Topical Bible: Righteousness: They Who Walk In, and Follow: Shall Hold on Their Way

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Definition and Context

Righteousness, in the biblical sense, refers to the quality of being morally right or justifiable in the eyes of God. It is a state of living in accordance with God's laws and commands, reflecting His holiness and justice. The pursuit of righteousness is a central theme throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's life with God's will.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of righteousness is deeply rooted in the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, righteousness is often associated with adherence to the Law given by God. 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, righteousness takes on a more profound meaning through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It is not merely about external adherence to the law but involves a transformation of the heart. Jesus emphasizes this in Matthew 5:20 , saying, "For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

Walking in Righteousness

Walking in righteousness involves a continuous, deliberate effort to live according to God's standards. It is a journey marked by faith, obedience, and a desire to reflect God's character. The psalmist declares in Psalm 1:6 , "For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish." This verse underscores the protective and guiding presence of God for those who choose to walk in His ways.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this in Romans 6:13 , urging believers, "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."

Following Righteousness

Following righteousness is an active pursuit, requiring diligence and perseverance. It is not a passive state but a dynamic process of growth and sanctification. Proverbs 21:21 states, "He who pursues righteousness and loving devotion finds life, righteousness, and honor." This pursuit is characterized by a commitment to God's truth and a rejection of sin.

The New Testament reinforces this idea in 1 Timothy 6:11 , where Paul exhorts Timothy, "But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness." This pursuit is integral to the Christian life, leading to spiritual maturity and deeper communion with God.

Holding on Their Way

Those who walk in and follow righteousness are promised stability and perseverance in their spiritual journey. Job 17:9 affirms, "Yet the righteous will hold to his way, and the one with clean hands will grow stronger." This assurance is rooted in the faithfulness of God, who empowers and sustains His people.

The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Philippians 1:6 , expressing confidence "that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." This promise encourages believers to remain steadfast, trusting in God's ongoing work in their lives.

Conclusion

The pursuit of righteousness is a lifelong endeavor, marked by a commitment to God's ways and a reliance on His grace. Those who walk in and follow righteousness are assured of God's guidance and strength, enabling them to hold on their way and grow in their relationship with Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 17:9
The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that has clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and ...
... upon two principles, and according to them walk, ere we come ... the kingdom of God,
and his righteousness, and all ... the one fountain of living water, they must dig ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvii but seek ye.htm

Sermon.
... which is life eternal, they will walk in a ... through faith they subdued kingdoms, wrought
righteousness, obtained promises ... in time, and in time they will come to ...
/.../penn/a sermon preached at the quakers meeting house/sermon.htm

Sermon.
... in the midst of upright walking and works of righteousness had been ... its lines are
darker"at all events than they were in ... If we are not to walk in the ways of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/wright/is the young man absalom safe/sermon.htm

"Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. "
... Christ must quicken you to walk in himself. ... a vain expectation of fruits from
yourselves,"they will never ... and ye neglect Christ as your righteousness, as one ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon vi who walk not.htm

The Difference Betwixt God's Lovers and the World's: and their ...
... he is ware of them; and so he brings righteousness busily to ... nor shall the sorrow
of their damnation be put aback; because they wilfully walk in lusts ...
/.../rolle/the fire of love/chapter iv the difference betwixt.htm

Psalm XVIII.
... But them that are "ignorant of God's righteousness, and seek ... "They shall fall under
my feet." When they are cast ... me the loves [543] whereby I walk for evermore ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xviii.htm

"They have Corrupted Themselves; their Spot is not the Spot of his ...
... eye, but one even Jesus Christ his righteousness, and "Blessed ... The common walk of
the multitude is so gross and ... it witnesseth to their face that they are not ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iv they have corrupted.htm

Of the Ways of Life, of Pleasures, Also of the Hardships of ...
... to attain to their wishes, because they walk along a ... has preferred present goods
to righteousness, will fall ... of others mounts higher, not that they may rule ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap iv of the ways of.htm

The Dayspring from on High
... the cognate noun is here employed, for the rising of the Sun of Righteousness. ... and
the way is open before them once more, and they are ready to walk in it ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the dayspring from on high.htm

Christ all and in All.
... Righteousness; and it is our privilege to walk in the ... with the right hand of My
righteousness." In Jude ... In verse 28 He says, "They shall never perish; neither ...
/.../moody/the way to god and how to find it/chapter viii christ all and.htm