“THE EFFECT OF THE RIGHTEOUS”


BIBLE READING:  Isaiah 31-34
DISCUSSION                          
“And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness,
quietness and trust forever. My people will abide in a peaceful habitation,
 in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.”
-Isaiah 32:17-18
            Did you know that there is an effect of your righteousness?  Isaiah notes that effect will “peace…quietness and trust forever”, but what exactly is righteousness?  W.E. Vines’ Greek dictionary of righteousness is… "the character or quality of being right or just"; it was formerly spelled "rightwiseness," which clearly expresses the meaning. It was a characteristic of God, as well as a gift to those who placed their trust in Christ.  Paul said, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5.21).  Most believe that “righteousness” is simply living a good holy life, but in reality, all of our righteous deeds are equivalent to “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64.6).  Therefore “we” cannot attain righteousness on our own. It is only because of the sacrifice of Jesus that enables us to become righteous by the forgiveness that comes through His blood.  When we have the blood of Jesus actively flowing within our lives, we become holy only because He is holy (I Peter 1.16). As Jesus lives through us and as we serve Him through our daily lives, righteousness becomes a way of life, rather than an act of man.  Only then will we be able to have peace, quietness and trust forever. 
Prayer Requests:______________________________________________________________________


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