WALKING IN RIGHTEOUSNESS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Romans 6:12-18
Supporting Texts: Proverbs 4:18, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 John 3:7, Psalm 23:3, Isaiah 33:15-16
INTRODUCTION:
Righteousness is not merely a status we receive through Christ; it is also a way of life that every believer is called to walk in. To walk in righteousness means to live in alignment with God’s will, obeying His commands and reflecting His holiness in our daily lives. It involves a continual pursuit of what pleases God.
In a world filled with compromise and moral decay, walking in righteousness sets the believer apart as light and salt. It is not a life of legalism, but a life empowered by grace—a response to the love and mercy we have received in Christ.
This path of righteousness leads to peace, stability, and eternal reward. As we examine what it means to walk in righteousness, we will discover the blessings it brings, the disciplines it requires, and the examples that inspire us to stay faithful on this holy path.
1. RIGHTEOUSNESS BEGINS WITH SALVATION
Before we can walk in righteousness, we must receive the righteousness of Christ through salvation.
a) Christ Made Us Righteous by His Sacrifice (2 Corinthians 5:21)
We are made right with God not by our works, but by Christ’s finished work.
b) Righteousness Is a Gift, Not Earned (Romans 5:17)
It is received through faith, not by performance.
c) Salvation Empowers Righteous Living (Romans 6:12-14)
Being saved gives us power over sin and grace to live holy.
d) The Righteous Life Starts with a New Birth (John 3:3)
You must be born again to live in God’s righteousness.
Biblical Example: The thief on the cross received righteousness through faith in Jesus, not by deeds (Luke 23:39-43).
2. WALKING IN RIGHTEOUSNESS REQUIRES DAILY OBEDIENCE
Righteousness is maintained through continual submission to God's Word and Spirit.
a) Righteousness Is Practiced Through Obedience (1 John 3:7)
Doing what is right proves we are of God.
b) The Word of God Is Our Guide (Psalm 119:9)
It shows us the path of righteousness and keeps us from sin.
c) Daily Decisions Determine Our Walk (Deuteronomy 30:19)
We must choose righteousness consistently.
d) The Holy Spirit Empowers Righteous Living (Galatians 5:16)
He helps us resist temptation and obey God’s will.
Biblical Example: Joseph chose righteousness when he fled from Potiphar’s wife, even at personal cost (Genesis 39:7-12).
3. RIGHTEOUSNESS BRINGS DIVINE PROTECTION AND BLESSINGS
Those who walk in righteousness enjoy the covering and favour of God.
a) Righteousness Exalts a Nation and Individuals (Proverbs 14:34)
God lifts those who live uprightly.
b) Righteousness Attracts God’s Presence and Provision (Psalm 34:15)
God’s eyes are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.
c) The Righteous Are as Bold as a Lion (Proverbs 28:1)
Righteous living gives inner strength and confidence.
d) Righteousness Brings Peace and Security (Isaiah 33:15-16)
Those who walk uprightly dwell in God’s safe places.
Biblical Example: Daniel’s righteous life brought him divine deliverance in the lion’s den (Daniel 6:10-23).
4. THE PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS LEADS TO ETERNAL LIFE
Righteousness doesn’t only benefit us now, but secures our eternity with God.
a) The Way of the Righteous Is Ever Brightening (Proverbs 4:18)
As we walk with God, our path gets clearer and brighter.
b) Eternal Reward Awaits the Righteous (Matthew 25:21)
Faithful, righteous servants will be welcomed into glory.
c) The Righteous Will Shine Forever (Daniel 12:3)
Their legacy and reward are eternal.
d) Righteousness Is the Mark of True Discipleship (Romans 6:18)
We are no longer slaves to sin but to righteousness.
Biblical Example: Paul finished his race in righteousness and looked forward to the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:7–8).
CONCLUSION:
To walk in righteousness is to walk with God. It begins with salvation through Christ, continues through daily obedience, and leads to divine blessings and eternal glory. This walk may not always be easy, but it is always worth it.
Let us therefore reject compromise and pursue righteousness with all our hearts. May we live in a way that honours God, blesses others, and secures our eternal reward. God is calling us to walk in His ways—let us answer with faith, obedience, and courage.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, thank You for making me righteous through Jesus Christ.
2. Help me to walk daily in obedience to Your Word.
3. Deliver me from every temptation that leads to unrighteousness.
4. Let my life reflect Your holiness and truth.
5. Keep me faithful on the path of righteousness until the end.