AS HE IS RIGHTEOUS

WEDNESDAY 24 NOVEMBER 2021

According to true definition, righteousness is the Greek word, "dikaiosuné", which is justice, justness, and rightness of which God is the Source or Author, and its practically: a divine righteousness. It refers to what is deemed right by the Lord as His judicial approval and what is in conformity to His own being.

Reference: 1 John 3:7 English Standard Version (ESV) "Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous."

John warned, "let no one deceive or lead you astray; the one practicing righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous." Let no one deceive you or "Don't be fooled" is a serious statement, which suggests that we can't live the true Christian life without practical right living. To practise righteousness means that you exercise the power to live more and more uprightly and godly. Practise in Greek definition is the word "Prassó" which means, the active process in performing (accomplishing) a deed, and implying what is done as a regular practice – i.e. a routine or habit.

To practise righteousness, as God is righteous, is to follow God's standard or way of doing things revealed in His Word, with determination and diligence and it is our regular duty or responsibility. God is perfect in righteousness and He has given us the same in Christ. This righteousness is also our devoutly moral conviction. When you practise it, you'll walk perfectly in righteousness because constant practice makes us perfect.

1 John 2:29 (ESV) says, "If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him." God is a righteous God and so, His righteous ones are always right to do what is right. That way, all men can acknowledge that they are of God. The righteousness of God is mysterious. It can not be seen with the physical eyes, nor perceptible by touch because its not a tangible property. It can't be smelled because it has no aroma. You can't describe it in terms of colour because its invisible. Notwithstanding, it can be practised because its an undeniable divine nature which unfolds in the tablet of the heart and in the conscience of our minds.

So how do we practise what is unseen? In another way, how can a born again Christian demonstrate or practise righteousness in a world of overwhelming evil influences? First, its by the Spirit of God who indwells us. Second, Romans 1:17 says, "For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."

God's purpose is for this righteousness to be revealed in us as we live by faith in the glorious gospel, which is the living truth. In other words, we should live and express our faith in the Word practically, and as we do so, it is revealed in our lifestyle and disclosed in a way that awakens more faith in us, even as we grow in faith. This righteousness nudges us to do what is right by upholding the Scriptural truths, which is to our fathomless advantage, both in this present life and in the life to come.

To avoid spiritual immaturity, we must practise righteousness for the reason of Hebrews 5:13-14 which says: "For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." Therefore to be skilled in the word of righteousness, we must practise how to live right. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Proverbs 21:3; Matthew 5:19-20; 2 Timothy 2:22; 1 Corinthians 15:34; Romans 6:13; 2 Timothy 3:16.

Exuberant Declaration: The righteousness of God is my proper nature evident in my spirit. By yielding to the Holy Spirit, I engage in real practice of the very knowledge and elements of righteousness, which are descriptive of the true essence of Christ. The constant practice enhances my spiritual senses and the delight of the goodness and excellence of the truths of the gospel. Thus, I experience joyous satisfaction which my soul receives, from a sense of righteous living in Christ Jesus. Hallelujah!