What does "a good and righteous man" teach about Christian integrity? Key Verse Luke 23:50 – “Now there was a Council member named Joseph, a good and righteous man.” Setting the Scene • Joseph of Arimathea belongs to the Sanhedrin—the very body that condemned Jesus. • Despite intense peer pressure, he refuses to consent to their unjust decision (v. 51) and later asks Pilate for Jesus’ body (v. 52). • Scripture calls him “good and righteous,” spotlighting qualities every believer is meant to embody. Defining Integrity through Joseph 1. Consistent Character • “Good” (ἀγαθός) conveys moral excellence that shows up both in private convictions and public actions. • Proverbs 20:7 — “The righteous man walks with integrity; blessed are his children after him”. 2. Moral Courage • Joseph risks reputation and status by dissenting from the Council. • Proverbs 29:25 — “The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high”. 3. Public Alignment with Truth • He openly identifies with Jesus when most disciples hide. • Matthew 10:32 — “Everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father in heaven”. 4. Compassionate Action • Provides a dignified burial for Christ, fulfilling Isaiah 53:9. • 1 John 3:18 — “Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth”. Practical Markers of Integrity Today • Speak truth even when isolated. • Let biblical convictions override cultural demands. • Keep promises—contracts, marriage vows, simple yes or no (James 5:12). • Handle resources transparently; avoid hidden agendas (2 Corinthians 8:21). • Show compassion that costs something—time, finances, social standing. Why Integrity Matters • Protects witness—Philippians 2:15. • Guards the heart—Proverbs 11:3. • Honors Christ, the perfectly righteous Man—1 Peter 2:22. • Influences future generations—Psalm 112:1-4. Walking It Out • Start each day by submitting motives to Scripture (Psalm 139:23-24). • Practice immediate obedience: see a need, meet it. • Surround yourself with believers who value accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Remember: integrity is not situational; it is the steady overflow of a heart devoted to the Lord who calls His followers to be “good and righteous” in a watching world. |
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