Righteousness in ProgressSample

RIGHTEOUS FUNDAMENTALS

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The words “righteousness” and “righteous” occur more than 500 times in the Bible. It is often the reason for praise (Psalms 71), promises (Proverbs 21), and warnings (Psalms 97). But what does it mean in practical terms?

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In Psalms 71, the author seems to be overwhelmed by awe and praise to God. He cannot find the words to describe the exact reason for his reverence (v. 15), so he calls it “righteousness”. “Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the highest heavens. You have done such wonderful things. Who can compare with you, O God?” (v. 19, NLT).

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That forms the center of my understanding of righteousness. To me, righteousness is the ways of God that make Him unique and different from us and other gods and humans. There are characteristics and actions that only God can perfect. And that perfection is the righteousness of God.

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Over the next few days, we will explore some of the areas of righteous perfection we find in the Bible. We will take God’s perfect example and look for ways to shape our lives to look like that. Join me as we set a new standard for our lives. And let us wait eagerly for the fulfilment of the great promises that the Bible proclaims for righteous living.

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For now, let us praise God for being so much greater than our limited understanding. And let us ask Him to reveal His wonderful glory to us as we seek the ways of His righteousness. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33, NIV).