Pursuing Righteousness

Title: PURSUING RIGHTEOUSNESS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Timothy 2:22

"Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."

Supporting Texts: Matthew 5:6, Proverbs 21:21, 1 Timothy 6:11, Isaiah 51:1, Philippians 3:12-14

INTRODUCTION:

Pursuing righteousness is essential for a believer who desires to live a life that pleases God. It is not a passive process but an active and deliberate effort to walk in alignment with God’s standards. While the world tempts us to compromise, the believer must consciously seek righteousness, which reflects God's character. This study explores how we can actively pursue righteousness and its benefits.

1. UNDERSTANDING RIGHTEOUSNESS

To pursue righteousness, it is crucial to understand its meaning and significance.

a) What is Righteousness?

Righteousness is living in obedience to God’s Word and aligning with His will (Psalm 119:9).

b) The Source of Righteousness

True righteousness comes only through faith in Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:9).

c) God’s Call to Righteousness

God calls believers to reflect His holiness and character (Leviticus 19:2).

d) The Role of Grace

Grace empowers us to live righteously in this present world (Titus 2:11-12).

e) Biblical Example:

Noah was declared righteous because he walked faithfully with God in a corrupt generation (Genesis 6:9).

2. HOW TO PURSUE RIGHTEOUSNESS

Pursuing righteousness requires intentional effort and spiritual discipline.

a) Seek God Wholeheartedly

Make God’s kingdom and His righteousness your top priority (Matthew 6:33).

b) Flee from Sin

Avoid situations, environments, and habits that lead to sin (2 Timothy 2:22).

c) Meditate on God’s Word

Regularly study and meditate on Scripture for direction and strength (Psalm 1:1-3).

d) Rely on the Holy Spirit

Allow the Holy Spirit to guide and empower you in daily decisions (Galatians 5:16).

e) Biblical Example:

Joseph pursued righteousness by fleeing from the temptation of Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39:7-12).

3. THE BENEFITS OF PURSUING RIGHTEOUSNESS

Pursuing righteousness leads to both spiritual and practical blessings.

a) Peace with God

Righteousness brings a sense of peace and assurance in your walk with God (Isaiah 32:17).

b) Answered Prayers

God hears and answers the prayers of the righteous (James 5:16).

c) Spiritual Fulfilment

Pursuing righteousness satisfies the hunger for a deeper relationship with God (Matthew 5:6).

d) Eternal Rewards

Living righteously secures an eternal inheritance in God’s kingdom (2 Timothy 4:8).

e) Biblical Example:

Daniel’s pursuit of righteousness resulted in divine favour and protection (Daniel 6:10-22).

4. OBSTACLES TO PURSUING RIGHTEOUSNESS

Certain challenges can hinder believers from walking in righteousness.

a) The Flesh

The desires of the flesh often war against the Spirit (Galatians 5:17).

b) Worldly Influences

Secular values and pressures can lead to compromise (1 John 2:15-17).

c) Fear of Persecution

Standing for righteousness can attract opposition and ridicule (2 Timothy 3:12).

d) Lack of Discipline

Neglecting spiritual disciplines weakens one’s pursuit of righteousness (Proverbs 19:15).

e) Biblical Example:

Lot’s hesitation to leave Sodom compromised his witness and caused loss (Genesis 19:15-26).

5. LIVING A LIFE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

To sustain a life of righteousness, we must be consistent and committed to God.

a) Daily Renewal

Renew your mind daily with God’s Word to stay focused (Romans 12:2).

b) Be Accountable

Surround yourself with godly friends who encourage righteousness (Proverbs 27:17).

c) Depend on God’s Strength

Trust God to help you in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

d) Be Watchful and Prayerful

Stay alert to spiritual attacks and commit everything to prayer (Matthew 26:41).

e) Biblical Example:

Paul remained steadfast in pursuing righteousness, pressing toward the prize of God’s calling (Philippians 3:13-14).

CONCLUSION:

Righteousness is a journey that requires dedication and dependence on God. By pursuing righteousness, we grow closer to God, reflect His character, and become lights in a dark world. Let us prioritise righteousness, trusting God to guide and sustain us in this pursuit.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, help me to hunger and thirst after righteousness.

2. Father, give me the grace to live a life that pleases You.

3. Holy Spirit, empower me to overcome the temptations of the flesh.

4. Lord, remove anything in my life that hinders my pursuit of righteousness.

5. Father, keep me steadfast in my faith and walk with You.

6. Lord, grant me the strength to flee from every appearance of evil.

7. Father, lead me into paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake.

8. Lord, help me to meditate on Your Word and apply it daily.

9. Holy Spirit, fill my heart with love, faith, and peace.

10. Father, let my life reflect Your holiness and righteousness.