Kingdom Righteousness

By Titto Thomas

Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

In the previous article, when we looked at peace, we saw that there were two parts to this peace, firstly a ‘Peace with God’ and as a result, a ‘Peace of God’ that rules and umpires our lives (Col 3:15). In this article we will look at another Kingdom Culture – ‘Righteousness‘. Righteousness is one of the most important values demanded of us by God in His Kingdom. He cannot tolerate wrongdoing, sin and unholiness. And this value is expected of every citizen of His Kingdom. This teaching has two important parts and we must consider them in order.

1. GOD’S WORK

      I. WHAT IS RIGHTEOUSNESS?

The English word ‘Righteousness’ was coined by William Tyndale in the 16^th century. Up until that point there was no English word that captured its meaning from both Greek and Hebrew origins. In its essence, it means to ‘be perfect’. Because God is perfect, He accepts no other standard. We as God’s creation are expected to live in this high standard of ‘right’. And this should show itself in our conduct—upholding God’s standard (that which is right) in our thinking, speaking, and doing.

     II. GOD IS RIGHTEOUS

All throughout the Bible God reveals Himself as THE RIGHTEOUS ONE (Psalms 111:3, Leviticus 19:36, Deuteronomy 25:1). What does this imply? To put it simply, it means that God is the only one who could do what He does and still be ‘right’ to everybody. No person in authority can take decisions that will do justice to everyone. But God can. He is the absolute, sovereign King and every thing that He does is right, just and fair. He never compromises. He is perfect and He is always right! And in this great Kingdom where God is the sovereign ruler, He banishes any act of unrighteousness.

     III. GOD’S GIFT

Now here is the million dollar question. God categorically states that we humans are unrighteous and don’t even have a desire to be righteous. (Romans 3:10-11). How then can we even approach such a Holy God of unattainable standards? All through the ages man has tried desperately to develop his own standards. Men have always tried to set standards that have felt right in their own eyes. God calls this ‘self- righteousness’ and likens it to wearing filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6).

Again in Deuteronomy 6:25 the Bible declares “And it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to do all this commandment before the Lord our God, as he has commanded us.(ESV)” Now we all know how strict the commands of the Lord are. If you break even one of them, you are guilty of breaking all of them. But what God implies from this verse is clear – that the only way for you to be righteous is by obeying all of God’s commands. If you are honest with yourself, you will agree that this is an impossible proposition. But some foolish people have attempted the impossible and in the process ignored the heart of God’s message. When Jesus came, He expounded the standard of God’s commandments and tried to help the people sense their need to look to Him for their righteousness. Even in the Old Testament, God tries to make the Israelites understand that only He could make them ‘right’(Jeremiah 23:6). The Hebrew term (for God) used there is ‘Jehovah Tsidkenu‘ which carries the meaning, ‘God, who is your right’. And God literally accomplished this by His greatest act -THE CROSS. It was His act of righteous salvation(Isaiah 46:13), so that you and I can have our sins forgiven and have a relationship with the ‘Righteous One’.

This act of God released one of the greatest gifts available to mankind. This Gift of Righteousness is our justification, which not only cleanses our sins, but also makes us right (right-standing with God) by blotting out any trace of sin! The Bible likens God’s gift to us to a robe. We can wear this robe and confidently enter the presence of God! Each and every time you approach God, you must be conscious of this robe (Isaiah 61:10, Job 29:14).

2. YOUR RESPONSE

        I. CONFIDENCE

At some point, you become conscious of the fact that there is nothing good within you and that you cannot be righteous on your own. This is the starting point of trusting in God and in what God has done. It is here that you realize that anything righteous that you do must come from Him. This confidence in His work of righteousness is absolutely essential for being a fruitful Christian. I have seen (even from my life) that this is the biggest point of struggle for almost all Christians. Each time you falter, do you cling to your personal sense of righteousness? Or are you clinging to Christ, who is your righteousness? Let me ask you again -What is the source of your own righteousness?

       II. BEARING FRUITS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

In the context of the Kingdom, the fruit of righteousness is the most important point to consider. Living in the Kingdom of God is all about the manifesting this righteousness. As I showed you above, there is a place where you must learn to rest in Him and in the fact that He has justified you. And once you have learnt and understood the source of your confidence, you are enabled to manifest His righteousness. Some qualities of that displayed righteousness include integrity, justice, fairness, mercy, servanthood, responsibility etc.

The key to walking in righteousness is simple. The only question is this. Do you believe? Just like Kingdom peace, walking in the fullness of Kingdom righteousness is a matter of exercising your faith. (Romans 1:17). I encourage you to examine your life today. Heeding the call to pray and seek for ‘YOUR KINGDOM COME’ also means to be exhibiting a heavenly righteousness in all areas of your life (He causes that righteousness to spring forth – Isaiah 61:11). Bring that Kingdom into your job, bring that Kingdom into your family, bring that Kingdom into your traveling and bring that Kingdom into your life. And as sure sign of the reign of God in your life, there will be righteousness displayed: not intermittently, but like the waves of the sea—continuously.

Finally let me ask you this. Are you living in rebellion to the Kingdom? Do you give or take bribes, lie, slander, cheat at work, oppress the less fortunate, swindle your partners, etc? Remember my friends, you are ambassadors of the heavenly Kingdom and you are here to project Kingdom culture and soon your King will be coming to visit you!

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