Bible Study About Righteousness

(It is recommended that the reader look up the scripture references as he reads)

“For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.” 2 Corinthians 3:9.

What does it mean to stand on the foundation in God’s kingdom? 2 Timothy 2:19. We read about righteousness throughout the entire Bible; it is the virtues that are mentioned most often. Verse 22 shows us that righteousness comes first. Pursue righteousness. For unrighteousness will abound, and the love of many will grow cold. We can simply look around us: people pilfer, cheat, and steal at their places of employment, etc.

A man once said that if he wanted to be well liked he had to make nice speeches. But the people did not want to hear messages about righteousness. If he spoke like that, he would have been expelled.

1 Timothy 6:6-12. Jesus comes to fetch those who are crucified with Him. We must flee the things that are mentioned in this scripture. We will receive a completely new way of thinking, a completely new mind. Righteousness will affect everything; for example, being thankful for everyone, being good to your parents, etc.

What is the good confession? It is the confession that Jesus witnessed before Pontius Pilate that His kingdom was not of this world. What does God’s kingdom consist of? Righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. You cannot be united with God’s kingdom without the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17. We are to grow by God’s grace; we have been called to a life of growing up to Him who is the head. At first it seems to be as insignificant as the mustard seed; for example, keeping appointments and being precise. That is righteousness.

In Romans 12:7 we read something that is written in connection with edifying the church. They were supposed to observe the commandments that he gave them in the Holy Spirit.

Romans 3:23. We don’t have to reach a certain degree of goodness or cleverness before we can get converted. Not at all! We can come as we are and receive unmerited grace. We are justified by faith, and then we have peace with God. Nevertheless, we do not yet possess God’s peace, the peace that is in God, but we have access to it by faith.

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. We are to walk on this way, and not just rely on our justification by faith. Once we have come into contact with Jesus we are to reach out for the things that are in Him.

1 John 2:29. It is quite obvious that a calf is born of a cow. This is also how obvious it should be that we are born of God. Who is a child of God? “In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.” Read 1 John 3:8-10. This is extremely serious, because we are not righteous if we bear a grudge against someone or if we seek the honor of men.

What does it say about Jesus as king? Hebrews 7:1-2. He is first of all king of righteousness. Why was Jesus anointed with the oil of gladness more than His companions? Hebrews 1:9. He loved righteousness and hated lawlessness.

2 Timothy 4:7-8. “And not to me only . . . .” It is a great joy and comfort that the crown of righteousness isn’t laid up just for Paul.

“And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” Luke 14:14. If someone has cheated us, we will receive it back. This is written about the resurrection of the just. Matthew 13:43.

There were some in the old covenant who stood out because of their righteousness. Who were they? They were Noah, Daniel, and Job. The three men who stood out because they were men of prayer were Moses, Elijah, and Samuel.

Genesis 6:7-9. Noah found grace before the eyes of the Lord. A preacher once read only the first part of the verse: By grace. There we can see, he said, it is only by grace; it is not a question of the life we live. However, he neglected to read further that Noah did righteousness. He was called a preacher of righteousness, and he did according to all that God commanded him.

Daniel 12:1-4. Those who are wise and righteous shall shine! Righteousness, peace, and joy go like a red thread through the entire Bible. We must teach each other what righteousness is in word, in business dealings, in money matters, etc. People have always cheated in business when it comes to measure and weight. The correct measure and weight must also be used when we (for example) speak about a brother or sister. Not too many words, and neither too few.

A time of tribulation will come over the earth as never before. Then it is vital to have one’s name written in the Book of Life. The world is full of abominations. Daniel 2:9-10. The five wise virgins were among the wise; they could go forth to meet Him, and their lamps did not go out.

In Psalm 110 we read about a choice group of young people. We must be among them! They are not concerned with the current fashions or similar things. We must dress ourselves properly. We must also use proper words when speaking.

Joel 2:21-27. We have received the teacher of righteousness (marg.). Many people pray to receive the Holy Spirit, but only a few pray to receive the teacher of righteousness into their lives, who is the greatest “professor” you can imagine. There will be glorious times when He starts to speak and is heard and obeyed. Then there will be growth and glory.

It is good to work on a theme at home for your own benefit; for example, righteousness, love, or faith.

We can see how it went with Job in Chapter 42:12-17. He was powerfully blessed. Those who had belabored him had to acknowledge that they were wrong and thank Job. No one ever loses by living wholeheartedly for God. God did not forget Job because he thought what was right about God.

Malachi 3:10. In the old covenant they had to give the tithe, but we have to give everything. Those who give everything will never regret it.

A so-called “gentleman” once said to me: “I am surprised that you carry on with things like that.” Some time later I met him as a wretched man, poor, and almost on the level of a bum. Judging others is not righteous.

A book of remembrance will be opened. Malachi 3:16-18. In this book you will be able to read your thoughts and how you have reacted.

There is an essential difference between the church and the world. “‘Come out from among them . . .’ says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:17-18. Proverbs 4:18. It is nice to walk on that path, “the path of the just,” where it becomes brighter and brighter unto the perfect day, instead of it becoming darker and darker and perhaps ending up in despair of life. Let us apply ourselves to doing righteousness in all areas of our life. Remember that God approved of everything that Daniel said. Not one of his words fell to the ground.

Read Proverbs 10, the entire chapter. Verse 7 is written on my father’s headstone. It is good to strengthen yourself with such words of God. Also read Chapter 11. For example, have a look at verse 23: “The desire of the righteous is only good . . . .”

Proverbs 12:3-4. There are good opportunities for getting a good husband or a good wife in the church. Also see verses 5-7. We will enter into a life of abundance if we believe these words. The ministry of righteousness—imagine to be firmly rooted in everything we hear, so that we don’t fall flat.

Also read verses 17, 20, 26, and 28. Read Chapter 13:9. Let us be righteous in everything we do. It is foolish to be unrighteous. For example, you have to put matters right when you get converted where you have pilfered, cheated, or done similar things. The light of the righteous shines warmly and more and more brightly.