One of my principles for life and ministry is that I MUST FULFIL RIGHTEOUSNESS IN ALL THINGS. This means that I must be guided by what is morally and ethically right in God’s sight as revealed through His word; in my thoughts and decisions, conduct and actions. It is not always easy and I have not been made perfect, but this is my goal.
1 John 5:18 AMP
“We know [with confidence] that anyone born of God does not habitually sin; but He (Jesus) who was born of God [carefully] keeps and protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.”
We are not to take our righteousness for granted and just live anyhow. If we are to live and walk in victory over the accuser, then we must apply the principles of righteousness in every area of our lives. Having made us righteous in Christ, God expects us to continue in this righteousness by living a life of integrity and purity. We are to show moral uprightness, and correctness of thinking, feeling and behaving, in line with God’s word. In this way, the enemy is limited, as he cannot find anything to accuse or condemn us about.
THE FRUITS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
Philippians 1:11 AMPC
“May you abound in and be filled with the fruits of righteousness (of right standing with God and right doing) which come through Jesus Christ (the Anointed One), to the honor and praise of God [that His glory may be both manifested and recognized].”
God expects us to produce the fruits of righteousness in our lives. This is not the righteousness that He has inputted on us, which is a free gift. This is practical righteousness or righteousness by practice; which is part of our sanctification.
1 John 2:29 AMP
_“If you know that He is absolutely righteous, you know [for certain] that everyone who practices righteousness [doing what is right and conforming to God’s will] has been born of Him.”
The fruits of righteousness are our acts of obedience to the word of the Lord; they show that we are born of Christ and belong to Him. Therefore, bearing the fruits of righteousness should be the sincere and daily concern of every believer. Our entire lives must produce the fruits of righteousness; and this must show in our WALK (lifestyle) and WORKS.
1. WALK (LIFESTYLE)
The way a Christian lives, speaks, acts, interacts with others must demonstrate the fruits righteousness. In the sermon on the Mount in Matthew Chapters 5 to 7, Jesus taught us how to live the kingdom lifestyle, as He discussed various aspects of life and relationship.
Matthew 5:43-45 NKJV
“[43] You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ [44] But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, [45] that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”
The fruits of righteousness must be seen in our every day lives. This is what will bring us peace and assurance in our relationship with the Lord and others, and silence the enemy. (Isaiah 32:17)
2. OUR WORKS
Colossians 1:10 AMP
“So that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord [displaying admirable character, moral courage, and personal integrity], to [fully] please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing in the knowledge of God [with deeper faith, clearer insight and fervent love for His precepts].”
We must demonstrate the fruits of righteousness in all our works – what we do, at home, work, church, in ministry, leisure, etc; we must bear good fruit that will bring glory to Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 6:3-4 NLT
“[3] We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry. [4] In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God…”
This is the only way in which we can have the breastplate of righteousness firmly on to protect our hearts, minds and souls from attacks of the enemy.
John 14:30 TPT
“I won’t speak with you much longer, for the ruler of this dark world is coming. But he has no power over me, for he has nothing to use against me.” AMEN!
For Further Reading: Psalm 1:1-3; Matthew chapters 5, 6 and 7; Ephesians 2:10
Fulfilling Our Theme For 2024: “Building The Highway And Lifting The Banner”
“And in that day, there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him…. (therefore) Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples!” [Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 62:10]
Women In Tune | QUIVER | Cedars House Christian (International)