Topical Bible: Righteousness: Ministers should be Clothed With

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Righteousness, a central theme in the Bible, is often depicted as a garment that believers, particularly ministers, should wear. This metaphorical clothing signifies purity, integrity, and a life aligned with God's will. The concept of being "clothed with righteousness" underscores the importance of living a life that reflects God's holiness and justice.

Biblical Foundation

The call for ministers to be clothed with righteousness is rooted in various scriptural passages. Psalm 132:9 states, "May Your priests be clothed with righteousness, and Your saints shout for joy." This verse highlights the expectation that those who serve in God's house should embody righteousness, serving as examples to the congregation and leading them in worship and service.

Isaiah 61:10 further illustrates this imagery: "I will rejoice greatly in the LORD; my soul will exult in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom wears a priestly headdress, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." Here, righteousness is portrayed as a divine gift, a garment provided by God Himself, symbolizing the transformation and sanctification of the believer.

Role of Ministers

Ministers, as shepherds of God's flock, are called to exemplify righteousness in their conduct and teachings. Their lives should reflect the moral and ethical standards set forth in Scripture, serving as a testament to the transformative power of God's grace. In 1 Timothy 6:11 , Paul exhorts Timothy, "But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness." This charge emphasizes the active pursuit of righteousness as a defining characteristic of a minister's life.

Practical Implications

Being clothed with righteousness involves more than personal piety; it extends to the minister's public duties and interactions. It requires a commitment to justice, mercy, and humility, as outlined in Micah 6:8 : "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 to lead by example, demonstrating these virtues in their leadership and service.

Challenges and Encouragement

While the call to righteousness is clear, ministers face challenges in maintaining this standard amidst the pressures and temptations of the world. 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 reminds ministers that their righteousness is not self-derived but is a result of their relationship with Christ.

In summary, the biblical mandate for ministers to be clothed with righteousness is a profound call to live a life that reflects God's holiness and justice. It is a call to integrity, service, and leadership that honors God and edifies the church.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 132:9
Let your priests be clothed with righteousness; and let your saints shout for joy.
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 Lord Our Righteousness
... morality and good works, (as all faithful ministers will do ... way, there came one running
(it should seem it ... in the text, that "the Lord is our righteousness.". ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the lord our righteousness.htm

Come and Welcome
... Willing to be clothed in his righteousness? ... Let him come, he is willing"stand not
in his way." It is a sad thing that Christ's ministers should become the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/come and welcome.htm

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C.
... Christ's righteousness should meet with a seeker not a ... For he loves righteousness,
and hates iniquity, Psal. ... holiness unto you, that it ministers an abundant ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvi but seek ye.htm

"Therefore, Brethren, we are Debtors, not to the Flesh, to Live ...
... O! that the ministers of the gospel could carry the ... so much to the Spirit, as that
we should live after ... of the creature to be free from righteousness unto sin. ...
/.../the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxxii therefore brethren we.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... Not one precept by which they should by works obtain ... God made them coats of skins,
and clothed them.'. ... were made, not of Adam's inherent righteousness, for that ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm

Peculiarities of Tennessee Synod.
... righteousness,' and that 'all these things should be added ... he will turn many unto
righteousness, who will ... How many pious ministers heretofore have preached the ...
/.../bente/american lutheranism/peculiarities of tennessee synod.htm

Man's Chief End
... think how many, who call themselves ministers, instead of ... outward enjoyments, but
I want the Sun of Righteousness. ... mourning without the sun.' It should be our ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 mans chief end.htm

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C.
... to feed, and how to be clothed, how to ... zealous of good works." These things should
ministers teach and ... God without fear, in holiness and righteousness all the ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xviii but seek ye.htm

A Discourse of Mercifulness
... Others there are (unworthy the name of ministers), itineraries, the ... are married to
another that we should bring forth ... I put on righteousness and it clothed me. ...
/.../15 a discourse of mercifulness.htm