In what ways can we ensure our actions are "according to my righteousness"? The Verse in Focus “The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness; He has repaid me for the cleanness of my hands.” Psalm 18:20 Why Righteousness Matters • God evaluates and responds to real-life behavior (“clean hands”). • Reward and fellowship flow from a life that matches His holy character (Psalm 18:24; 1 John 3:7). Foundation: Received, Not Earned • We stand righteous first because Christ “became sin for us…so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). • This gifted status frees us to pursue righteous living without fear of rejection (Romans 8:1). Cultivating Righteous Actions 1. Constant intake of Scripture – “All Scripture is God-breathed…for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). – Read, meditate, and immediately look for one way to obey what was learned each day. 2. Ongoing heart checks – “Examine yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5). – Ask: Is there any hidden motive, grudge, or compromise? Confess quickly (1 John 1:9). 3. Practical obedience in the ordinary – Integrity at work (Colossians 3:23-24). – Sexual purity (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4). – Truthful speech (Ephesians 4:25). 4. Generous, sacrificial love – “Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth” (1 John 3:18). – Serve the poor, honor parents, forgive enemies—righteousness always touches people. Guardrails for the Daily Walk • Guard the heart: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23). • Flee tempting environments (2 Timothy 2:22). • Schedule rhythms of rest and worship to keep affections anchored (Hebrews 4:9-11). The Role of Community • Invite believers to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). • Accept loving correction; righteous habits grow faster in accountable relationships (Proverbs 27:17). The Spirit’s Empowering • Walk by the Spirit to avoid fleshly derailments (Galatians 5:16). • Dependence looks like quick, humble prayers: “Lord, empower this conversation, this decision, this temptation right now.” Looking Ahead to God’s Reward • “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). • Psalm 18:20 assures us that God sees and rewards every righteous step—His promise fuels perseverance. |
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