Shoulder To Shoulder #1307 -- 8/30/22 ---- "Seeking The Ancient Paths (Pt 15) -- The Pathway of Righteousness"
Posted by: rtolliver49 <rtolliver49@...>
SHOULDER TO SHOULDER is a weekly letter of encouragement Bob has written since 1997, covering many topics selected to
motivate people to be strong students of the Word and courageous witnesses of Jesus Christ. It is a personal letter of
encouragement to you, written solely to help "lift up hands that hang down".
"The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything." -- Albert Einstein
“There is a common, worldly kind of Christianity in this day, which many have, and think they have -- a cheap Christianity which offends nobody,
and requires no sacrifice, which costs nothing, -- and is worth nothing.” – J. C. Ryle
Shoulder To Shoulder #1307 -- 8/30/22
Title: "Seeking The Ancient Paths (Pt 15) -- The Pathway of Righteousness"
My Dear Friend and Fellow Kingdom Seeker:
Once again our internet service has been either erratic or entirely down for the past three days, and I finally went to another location in order to finally write to you today.
Would you believe this is the last time I will EVER write to you in August, 2022 -- from anywhere -- EVER??? We are just four Sundays away from concluding our 2022 season at Greer Chapel. To say the least, it has been an odd year -- trying to rebuild after two years of COVID restrictions and ongoing Fears, dealing with "old timers" who either aged out or have had health issues, family gatherings, multiple Sundays where key leaders were absent on the same Sunday, . . . and rain -- LOTS of rain! More than half of our Sundays have seen attendance at about 30% of what is average, and the overall weekly average has been about 50% of normal.
Having said that, though, our season has been wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! We've had first time attendees al but six Sundays, and we continue seeing new families become active participants in Chapel life. Believe it or not, our offerings have seen only a modest reduction, the singing has been thrilling, the fellowship and welcoming spirit have been truly Christlike, and God has certainly spoken to us all through the teachings He has prompted me to share. I wasn't sure exactly where the "Seeking The Ancient Paths" would actually take us, but the journey has been wonderful. Last Sunday was the thirteenth sermon in the series, and since we are having a guest speaker this coming Sunday, I have only three more opportunities to share nine specific studies the Lord has already given me.
Whatever else comes from this season's series, it has clearly stirred up new emotions and insights in my own personal walk with the Lord. Not only is the Book of Jeremiah one of several that are appropriate to the condition of the American soul and the Church, but they clearly portray the global condition in which we live today. Throughout this entire season, God has reminded me repeatedly of the prophecies found in scripture regarding the decay of mankind, the judgment of God, and the inevitable return of Christ.
Today, then, I want to share thoughts with you regarding a sermon I preached in the series back in July, and will do so right after you consider . . .
THIS 'N' THAT:
+ Another Significant Archaeological Discovery: During excavations to install an elevator for people wanting to visit the western wall, archaeologists discovered an ancient ritual bath dated during the time of Jesus. For details, go to https://patternsofevidence.com/2022/08/19/ritual-bath-found-at-western-wall/?triplesource=klaviyo&_kx=Es6BOom38-pDLtwNu2YOYsfiLCC3pv6OK4wsYKHbKFU%3D.WEfJdA .
+ Gay Pride Event Cancelled Because of Christians: -- A EuroPride event scheduled for September in Belgrade, Serbia, was cancelled because Christian leaders and their constituents put their feet down and took a stand. The resistance by Serbian Orthodox leaders and members was so significant that the political parties in the country joined in, and the event was cancelled. The Serbian Christians refused to compromise their beliefs, took a stand, and held to their convictions. What would happen if Christians in America actually did the same? Read the op-ed by former far=left Socialist Isa Cox and other reports at the following:
https://www.westernjournal.com/pride-event-canceled-europeans-march-defense-christian-values-dont-give-holy-places/?seyid=18994
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/protesters-march-belgrade-against-planned-gay-pride-event-2022-08-28/
https://balkaninsight.com/2022/08/15/thousands-march-in-belgrade-to-protest-against-euro-pride/
+ An American Who Maintains Christian Convictions, Regardless: At first glance, this report appears to be of no serious consequence. However, a second look points to a far more serious problem -- one that has steadily increased in a precipitous manner over the past 80 years -- a growing disregard among Christians to God's commands, commands that not only honor Him, but also generate betterment and blessings for man. Is it possible we might learn some lessons from this uncompromising gentleman? https://washingtonstand.com/commentary/us-postal-service-versus-the-christian-sabbath-former-mailman-appeals-to-supreme-court .
