The nature of the righteous talks about the character of the righteous. Your understanding of this will help you to determine if you are in the league of the righteous.
Truly our righteousness comes from Jesus, the new status He gave us should transform us. If the transformation is not visible then something is wrong with our salvation.
The Nature of the righteous man.
1. The righteous is separate.
Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 Corinthians 6:16-18 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
The righteous separate themselves from the world, they are intentional about it. This is because they don't see themselves as immune to the corruption that is in the world.
2. The righteous is temperate.
2 Corinthians 9:25- And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Temperate means to show moderation or self-restraint. The Holy Spirit input in this nature in the righteous. They exercise a lot of restrain to remain acceptable to God. Sometimes it may take placing a strict restriction on self.
3. The righteous delight in the word of God and meditate on it.
Psalm 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Psalm 119:9-10 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
4. The righteous lives by faith
Our righteousness is not a product of work, but a product of our faith in Jesus Christ.
Romans 4:1-5 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
The righteous lives by faith to please God, because without faith it is impossible to please God. Righteousness pleases God. If it is impossible to please God without faith then it is impossible to be righteous without faith. Through their faith in God, the righteous put their body under subjection and conquer their lust.
5. The righteous is a disciple of Christ
A disciple is a follower. One who accepts to come under the discipline and training of another. The righteous is a committed follower of Christ, always considering the question What will Jesus do? before acting. He put himself under the instructions of Christ carrying his cross and following him.
Mathew 16:24-25 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Our understanding of the nature of the righteous is important to help us understand our position in Christ Jesus. Friends, the path unto righteousness has been laid but we have a responsibility to play.
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