Rom 5:17 (NIV) For if, by the trespass of the one man [Adam], death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the One Man, Jesus Christ.

It’s true that we have been struggling with the problems that Adam and all our family tree have passed down to us. And that struggle has made it look like we will never be able to live a good Christian life or do a mighty ministry through Jesus. But, as we learn how to live the life of FAITH in Jesus, we will see how He is able to change the way we live and how we minister. He has the life and the power to live this awesome life in us and minister it through us.

By means of intense hunger and thirsting after Jesus’ life and ministry we will be filled with Who He is and what He does. And, He will produce a large quantity of spiritual fruit through us by His Holy Spirit. Hungering and thirsting means we want Him with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. This is a complete change of will that points us in the direction of allowing Jesus to give us His life. It’s our will that starts hungering and thirsting after God’s righteousness. That gives Jesus our permission to start living more and more of His life in us and ministering through us.

The thing for us to constantly remember is the fact that Jesus IS the righteousness of God.

1 Cor 1:2 (NIV) To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified [through spiritual growth] IN Christ Jesus and called to be holy (righteous), together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ--their Lord and ours.

1 Cor 1:30 (NIV) It is because of Him [Jesus] that you are IN Christ Jesus, Who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.

Eph 2:10 (NIV) For we are God’s workmanship, created IN Christ Jesus to do good works (righteousness), which God prepared in advance for us to do.

2 Tim 1:9-10 (NIV) Who has saved us and called us to a holy life (righteousness)--not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us IN Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, Who has destroyed death and has brought LIFE and immortality to light through the gospel.