Pursuing Righteousness: The Path To True Prosperity Proverbs 21:21 Series

Pursuing Righteousness: The Path to True Prosperity

Introduction:

As we gather today, let us delve into the wisdom of Proverbs 21:21, exploring the profound truth it holds about the pursuit of righteousness and its correlation to true prosperity. In a world often driven by material gain and worldly success, this verse offers us a timeless reminder of where our priorities should lie.

Proverbs 21:21 (New Living Translation) "Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor."

Proverbs 21:21 presents a clear cause-and-effect relationship: those who actively seek righteousness and unfailing love will experience the abundant life promised by God. The pursuit of righteousness involves aligning our thoughts, actions, and desires with God's standards of justice, integrity, and holiness. Unfailing love encompasses both our love for God and our love for others, reflecting the selfless and sacrificial love demonstrated by Christ. This verse assures us that those who prioritise righteousness and love will discover the true blessings of life, righteousness, and honor.

Reflecting on the significance of pursuing righteousness, Charles Spurgeon remarked, "To seek after righteousness is to desire to be right, to hunger and thirst after that which is good, and true, and holy."

Point 1: The Pursuit of Righteousness

The pursuit of righteousness involves a deliberate and continuous effort to align our lives with God's will. It requires us to seek God's guidance through prayer, study of His Word, and obedience to His commandments. As we prioritise righteousness in our thoughts, words, and actions, we experience the transformative power of God's grace working within us.

Matthew 6:33 (NLT): "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."

In Matthew 6:33, Jesus instructs His disciples, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." This verse is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where He addresses various aspects of righteous living and genuine piety.

Jesus emphasises the priority of seeking God's kingdom and His righteousness above all else. By placing the kingdom of God first in our lives, we align ourselves with God's sovereign rule and acknowledge His authority over every aspect of our existence. Seeking His righteousness involves striving to live in accordance with His will and His standards of holiness and justice.

This verse comes in the midst of Jesus' teachings on worry and anxiety about material needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. He reassures His disciples that if they prioritise seeking God's kingdom and righteousness, God will provide for their needs. This reflects a shift in focus from worldly concerns to eternal priorities.

Jesus' instruction to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness challenges us to evaluate our priorities. Instead of being consumed by worldly ambitions and anxieties, we are called to prioritise our relationship with God and His purposes for our lives. This involves seeking to know and obey God's will, living in accordance with His Word, and actively participating in the advancement of His kingdom on earth.

As followers of Christ, let us heed Jesus' command to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. This entails daily surrendering our will to God's will, aligning our desires with His purposes, and actively engaging in the work of His kingdom. May we trust in God's faithfulness to provide for our needs as we seek Him above all else.

Matthew 6:33 reminds us that true fulfilment and provision come from prioritising our relationship with God and His kingdom. When we seek Him first, He promises to take care of all our needs.

Point 2: Embracing Unfailing Love

Psalm 36:7 (NLT): "How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings."

This verse beautifully encapsulates the theme of embracing God's unfailing love. It highlights the preciousness and universality of God's love, portraying it as a source of refuge and security for all humanity.

Unfailing love, characterised by selflessness and compassion, lies at the heart of the Christian faith. As we cultivate a deep love for God and others, we reflect the image of Christ and bear witness to His love in the world. Embracing unfailing love compels us to serve others, forgive those who wrong us, and extend grace and mercy to those in need.

In Psalm 34:14, the Psalmist imparts a profound exhortation, saying, "Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it." This verse encapsulates a comprehensive guide to righteous living, focusing on both personal conduct and interpersonal relationships.

The verse begins with a directive to "turn away from evil." This entails not only abstaining from sinful actions but also renouncing wickedness in thought and intention. It underscores the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God by adhering to His moral standards.