Topical Bible: Righteousness: Ministers should be Armed With

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Righteousness is a fundamental attribute of God's character and a vital quality that ministers of the Gospel are called to embody and promote. In the Christian faith, righteousness is understood as living in accordance with God's will and commands, reflecting His holiness and justice. Ministers, as leaders and shepherds of the Christian community, are expected to be exemplars of righteousness, both in their personal lives and in their ministry.

Biblical Foundation

The call for ministers to be armed with righteousness is deeply rooted in Scripture. The Apostle Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, emphasizes the importance of righteousness in ministry: "In truthful speech and in the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left" (2 Corinthians 6:7). This passage highlights the dual nature of righteousness as both a defensive and offensive tool in spiritual warfare, essential for the integrity and effectiveness of a minister's work.

Righteousness as a Breastplate

The imagery of righteousness as armor is further elaborated in Ephesians 6:14, where Paul instructs believers to "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place" . For ministers, this breastplate signifies protection against the moral and spiritual challenges they face. It serves as a safeguard for their hearts and minds, enabling them to withstand temptation and remain steadfast in their commitment to God's truth.

Role in Ministry

Righteousness in ministry involves more than personal piety; it encompasses the pursuit of justice, mercy, and humility in all aspects of life and service. Micah 6:8 encapsulates this calling: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" . Ministers are tasked with advocating for justice and mercy within their communities, reflecting God's righteous character in their interactions and decisions.

Righteousness and the Gospel

The Gospel message itself is intrinsically linked to righteousness. Romans 1:17 declares, "For the gospel reveals the righteousness of God that comes by faith from start to finish, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith'" . Ministers are entrusted with the proclamation of this message, emphasizing that righteousness is not achieved through human effort but through faith in Jesus Christ. This righteousness, imputed to believers, transforms lives and empowers ministers to lead with authenticity and grace.

Challenges and Encouragement

Ministers face numerous challenges in maintaining righteousness, including societal pressures, personal struggles, and spiritual opposition. However, they are encouraged by the promise of God's support and guidance. Philippians 1:11 speaks of being "filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God" . This assurance of divine assistance enables ministers to persevere in their calling, confident that their labor in righteousness will bear fruit for God's kingdom.

In summary, righteousness is an indispensable quality for ministers, serving as both a protective and empowering force in their lives and ministries. Through the righteousness of Christ, ministers are equipped to lead with integrity, advocate for justice, and faithfully proclaim the Gospel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 6:7
By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Sermon Made by M. Hugh Latimer, at the Time of the Insurrection ...
... with the habergeon of very justice or righteousness; in true ... but when it came to
pass that they should fight, they ... we shall be found but a few ministers of the ...
/.../latimer/sermons on the card and other discourses/a sermon made by m.htm

The Holy Spirit Convincing the World of Sin, Righteousness, and ...
... the Comforter to convince you of sin, righteousness, and of ... high and lofty One, who
inhabiteth eternity, should condescend to invite you by his ministers? ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the holy spirit convincing the.htm

Preparation for Advent
... there is a God who judges the earth in righteousness, and ministers true judgment ...
people;"a God whom men, and all their institutions, should always be ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon ii preparation for advent.htm

The Coming of the Called.
... The ministers of the Word should therefore be exceedingly ... There may be two ministers,
the one well grounded ... fostering rays of the Sun of Righteousness to play ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxviii the coming of the.htm

The Royal Pair in their Glorious Chariot
... I know some nominal ministers who seem to me to ... how is it possible that God should
visit again ... your sinful pleasures, and leave your self-righteousness too; go ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/the royal pair in their.htm

Examples of the Various Styles Drawn from Scripture.
... by the consolations of God's grace, we should bear with ... in all things approving
ourselves as the ministers of God ... of God, by the armor of righteousness on the ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 20 examples of the various.htm

First Sunday in Lent
... Mark his phrase "ministers of God." What a remarkable ... obedience of the Gentiles."
Christians should have the ... under the term "armor of righteousness," and, in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/first sunday in lent.htm

The Folly and Danger of Being not Righteous Enough
... must speak, (I must speak indeed, or I should burst:) when ... spoken against, it is
the duty of ministers to cry ... not among us: we must have a righteousness of our ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the folly and danger of.htm

Powerful Persuasives
... He saith not, come to my ministers to consult them. ... Come to be made beautiful in
a better righteousness than you ... That Jesus should say to him, "Go your way; I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/powerful persuasives.htm

Letter Lxxxvii. (AD 405. )
... above, whether it be a work of righteousness to originate ... the protection of armed
Roman soldiers should be granted ... sword in vain; they are the ministers of God ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxxxvii a d 405.htm