How to be Righteous

O. T. #1780  "How to be Righteous"
Sept. 17, 2020
Jeremiah 23-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

I think we have in our mind what traits of a "righteous" person are-moral, virtuous, good conduct, avoiding evil and fleshly temptations, uprightness. Perhaps they walk a good, straight path of faith, do not gossip, say only good things about others. These are wonderful qualities, but we can still be unrighteous in God's eyes.

Our righteousness is as filthy rags, according to Isaiah 64:6. We fall short of God's standard. It's not our good works nor good conduct that makes us righteous. We are undeserving and unmerited. Righteousness is a gift from the Lord Jesus.

Jesus is the righteous Branch and King of David's line. His name is THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. (verses 5,6) Jehovah Tsidkenu is the Hebrew name. It is faith in His blood sacrifice for us that makes us righteous before a Holy God.

[Resource: Knowing God By Name, by David Wilkerson]

LET IT GROW

Who was it that was a righteous man in the Old Testament, a patriarch? It was Abraham.
What was it that made Abraham righteous? Not his works, as he was obedient in about to sacrifice his only son on the altar to his God, but faith.

Romans 4 tells us that:
Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. (verse 3)
Faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. (verse 9)
(Abraham) staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform. and therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. (verses 20-22)

Do we have strong faith like Abraham? Do we have faith the size of a seed of mustard? That is all that is required.

Jude 24 says, [He] is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.

Are you enduring afflictions? simply hold onto faith with patience. Trust God to be working, keeping His Word, being your Jehovah Tsidkenu.
Are you feeling unrighteous? Believe Jesus and He will look upon you as righteous.
Is your life a mess and think you need to do something to make it right with God? Trust Jesus, Jehovah Tsidkenu. That kind of faith is pleasing to God.

LET IT GO

In this trial, in this waiting, in this mess, Lord Jesus, we surrender to You.
All I am is Yours.
Be our Righteousness.
Grow our faith.