Which New Testament teachings align with Ezekiel 18:16's call for righteousness? Ezekiel 18:16—God’s Portrait of Righteousness “He does not oppress anyone or retain what was taken as a pledge. He does not commit robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing.” • No oppression or exploitation • No theft or dishonest gain • Active generosity—feeding the hungry, clothing the naked Jesus Affirms the Same Standard • Matthew 25:35-36, 40—“For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat… I was naked and you clothed Me… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” • Luke 3:11—“Whoever has two tunics should share with him who has none, and whoever has food should do the same.” • Luke 6:35-36—“Love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return… Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Generosity Modeled in Acts • Acts 4:34-35—“There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell… and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need.” • Acts 20:35—“In everything, I showed you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Apostolic Instructions for Holy Living • Ephesians 4:28—“He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must labor… so that he may have something to share with the needy.” • 1 Timothy 6:17-19—Command the rich “to be generous and willing to share… laying up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age.” • Hebrews 13:16—“Do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” • James 1:27—“Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” James 2:15-17—Faith without supplying food and clothing “is dead.” • 1 John 3:17-18—“If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?… let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.” The Heart Behind the Command • God’s righteousness is active, not passive—meeting physical needs demonstrates genuine faith. • Generosity flows from gratitude for Christ’s gift of salvation (2 Corinthians 8:9). • Refusing oppression and practicing sacrificial kindness display the family likeness of our righteous Father (Matthew 5:16). |
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