Topical Bible: Righteousness: They Who Walk In, and Follow: Think and Desire Good

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Righteousness in Scripture

Righteousness is a central theme in the Bible, representing a state of moral purity and alignment with God's will. It is both a gift from God and a pursuit for believers. The Berean Standard Bible frequently highlights the importance of righteousness in the life of a believer. In Matthew 5:6, Jesus declares, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." This verse underscores the deep desire and pursuit of righteousness as a hallmark of the faithful.

Walking in Righteousness

Walking in righteousness involves living a life that reflects God's standards and commands. It is an active, ongoing process that requires dedication and obedience. Psalm 1:1-2 illustrates this by stating, "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night." Here, the psalmist contrasts the righteous with those who follow sinful paths, emphasizing the importance of delighting in and meditating on God's law.

The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, further explains that righteousness is not achieved through human effort alone but through faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 3:22 states, "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." Thus, walking in righteousness is both a divine gift and a human responsibility, requiring faith and action.

Following Righteousness

Following righteousness involves a commitment to pursue what is good and just in accordance with God's will. It is a conscious decision to align one's life with the principles of the Kingdom of God. 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 pursuit is characterized by a rejection of worldly desires and an embrace of godly virtues.

Thinking and Desiring Good

The pursuit of righteousness is closely linked to the transformation of the mind and heart. Believers are called to think and desire what is good, noble, and pure. Philippians 4:8 encourages this mindset: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things." This verse highlights the importance of focusing one's thoughts on virtuous and righteous matters, which in turn shapes desires and actions.

The transformation of desires is a work of the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live according to God's will. Galatians 5:16 instructs, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." By yielding to the Spirit, believers can cultivate desires that align with righteousness and resist the temptations of the flesh.

Conclusion

Righteousness is a multifaceted concept in the Bible, encompassing both the imputed righteousness of Christ and the practical outworking of righteous living. Those who walk in righteousness are marked by their commitment to God's commands, their pursuit of godly virtues, and their transformation of mind and heart to think and desire what is good. Through faith and the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to live lives that reflect the righteousness of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 11:23
The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 12:5
The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of Meditation
... not grievous to an unprofitable servant to follow his Lord ... says he dwells in Christ
ought to walk as He ... of divers needs, and in one righteousness they are led ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter viii of meditation.htm

Guidance in Judgment
... the way must incontinently be crushed where they have wandered ... will lead us in the
paths of righteousness, which are ... of the march; He gives power to walk in the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/guidance in judgment.htm

Christ, the Believer's Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and ...
... with the Father and the Son; if you walk by faith ... says, 'Who of God is made unto
us righteousness', does not ... is often sent to buffet them, lest they should be ...
/.../christ the believers wisdom righteousness.htm

In what Sense we are to Leave the World
... reason to believe fears God and works righteousness. ... I advise you, Fourthly, walk
circumspectly with regard ... you must certainly converse, if they desire it; and ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 81 in what sense.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. Chap. v. 3 and 8, "Blessed are ...
... who have feet, for they shall walk; blessed are ... through fear of punishment, not through
love of righteousness. ... for a good understanding have all they that do ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon iii on the words.htm

The First Fruits of the Spirit
... for them, "through faith in his blood," hath declared unto them "his righteousness
for the ... 5. Fourthly. If they that "are in Christ," and "walk after the ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 8 the first fruits.htm

"That the Righteousness of the Law Might be Fulfilled in Us,"
... for, and within us too;""that the righteousness of the ... itself without, cannot make
us happy, till they come in ... Do you think to walk after the course of the ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xv that the righteousness.htm

The Agreement of Salvation by Grace with Walking in Good Works
... newness of life; you need to be helped to run in the ways of righteousness: in a ...
They are not the way of the believer's salvation; they are his walk in the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the agreement of salvation by.htm

The Calling and the Kingdom
... in its fulness hereafter, are the results 'not of works of righteousness which we ...
about what is included in that great promise, 'They shall walk with Me ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the calling and the kingdom.htm

The Good Shepherd: a Farewell Sermon
... to preach: no, they let him walk in Solomon's ... objection against the doctrine of imputed
righteousness, but it is ... one another, and hurt one another, they are in ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the good shepherd a farewell.htm