QUOTES FOR THE WEEK:
> "There are only two kinds of men: the righteous who think they are sinners and the sinners who think they are righteous." -- Blaise Paschal
> "What we count the ills of life are often blessings in disguise, resulting in good to us in the end. Though for the present not joyous but grievous, yet, if received in a right spirit, they work out fruits of righteousness for us at last." -- Matthew Henry
> "If we walk in righteousness He [Jesus] will carry us through." -- A. B. Simpson
> "The One who calls you to a life of righteousness is the One who by our consent lives that life of righteousness through you!" -- Major W. Ian Thomas
> "God is none other than the Savior of our wretchedness. So we can only know God well by knowing our iniquities... Those who have known God without knowing their wretchedness have not glorified Him, but have glorified themselves." -- Blaise Paschal
> "The government of the United States is acknowledged by the wise and good of other nations, to be the most free, impartial, and righteous government of the world; but all agree, that for such a government to be sustained many years, the principles of truth and righteousness, taught in the Holy Scriptures, must be practiced. The rulers must govern in the fear of God, and the people obey the laws." -- Emma Willard (1847)
> "Christ took our sins and the sins of the whole world as well as the Father's wrath on his shoulders, and he has drowned them both in himself so that we are thereby reconciled to God and become completely righteous." -- Martin Luther
> "God never alters the robe of righteousness to fit the man. Rather He alters the man to fit the robe." -- John Hagee
MOVING ON:
Thus says the LORD, "Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it.' And I set watchmen over you, saying, 'Listen to the sound of the trumpet!' But they said, 'We will not listen.'
"Therefore hear, O nations, And know, O congregation, what is among them. Hear, O earth: behold, I am bringing disaster on this people, The fruit of their plans, Because they have not listened to My words, And as for My law, they have rejected it also." -- Jeremiah 6:16-19
" 'For My people have forgotten Me, They burn incense to worthless gods And they have stumbled from their ways, From the ancient paths, To walk in bypaths, Not on a highway, to make their land a desolation, tan object of perpetual hissing; Everyone who passes by it will be astonished And shake his head." -- Jeremiah 18:15-16
My heart is deeply troubled and saddened when I read these verses and then remember what happened to both the Northern and Southern kingdoms as a result of their abandoning the ancient paths God had laid out for them in His laws. The laws were all quite simple and easy to understand. God had called Israel's descendants out of 400 years of Egyptian captivity, had given them His pathway to life, peace, prosperity, and happiness, and in His own words, "treated you as a bride" during the wilderness journey.
All God wanted from them was to walk in the "Good way of peace and rest" of His commandments -- make Him first, worship no other God, keep the Sabbath, respect the family, don't kill, don't steal, . . . .
But, as is often the case, obedience deteriorates into negligence, negligence into disregard, disregard into rejection, and rejection into rebellion. I think one reason this series has been so significant here in Greer is because people immediately see the similarities between Judah, Israel, and the United States. So, we'll carry on for three more Sundays.
Now that we've had concluded our lengthy look at the "Compass" of God's Word as Solomon described it in Proverbs 3:1-12, it's time to move on to search out another of those Ancient Pathways. If you can grasp the significance of this particular pathway, you will find it to be a journey that is characterized by breathtaking awe, exhuberant joy, and serene humility as you view the light of God's faithfulness in dark days and the generosity of God's grace to all who will receive it.
This particular Ancient Pathway is the ultimate expression of God's love and the most revolutionary gift ever bestowed on any person. It is . . .
"The Pathway of Righteousness."
