In what ways can we strive to be "righteous before God" today? The Verse at the Center “Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and decrees of the Lord.” – Luke 1:6 What “Righteous Before God” Means • “Righteous” is not mere human goodness; it is living in full alignment with God’s standards (Psalm 119:137). • Scripture shows two sides: the righteousness God credits to us by faith (Genesis 15:6; Romans 3:22) and the righteousness we practice in daily obedience (1 John 3:7). Receiving Righteousness Positionally • Trust Christ completely. “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” – 2 Corinthians 5:21 • Abandon self-reliance. “By works of the Law no flesh will be justified.” – Romans 3:20 • Rest in the gift. “Not having my own righteousness from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ.” – Philippians 3:9 Living Righteously Practically 1. Walk in obedience, as Zechariah and Elizabeth did in Luke 1:6. – Daily Scripture intake (Psalm 1:2). – Immediate, heartfelt response to what God shows (James 1:22). 2. Depend on the Spirit, not sheer willpower. – “The righteous requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” – Romans 8:4 3. Practice continual repentance. – Keep short accounts with God (1 John 1:9). – Invite His searchlight (Psalm 139:23-24). 4. Cultivate love for others. – “The one who practices righteousness is righteous… the one who does not love remains in death.” – 1 John 3:7, 14 5. Seek God’s kingdom first. – Prioritize His rule over every arena of life (Matthew 6:33). – Let His priorities reshape schedules, budgets, conversations. 6. Pursue humility. – “He leads the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.” – Psalm 25:9 – Acknowledge dependence on grace at every step. Guardrails for a Righteous Walk • Fellowship: stay connected with believers who spur you on (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Accountability: open your life to trusted brothers or sisters (Proverbs 27:17). • Prayer and fasting: sharpen sensitivity to sin and God’s voice (Matthew 6:6, 16-18). • Sacrificial service: righteousness overflows in tangible good works (Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:14). Encouragement for the Journey • God delights to empower those who hunger for righteousness (Matthew 5:6). • Righteous living is possible because He “works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose” (Philippians 2:13). • The path culminates in the promise: “The righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Matthew 13:43). |
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