How can we "clothe ourselves with righteousness" in our daily lives today? Job’s Picture of Righteous Clothing “I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; justice was my robe and turban.” (Job 29:14) Job describes righteousness as an outward garment that visibly shapes his life. What he believed internally was displayed externally for all to see. Two Layers of the Garment - Positional righteousness: through faith in Christ, 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) • This is the unchangeable foundation—our standing before God. - Practical righteousness: the daily conduct that matches that standing. “Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:24) New Testament Echoes - “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (Galatians 3:27) - “Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.” (Romans 13:14) - “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” (Colossians 3:12) Daily Practices That Dress the Soul Start each day: • Remember your identity in Christ. • Thank Him for the robe He provided at the cross. In the Word: • Read or listen to Scripture; let it shape attitudes and choices. (Psalm 119:11) In confession: • Keep short accounts with God; sin stains are removed when “we confess our sins” and He “purifies us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) In prayerful dependence: • Ask the Spirit to guide thoughts, words, and actions. (Galatians 5:16) In obedience: • Choose integrity in private and public matters. • Speak truth seasoned with grace. (Ephesians 4:29) • Reject what stirs fleshly desires; embrace what feeds the spirit. In love and justice: • Extend mercy to the needy. • Defend the oppressed. (Micah 6:8) • Practice generosity, hospitality, and forgiveness. Keeping the Garment Fresh through the Day - Regularly recall memorized verses; let them redirect wandering thoughts. - When temptation arises, “flee” rather than reason with it. (2 Timothy 2:22) - Seek accountability from trusted believers; iron sharpens iron. (Proverbs 27:17) - End the day with gratitude, review, and repentance where needed. The Eternal Motivation “Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear… the fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.” (Revelation 19:8) Every act done in Christ today becomes part of the wedding garment we will wear forever. The robe Job modeled, Christ supplied, and the Spirit weaves through our obedience will shine for eternity. |
    |