To be totally honest, I have never taken too much time to study the concept of righteousness as addressed in the Bible until this current sermon series. I don't mean to say I have underestimated the importance of righteousness, nor have I not understood its meaning. It's just that I don't think I have every fully grasped the enormity of the subject in the Bible, and have not fully appreciated its importance and the importance of God's provision of righteousness to us through His Son to the degree that it apparently encompasses the scope of God's intended relationship to us. It truly is mind-boggling.
The Word "righteousness" appears 309 times in the Bible, and "righteous" is found another 300 times. Other words such as integrity (29 times), honor (134 times), upright (64 times), and others all relate to the subject of righteousness. In all, the topic is addressed in some way over 1,300 times throughout the Bible. So, any effort on my part -- or yours -- to exhaust the topic will be entirely futile. However, there are three things we can conclude:
1. It is a Characteristic of God's nature we cannot deny.
2. It is a Conduct that God expects as a lifestyle for mankind.
3. It is a Condition that guarantees a vast panorama of God's blessings.
For example, consider just these few scriptures that describe a mere glimpse of righteousness.
“Make me know Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths.” – Psalm 25:4
"For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice, and He preserves the way of His godly ones. Then you will discern righteousness and justice And equity and every good course. . . . So you will walk in the way of good men And keep to the paths of the righteous." -- Proverbs 2:6-9; 20
". . . He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. . . ." -- Psalm 23:3
"The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But He loves one who pursues righteousness." -- Proverbs 15:9
"He who pursues righteousness and loyalty finds life, righteousness and honor." -- Proverbs 21:21
"Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people." -- Proverbs 14:34
"Let the wicked forsake his way And the unrighteous man his thoughts; And let him return to the LORD, And He will have compassion on him, And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon." -- Isaiah 55:7
Perhaps one of the most comprehensive treatments of the subject to be found in the Bible is in Paul's reference to Abraham as recorded in Romans 3:1-5:8. When you have an opportunity, study that entire passage -- but study it in context of the entire Book of Romans. We are told that there is not one person -- anywhere or anytime -- who is righteous. We are told that we can never become righteous on our own. We are told that, nonetheless, Abraham was seen in God's eyes as righteous. We are told that it happened entirely because God chose to make Abraham (and us) righteousness through His act of grace in offering His Son and providing Abraham faith by which he would trust God.
You see, at the very core of our salvation is our willing to receive God's offer of righteousness. The gift has been offered, but it is never ours until we receive it. It may be "for" us, but it is never ours unless we accept it.
So, . . .
In reference to Solomon's admonition noted above, he tells us that if we can gain even a little wisdom from God, we will assuredly decide to and learn to live righteously. Interestingly, he uses the Hebrew word, מַעְגָּלָה מַעְגָּל, or ma‛gâl ma‛gâlâh, pronounced mah-gawl', mah-gaw-law' in English. The word refers specifically to a "path", a "rampart", an "elevated walkway" or a "spiraling upward pathway".
It is a revealing word that shows us much about righteousness and how to steadily grow in it. We are reminded that righteousness to to be admired, it is to be desired, it is to be sought, it is to be attained, it is to be enlarged, it is to be displayed, and it is to be shared. When the life of true righteousness is embraced as a lifestyle, its impact on our lives -- and on others -- is incomprehensible.
David assured us that our Shepherd will consistently lead us to walk in paths of righteousness. (Psalm 23:3). So, clearly one of the “Ancient Paths” which we long to – at least should long to – walk is indeed a pathway of righteousness -- genuine, legitimate, true righteousness.
Righteousness is a dream we can always hope for but seldom actually believe it is achievable. So, obviously, it is something at which we need to take a serious biblical look. After all, if the concept of righteousness vs. unrighteousness is referred to more than 1,300 times in the Bible, it seems to me you and I need to take a good hard look at it. And this raises a fundamental question --
What, then, IS righteousness?
