I was reading Proverbs 11:1-23 this morning, and was struck by the number of scriptures that shared the blessings received by the righteous. We know that to become righteous we accept Jesus Christ as our one and only Savior. We who have done this are the righteousness of Christ, according to
Romans 8:10
And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness, and
Phillipians 3:9,
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.
But righteousness can be grown and extended if we choose to grow in the Lord. According to Phillipians 1:11, this is available to us,
Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
This last scripture is what the passage that I read this morning pertains to. When we take an active part in committing our day to God, in consulting him throughout the day, trusting him in times of not only sorrow, but joy too, and regularly reading what his Living Word says, we experience the abundance that Solomon talks about.
...righteousness delivers from death.
Proverbs 11:4
The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way...
Proverbs 11:5
The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them...
Proverbs 11:6
The righteous is delivered out of trouble,...
Proverbs 11:8
...to him that sows righteousness shall be a sure reward.
Proverbs 11:18
...the righteous shall be delivered.
Proverbs 11:21
The desire of the righteous is only good.
Proverbs 11:23
So, for the growing Christian, there is
positional righteousness, and then there is righteousness from growing
in Christ. The latter results in more bounty, here and now.
If you would like to be sure that you are Saved, say this simple prayer:
Jesus, I believe that you are the Son of God, and the only Savior. Come into my heart, and save me. I was born in sin and you died for me so that I can know God and not be blamed anymore. Thank you for my new life. Show me the way and help me to understand. I don't have to fear death anymore, and thank you for eternal life.
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