How can we strive to be "righteous before God" in our daily lives? Setting the Stage “ ‘How then can a man be righteous before God? How can he who is born of woman be pure?’ ” (Job 25:4) Why the Question Matters – Job 25:4 voices the universal dilemma: on our own, we fall short (Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:10). – Yet God Himself provides the righteousness He requires (Romans 3:22). Receiving, Then Reflecting, Righteousness 1. Receive the gift • “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” (Romans 3:22) • “He 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) 2. Reflect the gift daily • We do not earn righteousness, but we actively express it (Ephesians 2:10). Daily Practices That Foster a Righteous Walk – Depend on the Spirit • “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) – Immerse in Scripture • “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) – Quick, humble repentance • “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” (1 John 1:9) – Obey promptly • “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 1:22) – Practice love and justice • “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:18) • “What does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8) – Cultivate humility • “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) Practical Habits to Keep You Oriented Toward Righteousness • Start and end the day in prayer and thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6). • Memorize and meditate on key verses (Joshua 1:8). • Meet regularly with other believers for encouragement and accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Serve others sacrificially—time, talent, treasure (1 Peter 4:10). • Guard input: choose media, conversations, and relationships that promote purity (Philippians 4:8). • Keep short accounts—resolve conflicts quickly (Ephesians 4:26-27). When You Stumble – Acknowledge it immediately (Proverbs 28:13). – Receive cleansing and move forward (Psalm 103:12). Encouragement for the Journey “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6) |
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