Topical Bible: Righteousness: Saints are Servants of

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Righteousness, in the biblical context, refers to the quality of being morally right or justifiable, aligning with God's standards and commands. It is a central theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the call for believers to live in a manner that reflects God's holiness and justice. Saints, or those set apart by God, are called to be servants of righteousness, embodying and promoting God's will in their lives and communities.

Biblical Foundation

The call to righteousness is rooted in the character of God Himself, who is described as righteous and just. In the Old Testament, righteousness is often associated with God's covenantal faithfulness and His expectations for His people. For instance, in Deuteronomy 6:25, it is written, "And if we are careful to observe every one of these commandments before the LORD our God, as He has commanded us, then that will be our righteousness."

In the New Testament, the concept of righteousness is further developed through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Believers are called to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). This pursuit is not merely about external adherence to the law but involves a transformation of the heart and mind, aligning one's entire being with God's will.

Servants of Righteousness

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently addresses the role of believers as servants of righteousness. In Romans 6:18, Paul writes, "You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness." This metaphor of servitude underscores the believer's commitment to living under the authority of God's righteous standards, having been liberated from the bondage of sin.

Paul further elaborates in Romans 6:19, "Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness." Here, the transition from serving sin to serving righteousness is depicted as a deliberate and ongoing choice, resulting in sanctification and holiness.

Practical Implications

Being a servant of righteousness involves a daily commitment to live according to God's principles. This includes practicing justice, mercy, and humility, as highlighted 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?"

The life of a righteous servant is marked by integrity, honesty, and a deep love for God and others. In Ephesians 4:24, Paul encourages believers to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." This new self is characterized by a renewed mind and spirit, reflecting the image of Christ.

Righteousness and Community

The call to righteousness extends beyond individual conduct to encompass the community of believers. The church, as the body of Christ, is to be a collective witness to God's righteousness in the world. In Philippians 1:11, Paul prays that believers may be "filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."

This communal aspect of righteousness involves mutual edification, accountability, and support among believers. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts the saints to "consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds," emphasizing the importance of fellowship and encouragement in the pursuit of righteousness.

Conclusion

The call to be servants of righteousness is a profound and transformative aspect of the Christian life. It requires a wholehearted commitment to God's standards, a willingness to be shaped by His Spirit, and a dedication to living out His justice and love in every aspect of life. Through this servitude, believers not only honor God but also become instruments of His righteousness in a world in need of His truth and grace.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 6:16,18
Know you not, that to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants you are to whom you obey; whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Sometimes, However, the Saints in Supplicating God, Seem to Appeal ...
... those who, without any desire for righteousness, are sleeping ... Those supplications
in which the saints allude to their ... of that which all the servants of God are ...
/.../of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/chapter 10 sometimes however the.htm

Exposition Continued: the King and the Servants.
... I mean something like this, reigning as Righteousness and Wisdom ... or the rest that
are named saints, not only ... he wished to make a reckoning with his servants. ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/7 exposition continued the king.htm

On the Wedding Garment
... To invite them to this, God sent forth his servants, the Prophets and ... made of "linen,
white and clean, which is the righteousness of the saints." And this ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 120 on the wedding.htm

Another Mode of Justification
... This passage denies absolutely, even to all saints and servants of God, the glory
of righteousness, if God does not forgive, but judges and convicts their ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 9 another mode of.htm

The General Service to Saints Andrew of Constantinople, Isidore of ...
... THE GENERAL SERVICE TO SAINTS ANDREW OF CONSTANTINOPLE, ISIDORE ... Do not forget Thy
servants, do not tarry, O ... seeing Thee, the Sun of righteousness, the church ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xxvii the general service.htm

John Chapter vii. 13-Jan
... He would not, however, say, my saints, my servants, or, in short ... Let it, however,
have righteousness now, for by righteousness it shall come to judgment. ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xxviii john chapter vii.htm

Through Grace we have Both the Knowledge of Good, and the Delight ...
... Wherefore even in the case of His saints and faithful servants He applies to ... a less
pleasure than is sufficient for the fulfilling of righteousness in all ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 33 through grace we have.htm

He Fortifies his Opinions with Regard to the Temporal and Earthly ...
... under the heaven, is given to the saints of the ... he who hath seed in Zion, and servants
in Jerusalem. ... the peace of thy children; and in righteousness shalt thou ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxiv he fortifies his opinions.htm

There is a Greater Freedom Now in the Saints than There was Before ...
... But these [the saints], I say, not under the fear of the world, but ... From being made
free from sin they have become the servants of righteousness, [3363] in ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 35 there is a greater.htm

Jeremy Taylor -- Christ's Advent to Judgment
... The devil shall accuse the brethren, that is, the saints and servants of God ... Lord,
and upon all their defects shall cast the robe of righteousness; and the ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/jeremy taylor christs advent.htm