The Pursuit For Righteousness
Text- 1 Timothy 6:9-11; 2 Timothy 2:20-26
Introduction: We serve a God who is righteous in every way. His character
is never compromised and those who are saved have His righteousness
imputed within them. We know that it is not our righteousness that got us in
the family of God, but God’s righteousness given unto us when we were
saved. In serving the Lord, I want to follow after God’s righteousness and
do His will for my life. God’s way is always the right way. Are you in pursuit
to follow after righteousness so that you might please the Lord in all
things?
Follow - dioko {dee-o'-ko}
Meaning: 1) to make to run or flee, put to flight, drive away 2) to run swiftly in order to
catch a person or thing, to run after 2a) to press on: figuratively of one who in a race
runs swiftly to reach the goal 2b) to pursue (in a hostile manner) 3) in any way whatever
to harass, trouble, molest one 3a) to persecute 3b) to be mistreated, suffer persecution
on account of something 4) without the idea of hostility, to run after, follow after:
someone 5) metaph., to pursue 5a) to seek after eagerly, earnestly endeavour to
acquire.
I. Our Need For Pursuing Righteousness
A. So That We Might Walk In Truth
3 John 1:4 - I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
B. So That We Might Work In Truth
John 3:21 - But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made
manifest, that they are wrought in God.
C. So That We Might Worship In Truth
John 4:23 - But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall
worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
John 4:24 - God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and
in truth.
II. Our Nature In Pursuing Righteousness
A. Because Of The Limits Of Our Flesh
Romans 6:19 - I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your
flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto
iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
B. Because Of The Loss From The Fall
Ephesians 4:22 - That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man,
which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
C. Because Of The Lack Of Fruitfulness
Colossians 1:10 - That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being
fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
III. Our Nourishment From Pursuing Righteousness
A. So That We Might Grow In His Word
Matthew 4:4 - But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread
alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
B. So That We Might Grow In His Ways
Psalms 119:9 - Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed
thereto according to thy word.
C. So That We Might Grow In His Wisdom
2 Peter 3:18 - But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.