Topical Bible: Righteousness: Saints: should Serve God In

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Topical Encyclopedia

Righteousness, as a fundamental attribute of God's character, is a quality that believers are called to embody in their service to Him. The concept of righteousness in the Bible encompasses both a legal standing before God and a moral and ethical way of living that reflects God's nature. For the saints, serving God in righteousness is both a privilege and a responsibility, as it aligns their lives with His divine will and purpose.

Biblical Foundation

The call to serve God in righteousness is rooted in the Scriptures, where righteousness is often associated with justice, holiness, and faithfulness. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for righteousness, "tsedeq," conveys the idea of being right or just, particularly in relation to God's covenantal standards. In the New Testament, the Greek word "dikaiosyne" expands this understanding to include the righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ.

Old Testament Insights

The Psalms frequently highlight the importance of righteousness in serving God. Psalm 4:5 exhorts believers to "Offer the sacrifices of righteousness and trust in the LORD." This verse underscores the connection between righteous living and genuine worship, suggesting that true service to God involves both ethical conduct and trust in His provision.

The prophet Isaiah also emphasizes the role of righteousness in the life of God's people. Isaiah 56:1 declares, "Maintain justice and do what is right, for My salvation is close at hand and My righteousness will soon be revealed." Here, righteousness is linked with justice and is presented as a precursor to experiencing God's salvation.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, the call to serve God in righteousness is further developed through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, instructs His followers to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" (Matthew 6:33). This directive places righteousness at the forefront of the believer's priorities, indicating that serving God involves a continual pursuit of His righteous standards.

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently addresses the theme of righteousness as it pertains to the believer's life. In Romans 6:13 , Paul urges the saints, "Do not present the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness." This passage highlights the transformation that occurs through faith in Christ, enabling believers to serve God in righteousness.

Practical Implications

Serving God in righteousness involves both an inward transformation and outward actions that reflect God's character. It requires a heart aligned with God's will, as well as a commitment to living out His commands in daily life. The saints are called to be "blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation" (Philippians 2:15), demonstrating righteousness in a world that often opposes God's standards.

Furthermore, the pursuit of righteousness is not a solitary endeavor but is supported by the community of believers. Hebrews 10:24 encourages the saints to "spur one another on to love and good deeds," fostering an environment where righteousness can flourish through mutual encouragement and accountability.

Conclusion

The call for saints to serve God in righteousness is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the integral role of righteous living in the believer's relationship with God. By embodying righteousness, the saints not only honor God but also serve as a testament to His transformative power in their lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 1:75
In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

His Holy Covenant
... in truth." In Him we are sanctified, saints, holy ones ... which after God is created
in righteousness and holiness ... work it in us, that we "should serve Him without ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/chapter xvii his holy covenant.htm

The Marriage of the Lamb.
... The wife had been made ready by its having been "granted that she should be arrayed
in ... bright']; for the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints," 19:8 ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the marriage of the lamb.htm

Of Temperance and Sobriety
... diligent to keep his soul and body in righteousness. ... He should also observe method
and moderation in doing ... of Holy Church, and after the example of the saints. ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter xxi of temperance and.htm

There is a Greater Freedom Now in the Saints than There was Before ...
... But these [the saints], I say, not under the fear ... the rage of the world lest they
should stand, stood ... they have become the servants of righteousness, [3363] in ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 35 there is a greater.htm

God's Inheritance in the Saints
... belongs, and can only belong to, 'the saints.' So, then ... think that we shall, and
fancy that we should like to ... of God, in the practice of righteousness, in the ...
/.../gods inheritance in the saints.htm

Sweet Comfort for Feeble Saints
... be lost, it would be better that it should be a ... The salvation of great saints often
depends upon the salvation ... the end as well as in the way of righteousness. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/sweet comfort for feeble saints.htm

The Letter of Saint Polycarp,
... who are bound in fetters which become the saints, [308] which ... 2Likewise the deacons
should be blameless [340] before his righteousness, as servants ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of saint polycarp.htm

Fenelon -- the Saints Converse with God
... THE SAINTS CONVERSE WITH GOD. ... for the success of our prayers upon our righteousness,
but upon Thy ... to God, suffer from any secret disturbance, it should be humble ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/fenelon the saints converse.htm

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C.
... hope, and obtain the salvation which the saints look for ... But seek grace and
righteousness in this world, and ... of good works." These things should ministers teach ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xviii but seek ye.htm

Sermon for the Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity
... Kingdom of God is discovered and His righteousness is found. This peace a man should
allow nothing to take ... endure greater sufferings than all the saints or all ...
/.../xxiv sermon for the fifteenth.htm