Living to righteousness is a fundamental aspect of Christian conduct, reflecting a life transformed by faith in Jesus Christ. It involves aligning one's actions, thoughts, and intentions with the will of God as revealed in Scripture. This pursuit of righteousness is not merely about adhering to a set of rules but is a response to the grace and salvation received through Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The call to live righteously is rooted in the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, righteousness is often associated with living in accordance with God's law. For instance, Psalm 1:6 states, "For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish." This verse highlights the protective and guiding role of God in the lives of those who pursue righteousness.

In the New Testament, the concept of righteousness is deepened through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Believers are called to a higher standard of righteousness that surpasses mere legalistic observance. In Matthew 5:20 , Jesus declares, "For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." This statement emphasizes the importance of a heart transformed by faith, leading to genuine righteous living.

The Role of Faith and Grace

Righteousness in the Christian life is intrinsically linked to faith and grace. Romans 3:22 explains, "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." It is through faith in Christ that believers are justified and made righteous before God. This righteousness is not self-derived but is a gift of grace, enabling believers to live in a manner pleasing to God.

Practical Aspects of Righteous Living

Living to righteousness involves practical expressions of faith in daily life. It encompasses moral integrity, ethical behavior, and a commitment to justice and mercy. Ephesians 4:24 instructs believers to "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." This new self is characterized by a life that reflects God's character and values.

The Apostle Paul provides further guidance in Romans 6:13 , urging believers, "Do not present the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness." This call to present oneself to God underscores the active and intentional nature of living righteously.

The Fruit of Righteousness

The pursuit of righteousness yields spiritual fruit in the life of a believer. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are manifestations of a life lived in accordance with God's righteous standards.

Furthermore, James 3:18 states, "Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness." This verse highlights the relational aspect of righteousness, where living rightly before God also involves fostering peace and harmony with others.

Challenges and Encouragement

While the call to live righteously is clear, believers may face challenges in this pursuit due to the presence of sin and temptation. However, Scripture provides encouragement and assurance of God's help. Philippians 1:11 speaks of being "filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." This verse reassures believers that righteousness is attainable through Christ's enabling power.

In summary, living to righteousness is a dynamic and ongoing process in the life of a Christian. It is a response to God's grace, empowered by faith, and evidenced by a life that seeks to honor God in all things.Micah 6:8
He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 6:18
Being then made free from sin, you became the servants of righteousness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 2:24
Who his own self bore our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live to righteousness: by whose stripes you were healed.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

'The Breastplate of Righteousness'
... note that Paul here gathers up the whole sum of Christian character and conduct
into one ... The germ of sin is living to oneself: the germ of goodness ...
/.../the breastplate of righteousness.htm

Prayer and Character and Conduct
... Quite often, Christian experience founders on the rock of conduct. ... and our praying
suffers, as do other phases of our religious experience, from bad living. ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/viii prayer and character and.htm

Sixth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to Christian Living.
... EXHORTATION TO CHRISTIAN LIVING. ... If thou art a Christian, then know that thy Lord
Jesus ... should be conscious of these things, and should conduct yourselves in ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/sixth sunday after trinity exhortation.htm

The Connection of the Christian virtues.
... Chapter IX."The Connection of the Christian Virtues ... as much as lieth in you, living
peaceably with ... one [2255] accomplished in good habits of conduct, but the ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter ix the connection of the.htm

Living Stones on the Living Foundation Stone
... ye also, as living stones, are built up.'"1 Peter 2 ... as the basis of everything, of
all Christian prosperity and ... to bear as a motive upon our conduct, let our ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/living stones on the living.htm

Twenty Third Sunday after Trinity Enemies of the Cross of Christ ...
... OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST AND THE CHRISTIAN'S CITIZENSHIP IN ... only are they guilty of
such living, but shamelessly endeavor to defend their conduct. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty third sunday after trinity.htm

The Negative Side
... was under such teaching was produced Christian conduct that puts ... have appealed to
the writings of Christian exegetes of ... of the Scriptures, few living today are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the law and the saint/the negative side.htm

Consecration and Preservation.
... readily see their intense practical value for daily living. ... The Christian life must
be wholly, entirely, and ... worship or work, character or conduct, prayer or ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/ii consecration and preservation.htm

Letter iii. True Religion a Work of Grace in the Heart; but it ...
... our Lord under the similitude of a living spring. ... principles of the gospel into every
part of our conduct. ... influence they will have upon the Christian character ...
/.../letter iii true religion a.htm

How a Man's Conduct Comes Home to Him
... and his girls have grown up and grieved him by their conduct. ... O Spirit of the living
God, preserve us in believing ... it is true also of the Christian, that in ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/how a mans conduct comes.htm

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Conduct: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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