Topical Bible: Righteousness: They Who Walk In, and Follow are Tried by God

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Righteousness, in the biblical context, refers to the quality of being morally right or justifiable, aligning with God's standards and commands. It is a central theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the relationship between God and His people. Those who walk in righteousness are often subject to trials and testing by God, a process that refines and strengthens their faith.

Biblical Foundation of Righteousness

Righteousness is first introduced in the early chapters of Genesis, where it is associated with faith and obedience to God. Genesis 15:6 states, "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This foundational verse highlights the intrinsic link between faith and righteousness, a theme that is echoed throughout the Bible.

The Path of Righteousness

Walking in righteousness involves living according to God's laws and commands. Psalm 1:6 declares, "For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish." This verse underscores the protective and guiding role of God for those who pursue righteousness. The righteous are called to live lives that reflect God's holiness and justice, as seen in Micah 6:8 : "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Trials and Testing of the Righteous

Scripture consistently reveals that those who walk in righteousness will face trials. These trials serve as a means of testing and refining their faith. James 1:2-3 encourages believers, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." The testing of the righteous is not punitive but rather a divine process to strengthen and purify their faith.

The account of Job is a profound example of a righteous man tested by God. Job 1:1 describes him as "blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil." Despite his righteousness, Job faced immense trials, yet his faith remained steadfast. His account illustrates that trials are not indicative of unrighteousness but are often a testament to one's faithfulness.

God's Purpose in Testing

The purpose of testing the righteous is multifaceted. It serves to deepen their reliance on God, purify their character, and demonstrate the authenticity of their faith. 1 Peter 1:6-7 explains, "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials, so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

The Reward for Righteousness

The Bible assures that those who endure trials and remain steadfast in righteousness will receive divine reward. Matthew 5:10 states, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." This promise of eternal reward serves as an encouragement for believers to persevere in their walk of righteousness despite the challenges they may face.

In summary, righteousness is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, characterized by a life of obedience and faith in God. Those who walk in righteousness are often tested by God, a process that refines their faith and character, ultimately leading to divine reward and eternal life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 11:5
The LORD tries the righteous: but the wicked and him that loves violence his soul hates.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ...
... times past God suffered all nations to walk in their ... completed the sale of their
brother, they were unconcerned ... due to it according to the righteousness of God ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 9 on the righteousness.htm

How to Dwell in the Fire of God
... man must have that is able to walk with God ... their little bits of rootless flowers,
and they water them ... Isaiah says 'Righteousness,' John says 'Love,' which makes ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/how to dwell in the.htm

The Crisis in Galilee.
... seeks first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and lets ... and is disposed to
turn away and walk no more ... and the self that was thus revealed they felt to ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/xv the crisis in galilee.htm

Manasseh and Josiah
... Zephaniah 1:14-16. "I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind
men, because they have sinned ... Seek righteousness,. Seek meekness: ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 32 manasseh and josiah.htm

None but Jesus --Second Part
... turn these doubts and fears out of you, they will soon ... may my soul be found in him,
perfect in his righteousness! ... or any legal quibbles, be led to walk in the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/none but jesussecond part.htm

Covenanting According to the Purposes of God.
... are desolate." But to many, good was to follow. ... hath before ordained that we should
walk in them ... they stand, making mention of his righteousness, they will vow ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter viii covenanting according to.htm

Paul a Pattern of Prayer
... Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by ... and "persevere" we shall
find that they are composed ... must be exceedingly careful in our walk and we ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/paul a pattern of prayer.htm

Joshua and the Angel
... stand by." Zechariah 3:7. Angels of God will walk on either ... Zechariah 3:4. The spotless
robe of Christ's righteousness is placed ... "These are they which follow ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 47 joshua and the.htm

God Justified, Though Man Believes Not
... numerous than the stars are they that walk in white ... quoting from the sacred Scriptures;
and truly, they shed a ... But now the righteousness of God without the law ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/god justified though man believes.htm

How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, when Error Prevaileth, and ...
... This is to walk by some other rule than the word ... under the rays of the Sun of
Righteousness, which discovereth ... They should labour to learn the truth, as it is ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xvi how to make.htm