May 23, 2010 Pastor Scott Snowden
 WISDOM
Proverbs- Profound Truth in Simple Terms
#11. The Wisdom of Righteous Living…
The Lord detests the way of the wicked,
but He loves those who pursue righteousness.
Proverbs 15:9
Righteousness is a difficult concept for the believer. We are taught that no one is righteous, that all have sinned and fall short. We are taught that only Jesus’ life can satisfy God’s standard of holiness and conduct. We are taught that our righteousness comes only from trusting in Jesus. All this is true! What role, then, does righteousness (what we think, do and say) play in our lives? Again, we look to Solomon for clues…
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What is righteousness?
- Righteousness is obedience/conformity to God’s “ _LAW_”.
Keep my commands and you will live;
guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.
Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart.
Proverbs 7:2, 3
The “Law” has 3 components-
- The Civil/Judicial Law- the “ _CONSTITUTION_” of the nation Israel , given through Moses.
- The Ceremonial/Sacrificial Law- the _WORSHIP_MANUAL_ of the nation Israel.
- The Moral Law- the timeless standard of _RIGHT_LIVING_, binding on all people at all times.
Followers of Christ, as a daily exercise of discipleship,
are expected to accept and uphold the Moral Law,
as it is repeated and/or explained in the New Testament.
- Righteousness is doing the right _THING_ for the right _REASON_.
Even a child is known by his actions,
by whether his conduct is pure and right.
Proverbs 20:11
- Righteousness is being in a right relationship with God.
The Name of the Lord is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.
Proverbs 18:10
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What is the relationship between righteousness and _FAITH_?
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,
He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done,
but because of His mercy.
… And I want you to stress these things,
so that those who have trusted in God
may be careful to devote themselves
to doing what is good.
These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
Titus 2:4, 8
- I receive an “positional” righteousness when I, by faith,
accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
- I then live out a “personal” righteousness
as a response to God’s gift of salvation.
- Righteousness helps me recognize my _TRUE_ spiritual condition.
Who can say,
“I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin”?
Proverbs 20:9
- Righteousness leads me to God’s _GRACE_.
He who conceals his sins does not prosper,
but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
Proverbs 28:13
- Righteousness makes my worship _MEANINGFUL_.
To do what is right and just
is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
Proverbs 21:3
- Righteousness makes my prayers _EFFECTIVE_.
The Lord is far from the wicked,
but He hears the prayers of the righteous.
Proverbs 15:29
- Righteousness opens the door to _HEAVEN_.
In the way of righteousness there is life;
along that path is immortality.
Proverbs 12:28
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How will righteousness make my life better?
- Personal righteousness gives me the joy and peace of a _CLEAR_CONSCIENCE_.
An evil man is snared by his own sin,
but a righteous one can sing and be glad.
Proverbs 29:6
- Personal righteousness gives my life _SECURITY_ & _STABILITY_.
Wicked men are overthrown and are no more,
but the house of the righteous stands firm.
Proverbs 12:7
- Personal righteousness gives me a _GOOD_NAME_ among my peers.
He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.
Proverbs 21:21
- Personal righteousness gives me the opportunity to live to a _RIPE_OLD_AGE_
Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.
Proverbs 16:31
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