Righteousness: The Blessing
Matthew 5:45 (NLT) He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
righteous or wicked
godly or ungodly
just or unjust
good or evil
light or darkness
child of God or a child of the devil
sheep or a goat
saved or unsaved
believer or an unbeliever
Romans 5:18-19 (TPT) In other words, just as condemnation came upon all people through one transgression, so through one righteous act of Jesus’ sacrifice, the perfect righteousness that makes us right with God and leads to a victorious life is now available to all. 19 One man’s disobedience opened the door for all humanity to become sinners. So also one man’s obedience opened the door for many to be made perfectly right with God and acceptable to Him.
Romans 3:28 (TPT) So our conclusion is this: God’s wonderful declaration that we are righteous in His eyes can only come when we put our faith in Christ…
Romans 4:1-5 (NLT) Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What did he discover about being made right with God? 2 If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God’s way. 3 For the Scripture tells us, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” 4 When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. 5 But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners.
Romans 4:6-8 (NASB) just as David also speaks of the blessing of the person to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, and whose sins have been covered. 8 Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account.”
Proverbs 10:6 (NKJV) Blessings are on the head of the righteous…
“The moment we put our faith in Jesus, we were not only made righteous before God,
but we were also positioned to live under the blessing of righteousness.”
Blessed — “happy, prosperous, successful, content, fortunate, and satisfied.”
Psalm 35:27 (NASB) And let them say continually, “The Lord be magnified, Who delights in the prosperity of His servant.”
3 John 1:2 (AMP) Beloved, I pray that in every way you may succeed and prosper and be in good health [physically], just as [I know] your soul prospers [spiritually].
1. God watches over the righteous
Psalm 34:15 (NLT) The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; His ears are open to their cries for help.
Psalm 139:2-6 (NLT) You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. 3 You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. 4 You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. 5 You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand.
2. God strengthens the righteous
2 Chronicles 16:9 (NKJV) For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.
3. God protects the righteous
Isaiah 54:17 (NLT) But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from Me.
4. God provides for the righteous
Matthew 6:25-33 (NLT) “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to Him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all His glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 31 So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.”
Psalm 37:25 (NKJV) I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.
5. God puts His favor on the righteous
Psalm 5:12 (NIV) Surely, Lord, You bless the righteous; You surround them with Your favor as with a shield.
6. God directs the steps of the righteous
Psalm 37:23 (AMP) The steps of a [good and righteous] man are directed and established by the Lord, and He delights in his way [and blesses his path].
7. God hears the prayers of the righteous
Proverbs 15:29 (NLT) The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayers of the righteous.
James 5:16 (MSG) The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.
8. God gives peace and joy to the righteous
Psalm 29:11 (NKJV) The Lord will bless His people with peace.
Psalm 32:11 (AMP) Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous [who actively seek right standing with Him]; shout for joy, all you upright in heart.
“When we choose to live a righteous life, we choose a blessed life. But if we think His blessings are entirely for us to enjoy…we are missing the point.”
Genesis 12:2 (NKJV) “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing.”