RPG Adults
THE MARK OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (II)
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25
1 John 3:7-10
Philippians 4:8-9
“Those things, which ye have
both learned, and received,
and heard, and seen in me, do …”
THE MARK OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (II)
The word “righteousness” is the noun form of “right” and is another word for expressing truth. The Apostle John used this word repeatedly because he wanted his readers to accept the gospel in its simplicity. In all his writings, he chose the simplest language to express God’s truth. In the Gospel, he quoted Jesus using the term “be born again” (John 3:3, 7).
Righteousness means doing what is right and shunning that which is wrong. This is the dictionary definition: “Purity of heart and rectitude of life; conformity of heart and life to the divine law. Righteousness, as used in Scripture and theology, in which it is chiefly used, is nearly equivalent to holiness, comprehending holy principles and affections of heart, and conformity of life to the divine law. It includes all we call justice, honesty and virtue, with holy affections; in short, it is true religion” (Webster’s 1828 Dictionary).
A child of God will naturally draw a boundary with the world so that he can live in the sphere of righteousness. The conversion of an adult to the Christian faith may be followed by a dramatic change in his life. He may have been an alcoholic or a drug addict, but the Holy Spirit leads him to exercise true righteousness. And his testimony will be a witness to others. Another addiction is gambling. It was reported recently that there were sixty betting companies in one East African nation and the authorities suspended the betting activities. Christians must not wait for the world to tell them what to do. They must know that betting to gain what one did not work for is akin to stealing. The new life in Christ is a life of righteousness. This again the Apostle expressed clearly: “Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God” (1 John 3:9). Let everyone reading this take heed.
THOUGHT: Conversion and subsequent righteousness is drawing a demarcation line with the world.
PRAYER: Lord, teach me to follow Thy path of righteousness