special purpose, a holy purpose. Read these verses and then write that purpose in your own words. How might this truth impact the way you live?

10 / Wed – Righteousness  |  Read Romans 3:10-11 / 2 Corinthians 5:18, 21

What does it mean to be a righteous person? Is it even possible? Doesn’t the Bible say in Romans that no one is righteous? Consider this definition…righteousness is right living and right standing with God. Most people work hard to live right but, according to 2 Corinthians, there is only one way to find right standing with God. What impact might this have on someone who feels their salvation depends on how good they can be?

11 / Thu – Living it out  |  Read Romans 6:11-13

You are a saint. Claim it and be intentional about living like one. Okay, you might say, but I need some practical direction. These verses are a good place to start. The process begins with a very thoughtful evaluation about how you are currently living. Where are some areas you know you need to change? How serious are you about making those changes? If you offer every part of yourself to God, he will give you the power to do so.

12 / Fri – Look at the source  |  Read John 3:17-18 / 1 John 3:19-23 / Romans 8:1

Any time someone chooses to live more closely to Jesus’ example, there is the possibility they’ll eventually mess up. When they do, they can feel condemned and may be tempted to quit. Has that ever happened to you? If so, you need to know the true source of those thoughts. The enemy’s goal is to separate you from God by saying God gets angry at your failures. When these thoughts slip into your mind, read the above verses to the devil and watch him clear out. Repeat as needed.

13 / Sat – Beware  |  Read Luke 18:9-14

There is righteousness and then there is self-righteousness. It is a trap you have to be aware of. It can happen when a person starts comparing themselves to others, as this religious man did. What was he basing his righteousness on? How did that affect his view of the person next to him? What can you do to keep yourself from drifting into this way of thinking?