Righteousness - Session 10
Practical righteousness is not achieved instantaneously but through practice, in the same way that a sportsman or sportswoman would practice and hone their skills regularly.
The series is now at the point where pastor Thamo is addressing practical righteousness. Due to the year-end intermission, the series was interrupted for a period of time. This particular session therefore, is a review and summary of the principles covered in the previous sessions.
Righteousness and the Erroneous Teachings on Grace
This session begins with a word of correction and caution. Presently, the subject of righteousness has been drastically distorted by people have found ways of editing the doctrine of righteousness in an attempt to justify a licentious culture. There are those who synthesise the message of biblical grace with a secular view of liberty in such a way they have married the two and created a hybrid on the subject of grace and righteousness. Whilst grace and righteousness work hand in glove, erroneous interpretation of scripture have created statements such as, ‘I am saved by grace, eternally elected, and that no matter how I live my life on the earth, I will ensure a safe passage into the eternal and I will never ever lose my security in God’. These are biblically and doctrinally inaccurate statements based on a spurious form of teachings on righteousness and grace. It is of utmost importance that we read and re-read our Bibles to ensure that our doctrinal positions are aligned to the Word of God.
Righteousness is the very basis upon which you exist. Share on X
What Righteousness is Not.
In coming to an understanding of the definition of righteousness, it is necessary to know what righteousness is not. Righteousness is not good living, right living, or merely living a morally upright life. Whilst all of those elements may be included in the big picture of defining righteousness, in themselves those elements cannot fully define what righteousness is. The correct definition of the word ‘righteous’ is to live by divine design. But it is equally important to note that God Himself is the architect of that design and he has not left even a single iota to be added or removed by you or me. In other words we cannot choose to shift an ancient landmark. According to scripture there are serious repercussions should one shift an ancient landmark.
Righteousness Comes Through Practice
Practical righteousness demands that we practice righteousness. Practical righteousness is not achieved instantaneously but through practice, in the same way that a sportsman or sportswoman would practice and hone their skills regularly. We must develop a regimental culture of practice by beating our bodies into submission. To practice righteousness is to take very practical and tangible steps, for example, if one has a weakness related to alcohol then that person must practice how to stay away from places where he or she would normally get the alcohol. The principle is highlighted in Proverbs chapter 5 where the writer exhorts on the dangers of the adulterous woman, – ‘Keep to a path far from her,
And do not go near the door of her house’, Proverbs 5:1 (NKJV).
