THE REWARD OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Hebrews 11:6
Supporting Texts: Psalm 1:1-3, Proverbs 11:18, Matthew 6:33, Isaiah 3:10, Galatians 6:7-9
INTRODUCTION:
Righteousness is a foundational principle in the Christian life. It is living in right standing with God through faith and obedience. The Bible assures us that righteousness is not without reward; God honours those who pursue holiness and justice in their lives. This reward may be immediate or eternal, visible or spiritual, but it is always certain.
The reward of righteousness is a theme that encourages believers to persevere, knowing that their efforts to live rightly are not in vain. In a world often filled with injustice and compromise, the righteous are called to remain steadfast and confident in God’s promises. This message explores the nature of righteousness and the various rewards that flow from living a life pleasing to God.
Understanding the reward of righteousness helps believers remain motivated in their spiritual walk, knowing that God sees and will recompense every act done in faith and obedience. It also reveals that righteousness brings blessing beyond material wealth — it brings peace, favour, and eternal life.
1. RIGHTEOUSNESS BRINGS GOD’S FAVOR AND BLESSING
a) God delights in those who walk uprightly (Psalm 1:1-3).
The righteous are like flourishing trees planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in season. God’s favour causes their lives to prosper in every area.
b) Blessings flow naturally from a life committed to God’s ways (Proverbs 11:18).
The diligent and righteous reap rewards that honour their faithfulness and hard work.
c) Righteousness opens doors of opportunity and provision (Isaiah 3:10).
God honours those who live rightly by granting them favour in their endeavours.
d) It brings protection from the snares of the enemy (Psalm 34:15-17).
The Lord watches over the righteous, delivering them from danger and evil.
Biblical Example: Joseph’s righteous life brought him favour in Potiphar’s house and eventually in Pharaoh’s palace (Genesis 39:2-6).
Joseph’s story teaches us that righteousness attracts God’s blessing and divine promotion.
2. RIGHTEOUSNESS BRINGS PEACE AND JOY
a) A righteous heart experiences the peace of God that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Living rightly removes guilt and fear, replacing them with lasting peace.
b) Joy is a natural byproduct of walking in God’s will (Psalm 97:11).
The righteous rejoice because they are confident in God’s presence and promises.
c) Righteousness guards the heart against anxiety and despair (Isaiah 26:3).
Those who live righteously enjoy a mind kept in perfect peace through trust in God.
d) It strengthens the believer to endure trials with hope and confidence (Romans 5:1-5).
Peace and joy empower the righteous to persevere amid difficulties.
Biblical Example: David, despite many trials, maintained a heart of peace and joy because of his righteousness (Psalm 23:1-4).
David’s life exemplifies how righteousness brings inner stability regardless of external circumstances.
3. RIGHTEOUSNESS GUARANTEES GOD’S REWARD IN ETERNITY
a) The righteous will inherit eternal life and God’s kingdom (Matthew 25:34).
Eternal reward is the ultimate blessing of living righteously on earth.
b) God promises a crown of righteousness to those who live faithfully (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
This crown is an honour reserved for those who endure to the end.
c) Righteousness is the key to standing before God on the last day (Revelation 22:11-12).
Only the righteous will enjoy eternal fellowship with God.
d) The reward of righteousness includes the fullness of joy in God’s presence (Psalm 16:11).
Heaven’s joy is eternal and beyond human comprehension.
Biblical Example: Enoch pleased God by walking faithfully and was translated to heaven without seeing death (Genesis 5:22-24; Hebrews 11:5).
Enoch’s reward reminds us of the eternal blessings awaiting the righteous.
4. RIGHTEOUSNESS INFLUENCES OTHERS AND ADVANCES GOD’S KINGDOM
a) A righteous life is a powerful testimony that draws others to Christ (1 Peter 2:12).
Your conduct can lead many to salvation and faith in God.
b) Righteousness brings credibility and trustworthiness in relationships and ministry (Proverbs 3:3-4).
People respect and follow those who live right.
c) The righteous become vessels of God’s blessing to their communities (Psalm 112:5-6).
Their lives bring hope, healing, and justice to others.
d) Living righteously ensures that God’s kingdom grows and advances on earth (Matthew 5:14-16).
Your light shines before men, glorifying God.
Biblical Example: Daniel’s righteousness influenced kings and nations, promoting God’s kingdom in Babylon (Daniel 1:8-20).
Daniel’s example shows how righteousness can affect entire cultures and governments.
5. RIGHTEOUSNESS PROVIDES SPIRITUAL STRENGTH AND VICTORY
a) Righteousness empowers believers to overcome sin and temptation (1 Corinthians 15:57).
It is through living right that we conquer the enemy’s schemes.
b) It strengthens faith and perseverance in the face of trials (James 1:12).
The righteous endure hardships with endurance that leads to reward.
c) Righteousness is linked to the power and presence of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
The fruit of righteousness manifests in a Spirit-filled life.
d) It assures victory over spiritual battles and ultimate deliverance (Romans 8:37).
In Christ, the righteous are more than conquerors through His righteousness.
Biblical Example: Jesus Christ, the ultimate righteous one, conquered sin and death, securing victory for all who believe (Hebrews 4:15-16).
Jesus is the perfect example and source of righteousness and victory for believers.
CONCLUSION:
The reward of righteousness is multifaceted, encompassing God’s favour, peace, eternal life, influence, and spiritual strength. Pursuing righteousness is not just about avoiding sin but about embracing a life that honours God and blesses others. The Bible assures us that righteousness always results in reward, encouraging us to remain steadfast and faithful.
As believers, we are called to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, knowing that all things will be added unto us. Let this truth motivate you to live righteously, confident that God is watching and will reward your faithfulness both now and forever.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to pursue righteousness with all my heart and soul.
2. Father, let Your favour and blessings rest upon my life.
3. Holy Spirit, fill me with peace and joy that come from living rightly.
4. God, strengthen my faith for eternal reward and perseverance.
5. Lord, use my life as a testimony that draws others to You.
6. Father, grant me spiritual strength to overcome every temptation.
7. Holy Spirit, guide me daily in the path of righteousness.
8. Lord, open doors of opportunity through Your favour.
9. God, help me to remain steadfast and faithful to the end.
10. Father, crown my life with Your righteousness and eternal reward.
