TOPIC: FEED ON RIGHTEOUSNESS
Bible Reading: Isaiah 24–26; Ephesians 4
“Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.” — Philippians 1:11 (KJV)
Righteousness goes beyond our actions or conduct because righteousness is the very nature of God. The Bible says, “For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright” Psalm 11:7 (KJV). God does not act righteously in order to become righteous; He acts according to His nature because He is righteous. This is why righteousness cannot be earned; it is received as a gift of grace. Romans 5:17 (KJV) says, “…they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ”. At new birth, God’s righteousness is imputed to the believer; therefore, our righteous living is not the means by which we become righteous, but the fruit of the righteousness we have already received in Christ.
Under the Old Covenant, people were required to fulfil certain standards to be accepted as righteous before God. Under the New Covenant, we live righteously because we have already been made the righteousness of God in Christ as revealed in 2 Corinthians 5:21. The believer is described as a “tree of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified” Isaiah 61:3 (KJV). God is glorified when His children bear the fruits of righteousness. Jesus said, “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples” John 15:8 (KJV).
Paul prayed that believers would be “filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:11). Jesus is the Vine, and we are the branches; therefore, our fruitfulness depends on our continual fellowship with Him (John 15:5). A branch cannot bear fruit when it is disconnected from the vine. In the same way, the fruit of righteousness becomes evident in our lives as we maintain a vital relationship with God through prayer and His Word. Therefore, feed continually on the Word of Righteousness, the truths that reveal who you are and what you can do in Christ Jesus. As you feed on God’s Word and remain connected to Christ, the fruits of righteousness will naturally become evident in your life.
Prayer: Father, thank You for the gift of righteousness I have received through Jesus Christ. Help me to continually feed on Your Word and remain in fellowship with You in Jesus’ name.
Pastor Alfred Samuel