If this is the pathway – the lifestyle – you and I should walk each day, then what is it in that which we should walk? Then, once we know what righteousness actually is, how do we actually walk in it? Dictionaries define righteousness as “behavior that is morally justifiable or right.” Righteousness is not merely one's character. It is essentially "Behavior". Such behavior is characterized, then, by certain accepted standards -- standards of morality, justice, virtue, or uprightness.
The Bible’s standard of human righteousness is God’s own perfection in every attribute, every attitude, every behavior, and every word. Righteousness is the practice of behaving based on who we are – or who we have become. It is NOT an afterthought! It is the act of living in public in a way that reflects who we have become in our inner being. It is the public visible expression of our inner character, values, and convictions. It is character revealed in conduct.
You know by now that I love to use quotes, poems, and hymns to try to express my emotions. I remember two great Gospel songs my father used to sing and play. I'll share both, the first of which is "I Would Be Like Jesus", written by James Rowe in 1911. He sometimes wrote under the pseudonym, James S. Apple. Rowe was born in England in 1865. After serving in the Government Survey Office, Dublin Ireland as a young man, he came to America in 1890 where he worked for ten years for the New York Central & Hudson R.R. Co., then served for twelve years as superintendent of the Mohawk and Hudson River Humane Society. He began writing songs and hymns about 1896 and was a prolific writer of gospel verse with more than 9,000 published hymns, poems, recitations, and other works.
Even as I think of these words just now, I can hear my father's rich baritone voice ringing out with the background of his piano artistry lifting the words high into the heavens, words truly expressing the desire of his heart -- and mine.
Earthly pleasures vainly call me,
I would be like Jesus;
Nothing worldly shall enthrall me,
I would be like Jesus.
Refrain:
Be like Jesus, this my song,
In the home and in the throng;
Be like Jesus, all day long!
I would be like Jesus.
He has broken every fetter,
I would be like Jesus;
That my soul may serve Him better,
I would be like Jesus.
All the way from earth to glory,
I would be like Jesus;
Telling o’er and o’er the story,
I would be like Jesus.
That in Heaven He may meet me,
I would be like Jesus;
That His words “Well done” may greet me,
I would be like Jesus.
For the Christian, then, living in righteousness is essentially the act of living like Jesus would live -- something we simply cannot do, at least on our own. It feels sometimes like it was cruel on God's part to expect us to do what we cannot do. We have been given an impossible task, yet an expected one. We are to pursue righteousness with all our being:
" The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But He loves one who pursues righteousness." (Prov 15:9).
In trying to tackle this behavior that is impossible to attain, I came to the following five conclusions. Perhaps we will find help if we consider them.
But, beware!!! I'm going to bombard you with scripture!!! It speaks far better than I ever can.
I. RIGHTEOUSNESS IS A PRINCIPLE BY WHICH TO LIVE:
If we are called to righteousness -- no, SINCE we are called to righteousness, -- then consider these three things: --
1. Righteousness Defined: According to every Bible dictionary and word studies, righteousness definitively means “a morally acceptable behavior of Justice, justness, or divine holiness.” It is “the condition of being acceptable to God as made possible by God.” God Himself is the standard of righteousness, and it is His standard that defines true righteousness. No attempt by man to redefine righteousness will change the fact of righteousness, and no amount of man-made effort will result in the true righteousness that is acceptable to God. To be righteous, then, is to be right like God is right, and then to be right with God.
2. Righteousness Described: The Bible uses the term, "the Fruit of righteousness" in Philippians 1:1 and Hebrews 12:11. This tells us that righteousness cannot only be defined as to what it is, but also can be described as what it is like. A heart that is right with God is a life that bears “fruit”. Jesus clearly stated that fact more than once (See John 15:1–2; Mark 4:20; etc.).
Galatians 5:22-23 lists some of that fruit, produced by the Holy Spirit within our nature and on display in how we live and conduct ourselves. So, if you and I live righteously, we will give evidence by both the absence of certain behavior, and the presence of certain behavior.
" But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.
"Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit." (Gal 5:16-25)
Keep in mind that true righteousness is not a set of rules to be met, but it is evidenced by our behavior. Righteousness is not kept merely within; it is outwardly expressed. Biblical righteousness begins with character, and results in conduct -- how we think, what we say, where we go, how we act, etc. Righteous “living” results only where there is righteous “being”. Performance is out of the question.
3. Righteousness Demanded: It is with some consternation that you and I face the fact that God commands of us something to which we cannot possibly attain. For example, . . .
“Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” – (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
"The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward." (Psalm 19:9-11).
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance." (Psalm 33:12).
"Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people." (Proverbs 14:34)
"When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, And when the wicked perish, there is joyful shouting. By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, But by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down. (Proverbs 11:10-11).
"It is an abomination for kings to commit wicked acts, For a throne is established on righteousness. Righteous lips are the delight of kings, And he who speaks right is loved." Proverbs 16:12-13).
" Take away the wicked before the king, And his throne will be established in righteousness.' (Proverbs 25:50.
"A man who hardens his neck after much reproof Will suddenly be broken beyond remedy. When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, But when a wicked man rules, people groan. (Proverbs 29:1-2).
I could finish this letter and write a dozen more and still not exhaust the commands from God telling us to live righteous upright lives. I'm certain you get the point.
So, then -- clearly righteousness is a principle by which we are to live. It is defined, it is described, and then . . . it is demanded of us. And that creates a huge problem -- because . . .
II. RIGHTEOUSNESS IS A POSITION WHICH WE CANNOT ATTAIN:
How does it feel to know that we are responsible to do what is not possible? Everything about God calls us to be righteous and upright in every way, and yet it cannot be done. We can try as hard as possible with every ounce of energy we can muster, and it won't happen. We can memorize all the self-help books ever written, and we will never be righteous -- let alone righteous "enough" for God.
The problem is not that God is making unreasonable demands on us or has unrealistic expectations of us. It's simply that we are sinful and corrupt at heart to begin with. The fact that we don't like to admit it is evidence that it is true. Consider three irrefutable and unchanging facts:
1. We’re sinners, not righteous. Now, I understand the conflict over the issue of "I am a sinner" vs. "I was a sinner". Both are true. Before I came to faith in Christ, I "was" a sinner -- already guilty, already convicted, and already condemned, because the penalty for my sin had not been paid . . . by me or anyone else. At the same time, I "am" a sinner in the flesh -- but no longer guilty because my sinfulness has been covered by the blood of Christ. Because God views me through the righteousness of Christ imparted to me because of my repentance and faith, He no longer views me as a sinner, but rather as a saint (Romans 1:7; I Corinthians 1:2; Philippians 4:21; etc.).
Having said all that, I'm sure we agree that prior to our faith in Christ, were unrighteous sinners incapable of being anything else.
". . . as it is written, 'There is none righteous, not even one; there is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God; all have turned aside, together they have become useless; there is none who does good, there is not even one." (Romans 3:10-12).
"No, in heart you work unrighteousness; On earth you weigh out the violence of your hands." (Psalm 58:2).
". . . for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, . . ." Romans 3:23).
2. We can’t be righteous, only self-righteous. (Rom 8:8). This is a perplexing reality -- we are broken and need to be fixed, but we cannot fix ourselves. Try as we will, it is impossible to live righteously when there is no righteousness with us that would enable us to be righteous. The concept of self-righteousness doesn't use those words, but the idea is contained in other words such as proud, arrogant, "pharisee", stubborn, etc.
". . . the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God." (Romans 8:6-8).
3. Self-righteousness isn’t enough – Notwithstanding that the term doesn't appear in the Bible, the idea is still there. No matter how good, honorable, consistent, and sinless you may try to be, you at your best with all your efforts and resolutions will never be enough.
"He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, . . ." (Titus 3:5).
""Do not say in your heart when the LORD your God has driven them out before you, 'Because of my righteousness the LORD has brought me in to possess this land,' but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the LORD is dispossessing them before you. It is not for your righteousness or for the uprightness of your heart that you are going to possess their land, but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the LORD your God is driving them out before you, in order to confirm the oath which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Know, then, it is not because of your righteousness that the LORD your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stubborn people." (Deuteronomy 9:4-6).
