Jesus Is The Righteous One (Part 2) Series

Jesus Is THE RIGHTEOUS ONE (Part 2)

Chaplain David Tack: Sounds of Joy Ministries

In this series, I want to continue looking at the six (6) inexhaustible characterizations that can be associated with the name of JESUS: (1) Jesus is The RIGHT ONE; (2) Jesus is, The RIGHTEOUS ONE; (3) Jesus is, The REJECTED ONE; (4) Jesus is The REDEEMING ONE; (5) Jesus is The RESURRECTED ONE; (6) Jesus is The RE-MITTING ONE.

LAST WEEK, WE LOOKED AT: JESUS AS THE RIGHT ONE! TODAY we look at: OUR SECOND CHARACTERIZATION: JESUS IS THE RIGHTEOUS ONE

The question at hand is this: just exactly what is righteousness? It can be broad or narrow!

Webster defines RIGHTEOUSNESS in many ways but here we are looking at

1) Righteousness Applied to man as: conforming heart and life to the divine law”- (BROADLY)

2) Righteousness Applied to God as: the perfection or holiness of His nature; exact rectitude [behavior or thought] … (NARROWLY)

FIRST, LET’S LOOK AT RIGHTEOUSNESS BROADLY: This idea of righteousness is seen throughout the bible (with many applications): (1) The righteousness of the law [In Romans 7:12 it states the law is holy] (2) The righteousness of God’s followers [in 1 Timothy 6:11 it tells believers to pursue righteousness]. (Example of: Abraham, Noah, Daniel, Job, John the Baptist, Ethiopian Eunuch…) (3) The Word of God equips us for righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16: instruction in righteousness); (4) Jesus said we should hunger/thirst for it (Matthew 5:6); (5) We should wear it as a breastplate in our daily Christian armor (Eph. 6:14).

Some ideas of societal righteousness might include (1) to be in accordance with law or social norm; (2) to be just or right.

SO, (TO ACT IN A CERTAIN MANNER) IS A BROADER VIEW ON RIGHTEOUSNESS

This morning, I want to focus on a narrow or absolute view of righteousness, which is God's requirement for justification.

RIGHTEOUSNESS, NARROWED VIEW IS TO HAVE A CERTAIN STATUS: [with justification in view]: “God’s justice or righteousness is revealed in his moral law expressing his moral nature and in his judgment, granting to all, in matters of merit, exactly what they deserve.” Ref: Elwell, Walter (ed) Evangelical Dictionary of Theology: God, Attributes of: God is Just or Righteous. Grand Rapids: Baker Academics, 2001. 496.

First, let us examine the incorrect approach to obtaining this justifying righteousness: this incorrect method relies on self-righteousness

Luke 18:9-14: And he [Jesus] spake this parable [simple story with a moral/spiritual lesson] unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous [right because of their actions], and despised others: (10) Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. (11) The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican [reminds me of mote and speck account]. (12) I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. (13) And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, BUT smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner [one who has missed the mark; devoted to sin]. (14) I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased [humbled, brought low]; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. (n)

A SECOND EXAMPLE IS FOUND IN ROMANS 10:1-4:

VS 3: For they [nation of Israel in Paul’s day] being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

VS 4: For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

WHY: Because Christ FULFILLED THE LAW

Matthew 5:17: Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil {Law was not bad; but a good thing}

SO, LET’S LOOK AT GOD’S CHOSEN WAY (THE RIGHT WAY) AND HOW WE CAN OBTAIN THIS ACCEPTABLE (JUSTIFICATION) [OR NARROW] RIGHTEOUNESS THAT GOD DEMANDS . . . ONE THAT CHRIST PROVIDED FOR US!

THROUGH CHRIST’S RIGHTEOUSNESS: We CAN/WILL BE counted righteous in the eyes of God when we receive Jesus by faith: Philippians 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. [remember God’s demand is exacting]

STAY WITH ME HERE: IT SOUNDS COMPLICATED BUT IT IS ACTUALLY VERY SIMPLE: The best example I can offer you this morning (for obtaining Christ’s righteousness [God’s exacting]) is found in the best dictionary available to man today… that is the Word of God.