Righteousness: A very important word

Righteousness: A word to live by

(1 Pet. 3:12)

  • Let’s study the word translated “righteous” in 1 Pet. 3:12.
  • The first time we find this word is Mt. 1:19.
    1. Joseph was thinking about how he could “privately” end things with Mary.
    2. As the Bible describes Joseph’s thinking and intentions it says he was a “righteous” man.
  • Righteous people have no desire to humiliate and embarrass others.
  • The second time we see the word “righteous” in the Bible is found in the Sermon on the Mount; Mt. 5:45.
    1. As a righteous being, God is willing to extend kindness to His friends and His enemies.
    2. Is this also true for us?
  • In Mt. 10:41 the Lord spoke of a reward which will be received by “righteous” people.
  • Mt. 13:17 Jesus used the word “many.” READ
  • An illustration of the reward promised to righteous people is found in verse 43 of Mt. 13 – READ
  • Righteousness is so important to God the saved will shine like the sun.
  • Verse 49 – READ
  • Verse 50 – READ
  • Mt. 23:28 – READ
  • Verses 29-30 as well – READ
  • The Lord knew many seek appear to be “righteous,” but what is said and done is all a façade (fake).
  • Truly righteous people have the right heart and their righteousness flows from there; notice Mt. 25:37-40 – READ
  • Those who seek righteousness and practice it will be the ones who receive “eternal life” (Mt. 25:46).
  • Before Jesus died Pilate’s wife came to believe Jesus was a “righteous man” (Mt. 27:19).
  • Luke (1:6) noted how the father of John the Baptist and his wife were BOTH “righteous” before God.
    One of the best things available for a strong, healthy and happy marriage is “righteousness” by both spouses.

    1. Preachers like Paul (Acts 24:25) “reasoned” with people about “righteousness.”
    2. We still need discussions about righteousness for reasons like those found in Lk. 14:14.
  • In Lk. 15:7 the Lord spoke about a “lost sheep.”
  1. Do we remember how the 99 safe sheep are described? They are called “righteous” persons.
  2. 18:9; here He said there are those who:
  3. Many judge themselves by themselves and conclude they are righteous.
  • Paul – the “just” (our word for “righteous”) shall live “by faith” (Rom. 1:17).
    1. Prior to this passage (Rom. 1:5) this apostle spoke about the “obedience” of faith.
    2. Related to these two verses is Rom. 10:17; here Paul said “faith comes by hearing God’s word.”
  • If we are to live by faith (Rom. 1:17), and faith comes by the Scriptures (Rom. 10:17), we must live by the Bible.
  • We cannot be righteous by ourselves; Rom. 3:10 says “There is none righteous, no not one.”
  • Only God can justify people (Rom.3:26) and He justifies (makes righteous) those who obey Him.
  • In other books we find this same teaching; Gal. 3:11: “the just (righteous) shall live by faith.”
  • Phil. 4:8
  • Righteousness – elders in Tit. 1:8.
  • The just (righteous) shall live “by faith” (Heb. 10:38).
  • 1 Pet. 3:12.
  • Jas. 5:16.
  • 1 Pet. 3:18 pretty much sums things up:

 

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