Topical Bible: Righteousness: Ministers should be Preachers of

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Topical Encyclopedia

Righteousness, a central theme in the Christian faith, is the quality of being morally right or justifiable. It is a state of moral purity or correctness that is attributed to God and is expected of His followers. Ministers, as leaders and shepherds of the Christian community, are called to be preachers of righteousness, guiding their congregations in understanding and living out this divine attribute.

Biblical Foundation

The call for ministers to preach righteousness is deeply rooted in Scripture. In the Old Testament, the prophets were often seen as heralds of righteousness, calling the people of Israel back to a right relationship with God. For instance, in Isaiah 61:1-3, the prophet speaks of being anointed to "proclaim good news to the poor" and to "proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor," which includes a call to righteousness.

In the New Testament, the role of ministers as preachers of righteousness is further emphasized. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently exhorts church leaders to uphold and teach righteousness. In 2 Timothy 4:2 , Paul instructs Timothy, a young pastor, to "preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction." This charge includes the responsibility to teach righteousness as part of the Word of God.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ, the ultimate example of righteousness, is the model for all ministers. His life and teachings were a perfect embodiment of righteousness. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus emphasizes the importance of righteousness, stating, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (Matthew 5:6). Ministers are to follow Christ's example by embodying and teaching His righteous ways.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

Ministers are not left to their own devices in preaching righteousness. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in empowering and guiding them. In John 16:8 , Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit, saying, "When He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment." The Spirit aids ministers in discerning and communicating the truths of righteousness to their congregations.

Practical Implications

Preaching righteousness involves more than just verbal instruction; it requires living a life that exemplifies the righteousness of God. Ministers are called to be examples to their flock, as Paul writes in 1 Timothy 4:12 , "Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity." This holistic approach ensures that the message of righteousness is not only heard but also seen and experienced within the community of believers.

Challenges and Encouragement

Preaching righteousness can be challenging in a world that often opposes or misunderstands God's standards. However, ministers are encouraged to remain steadfast. In Galatians 6:9 , Paul encourages believers, "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." This promise serves as a reminder that the labor of preaching righteousness is not in vain.

In summary, ministers are entrusted with the vital task of preaching righteousness, drawing from the rich biblical tradition, the example of Christ, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Through their words and actions, they are to lead their congregations in understanding and living out the righteousness that God desires.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Peter 2:5
And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

An Account of the Several Annual Conferences, and of the General ...
... the "method by which immoral traveling ministers or preachers ... needed not that any
one should teach them ... had they been destitute of righteousness, they would be ...
/.../chapter 3 an account of 2.htm

The Lord Our Righteousness
... The only question should be, Whether or not this ... wherein the doctrine of an imputed
righteousness is so ... and good works, (as all faithful ministers will do) and ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the lord our righteousness.htm

Paul in Corinth.
... his record is on high." But the ministers of religion ... promise made to Paul, that
no man should set on ... and his holy Apostles; "but your righteousness shall go ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxi paul in corinth.htm

Preparation for Advent
... the earth in righteousness, and ministers true judgment ... all the sinners among God's
people should die by ... Seeking the righteousness of God, say these preachers ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon ii preparation for advent.htm

How to Preach the Gospel.
... for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man ... All ministers should
be revival ministers, and all ... preaching; that is, it should be calculated ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xii how to preach.htm

Good Earnests of Great Success
... I tell you, sirs, he can find ministers for his ... fold, entered in, and were saved;
why should not you be ... come and depend upon the blood and righteousness of the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 14 1868/good earnests of great success.htm

A Sermon Made by M. Hugh Latimer, at the Time of the Insurrection ...
... and fight against the king in his ministers and officers ... with the habergeon of very
justice or righteousness; in true ... with the law of God they should bind and ...
/.../latimer/sermons on the card and other discourses/a sermon made by m.htm

The People's Christ
... Christ's ministers should be the friends of manhood at large ... with him, I would not,
I should lose so ... will espouse me to himself in righteousness, crowning me ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the peoples christ.htm

Directions How to Hear Sermons
... is it I? How far more beneficial should we find ... discourses you have despised, so
many ministers, who once ... forth the peaceable fruits of righteousness; for it ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/directions how to hear sermons.htm

Nevertheless I Tell You the Truth; it is Expedient for You that I ...
... they believe not on me; of righteousness, because I ... V. In preaching the gospel,
ministers should never use texts ... They should not attempt to explain passages of ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/nevertheless i tell you the.htm