Topical Bible: Righteousness: Saints: should Seek

Bible > Topical > Righteousness

◄ Righteousness: Saints: should Seek ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Righteousness, in the biblical context, refers to the quality of being morally right or justifiable in the eyes of God. It is a central theme throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the importance of living in accordance with God's laws and commands. For the saints, or believers, seeking righteousness is not merely an option but a divine mandate that reflects their relationship with God and their commitment to His will.

Biblical Foundation

The call for saints to seek righteousness is deeply rooted in the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, the pursuit of righteousness is often associated with obedience to God's commandments and living a life that is pleasing to Him. The psalmist declares, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (Psalm 37:4). This verse highlights the promise of fulfillment for those who earnestly desire to live righteously.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ emphasizes the importance of seeking righteousness as part of the Kingdom of God. In the Sermon on the Mount, He instructs His followers, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). This directive underscores the priority that righteousness should hold in the life of a believer, placing it above worldly concerns and material needs.

The Role of Faith

Righteousness is intrinsically linked to faith, as demonstrated in the life of Abraham, who is often cited as a model of faith and righteousness. The Apostle Paul writes, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness" (Romans 4:3). This passage illustrates that righteousness is not achieved through human effort alone but is granted through faith in God and His promises.

Practical Application

For the saints, seeking righteousness involves a daily commitment to living according to God's standards. This includes engaging in regular prayer, studying the Scriptures, and applying biblical principles to every aspect of life. The Apostle Paul encourages believers to "pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart" (2 Timothy 2:22). This pursuit is a communal effort, as believers are called to support and encourage one another in their spiritual journey.

The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding and empowering believers to seek righteousness. Through the indwelling of the Spirit, saints are transformed and equipped to live in a manner that reflects God's holiness. The fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23, includes attributes such as love, joy, peace, and self-control, which are essential components of a righteous life.

Eternal Perspective

The pursuit of righteousness has eternal implications, as it prepares the saints for their ultimate reward in the presence of God. The Apostle Peter exhorts believers to "make every effort to be found at peace with Him, without spot or blemish" (2 Peter 3:14). This call to holiness and righteousness is a reminder of the future hope that awaits those who faithfully seek to live according to God's will.

In summary, the Scriptures consistently affirm that saints should actively seek righteousness as an expression of their faith and devotion to God. This pursuit is both a present responsibility and a future hope, grounded in the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the promises of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Zephaniah 2:3
Seek you the LORD, all you meek of the earth, which have worked his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be you shall be hid in the day of the LORD's anger.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C.
... Think ye, my friends, that the glorious saints shall wear ... ye knew what need ye have
of his righteousness, and how ... Should not the beggar seek food and clothing? ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvi but seek ye.htm

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C.
... is in the scale with God's kingdom and righteousness, will not ... O fear the Lord, ye
his saints, for there ... a promise, and though heaven and earth should fail and ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xviii but seek ye.htm

Sermon for the Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity
... This peace a man should allow nothing to take from ... to endure greater sufferings than
all the saints or all ... And this is God's righteousness, that He will give ...
/.../xxiv sermon for the fifteenth.htm

"Seek First the Kingdom of God," &C.
... I mean, in comparison of the portion of his saints. ... this kingdom of God and his
righteousness are suitable ... This is the kingdom we should seek above all things. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xix seek first the.htm

Christ, the Believer's Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and ...
... within, or any thing wrought within, should poor sinners ... clear in the notion of Christ's
righteousness, who deny the final perseverance of the saints; I fear ...
/.../christ the believers wisdom righteousness.htm

Of what is to be Believed on the Subject of the Creation of Man ...
... Himself being always and everywhere glorious in goodness, righteousness, and clemency ...
race of that mortality there would spring saints, who should not seek ...
/.../augustine/on the catechising of the uninstructed/chapter 18 of what is to.htm

Christ's Intercession...
... of dishonoring, instead of honoring, the saints was introduced ... the meaning is not
that we should offer our ... the Lord Jesus Christ, whose righteousness is become ...
/.../various/the belgic confession /article xxvi christs intercession.htm

The Fruit of the Light
... To begin with what should be second is an ... us as well as 'unto us wisdom, and
righteousness, and salvation ... of his struggles; and the perfected saints before the ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the fruit of the light.htm

Psalm CXLV.
... believe Him speaking, but that we should have His ... Finally, all His saints, when set
in the midst of tribulation, have first praised His righteousness, and so ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxlv.htm

All Saints' Day
... But, if such a man should find that it has ... strong winds and bad times, then the Saints
mourn over ... desire, in thought, sight and taste, for righteousness only. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxv all saints day.htm