Knowing, then, that righteousness is a principle by which to live, but that righteousness is a position we cannot attain, we should be encouraged -- no, elated -- that . . .
III. RIGHTEOUSNESS IS A PROMISE GOD HAS MADE:
This is what is so amazing about God! "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us!" (Romans 5:8). The phrase, "while we were yet
. . ." appears only seven times in the entire Bible, and five of them are written by Paul -- "while we were still helpless" (Romans 5:6), -- "while we were yet sinners" (Romans 5:8), -- "while we were enemies" (Romans 5:10), -- "while we were in the flesh" (Romans 7:5), -- "while we were children" (Galatians 4:3). The end result of those descriptives is obvious -- we are in a real mess -- unrighteous, sinful, and condemned, -- and we desperately need someone to rescue us. And that's where God's promises of righteousness come in to give us hope and assurance. Consider these five simple facts:
1. God promised righteousness thru His Son.
"For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness." (Galatians 5:5).
2. Abraham believed that what God had promised, God would provide.
". . . yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform. Therefore it was also credited to him as righteousness." (Romans 4:20-22).
3. God has promised that when we seek His kingdom and righteous, we will receive them. –
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33).
4. God always keeps promises He makes. –
" For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us." (II Corinthians 1:20).
5. God promised that He will fill those who thirst for righteousness. –
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." (Matthew 5:6).
IV. RIGHTEOUSNESS IS A PROVISION GOD HAS OFFERED:
Now that we know that we are expected to live a life we cannot live -- a life of righteousness, uprightness, and integrity -- and that God has made a promise that we actually can do the impossible -- live righteously, it is such a relief for us to know that righteousness is something God has provided for us. We don't have to discover it, create it, imagine it, search for it, or perform in order to get it. It is all God.
This great truth is evident throughout the Bible, hundreds of times, as I first indicated. For example, . . .
1. Righteousness is Illustrated in the Life of Abraham. --
"And [God] took him outside and said, 'Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them." And He said to him, "So shall your descendants be.' Then he believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness." (Genesis 15:5-6).
"Even so Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness. Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham." (Galatians 3:6-7).
" . . . and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,' and he was called the friend of God." (James 2:23).
" For what does the Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness'." (Rom 4:3).
" Is this blessing then on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say, 'Faith was credited to Abraham as righteousness'." (Rom 4:9).
If you scrutinize those scriptures carefully, it makes it clear that the secret that put Abraham in a position of righteousness before God, it was the undeniable fact that he simply believed God -- he put his faith, trust, and confidence in the God of all creation. To see this explained more clearly, take plenty of time to read and ponder Romans 3:1-5:8 as I mentioned earlier. If you really "get it", your understanding of your salvation and your life in Christ will never be the same.
Not only was the idea of our righteousness comes through our faith in Christ, but we also see that . . .
2. Righteousness is Indicated in the Word of God. --
"The sum of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting." (Ps 119:160).
"Let my tongue sing of Your word, For all Your commandments are righteousness." (Psalm 119:172).
"Let the wicked forsake his way And the unrighteous man his thoughts; And let him return to the LORD, And He will have compassion on him, And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon." (Isaiah 55:7).
But the righteousness is not merely housed in God's Word, but . . .
3. Righteousness is Allocated by the work of Christ. --
". . . and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, . . ." (Philippians 3:9).
" . . . and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed." (I Peter 2:24).
"He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (II Corinthians 5:21).
What an astounding truth! Because of Christ, it is entirely possible for us to be reconciled back to God where we've belonged from the beginning, and be made righteous before Him! So, how does the righteousness that God demands actually come to us personally so we can actually live righteously before Him and before man? Well, . . .
4. Righteousness is Appropriated only by faith in Christ. –
". . . who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight." (Hebrews 11:33-34)
" For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law." (Romans 3:28).
"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, . . .". (Romans 5:1).
". . . that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. (Romans10:9-10).
5. Righteousness is Authenticated through the work of the Holy Spirit. --
"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law." (Galatians 5:16-18).
"Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit."(Galatians 5:24-25).
So, this intriguing and amazing righteousness which is demanded of us, but we cannot attain, has been declared in God's Word and has become available to us through Jesus Christ in Whom we must put our unrestricted faith and confidence in Him. This, then, is a sobering stewardship and responsibility, so finally, . . .
V. RIGHTEOUSNESS IS A PROCESS IN WHICH WE GROW:
How do we, then, actually grow from day to day in righteousness? It is essential that we do -- especially if we have chosen to walk this Ancient Path of righteousness. Well, . . .
1. We must Prefer righteousness. –
"Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? (II Corinthians 6:14-16).
"Seek the LORD, All you humble of the earth Who have carried out His ordinances; Seek righteousness, seek humility. Perhaps you will be hidden In the day of the LORD'S anger." (Zephaniah 2:3).
2. We must Pursue righteousness –
"Folly is joy to him who lacks sense, But a man of understanding walks straight [righteously]." (Proverbs 15:21).
"Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:1-2).
3. We must Practice righteousness –
"He leads the humble in justice, And He teaches the humble His way." (Psalm 25:9).
". . . . but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in hunger, in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left, by glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; regarded as deceivers and yet true; as unknown yet well-known, as dying yet behold, we live; as punished yet not put to death, as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing yet possessing all things." (II Corinthians 6:4-10).
"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." (Philippians 4:8).
FINALLY:
Based on the truths and promises of God’s Word, we are called to seek – and then walk – the Ancient Paths God originally intended for us. One of those Ancient Paths is the Pathway of Righteousness.
We must fully agree that sin does not please God. Because of this, we pursue holiness instead of sinfulness in our thoughts, words, and actions. In some ways holiness is the heart condition and righteousness is the life's expression. When we live for righteousness, we submit even our thought life to what is righteous:
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8).
To live for righteousness means to desire God to transform our minds (Romans 12:2) and conform us “to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29).
“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” – (Philippians 1:9-11).
However, it is impossible for us to live consistently righteous. But, if we will surrender fully to Him, His Holy Spirit will enable us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” and live more righteously today than we did yesterday.
The second song that has come to mind as I've written today is, "I Want To Be Like Jesus",
1. I have one deep, supreme desire,
that I may be like Jesus.
To this I fervently aspire,
that I may be like Jesus.
I want my heart His throne to be,
so that a watching world may see
His likeness shining forth in me.
I want to be like Jesus.
2. He spent His life in doing good;
I want to be like Jesus.
In lowly paths of service trod;
I want to be like Jesus.
He sympathized with hearts distressed,
He spoke the words that cheered and blessed,
He welcomed sinners to His breast.
I want to be like Jesus.
3. A holy, harmless life He led;
I want to be like Jesus.
The Father’s will, His drink and bread;
I want to be like Jesus.
And when at last He comes to die,
“Forgive them, Father," hear Him cry
for those who taunt and crucify.
I want to be like Jesus.
4. O perfect life of Christ, my Lord!
I want to be like Jesus.
My recompense and my reward,
that I may be like Jesus.
His Spirit fill my hungering soul,
His power all my life control.
My deepest prayer, my highest goal,
that I may be like Jesus.
So, from the refrain of the first song, . . .
Be like Jesus; this my song
In the home and in the throng.
Be like Jesus all day long!
I would be like Jesus!
In His Bond, By His Grace, and for His Kingdom,
Bob Tolliver -- Romans 1:11
"Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness,
examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so." -- Dr. Luke (Acts 17:11)
"A fire kept burning on the hearthstone of my heart, and I took up the burden of the day with fresh courage and hope." -- Charles F. McKoy
Life Unlimited Ministries
LUMglobal
lifeunlimited@pobox.com
Copyright August, 2022
"If Jesus had preached the same message that many ministers preach today, He would never have been crucified." -- Leonard Ravenhill
"The time will come when instead of shepherds feeding the sheep, the Church will have clowns entertaining the goats." -- Charles H. Spurgeon
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