God’s Righteousness

My friend Mark asked a question in church a week or two ago. It was regarding Matthew 5:20 where Jesus contrasts the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees with the righteousness his disciples were to have. Essentially he asked, “What’s the difference between them?” Over the last two weeks I feel the Lord has been giving us a more clear answer.

First, let’s look deeper into the righteousness of the religious leaders who rejected Jesus. Paul states, “For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. For not knowing about God's righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God” (Romans 10:2-3).
It appears that religious righteousness is zealous for God, but it appears to be misdirected. The target of their zeal, God, had provided knowledge of his righteousness, but it didn’t coincide with the righteousness they had conjured up on their own.

Why didn’t these religious men know about God’s righteousness? Didn’t they have the scriptures? The answer in short is, yes. They did possess the scriptures, but they were not possessed by the same faith and spirit by which the prophets were who spoke and recorded them. It is by faith and what accompanies faith, that is, the promise of the Holy Spirit (Gal 3:14) by which one can “know God’s righteousness”. Had they possession of the same faith as their fathers they would have understood; they would have recognized the righteousness of God. Simeon did. Anna did. Now the Disciples of Christ can because they have an indwelling faith and Spirit by which to recognize God’s righteousness and not only recognize but provide the world a living example of it. Through his Spirit God begins to reveal himself, his character and righteousness. Like a father teaches his son - he teaches us.

So, we’re sons. We have faith. We’ve received the promise of the Spirit. But we didn’t get a new set of brains. We still have cultural and experiential recollections that create a framework of thought and action that may be in contradiction with God’s righteousness. Where do we receive God’s perspective? Some would say to begin with reason and work your way down the philosophical model until you reach revelation. Wherever revelation contradicts reason (fill in the blank with your philosophy of choice) then disregard that aspect of revelation. But Christ said that he was the truth (John14:6) and that his words were life (John 6:63) and that everyone who had heard and learned from the Father comes to him (6:45). That’s amazing! Jesus is saying that he is the expression of God’s truth and knowledge. He is the teacher of righteousness and his words produce life and the righteousness of God.

Jesus, through his faith and faithfulness to the Father and his love for man, embodies what God was looking for in righteousness. Now if we’re not possessed by the Spirit and faith of Christ then we will not be able to follow his example. We are, however, called to imitate his example and that of the apostles (1 Cor 10:33-11:1). How was the faith of Jesus displayed? It was revealed on the cross; when he didn’t seek his own welfare, but the welfare of others. When he emptied himself and became obedient unto death (Phil 2:6-8). All of these things (examples) are teaching us about the righteousness of God.

The Old Testament is full of prophetic examples (Isaiah 50:*.*). Notice the character of the Servant of Jehovah in 50:4-6. He has care for others and he willingly accepts the rebuke and chastisement of men (religious me no doubt). But Isaiah goes on to say that while the Servant is being condemned, Jehovah would be present to justify him. Jehovah would declare his Servant to be righteous and all those who persecuted him would be condemned. Later, Isaiah 53, the Servant, through is suffering, is said to justify many as he was justified (but that’s a whole ‘nother post). Anyway, according to 50:10 all those who were in darkness who obeyed the words of the Servant and trusted in God (synonymous phrases) would be provided the light that comes from God, that is, God’s righteousness. But those who didn’t recognize and obey the words of the Servant; those who kindled their own flame, those who lit their own torches, those who established their own righteousness, were consumed (50:11; Rom 10:2-3).

Therefore, God’s righteousness is found by an ardent pursuit to know God through his Servant, Jesus Christ. The knowledge is not passive, but active through faith. Our faith (trust) in God will be expressed through love toward others (Gal 5:6). Paul provides practical exhortation to the believers in Philippi by telling them not to act through strife and selfish ambition, BUT in humility, esteem others better than themselves. What if we would have a godly estimation of the value of others? He goes on to say for the Philippians to not look on their own interest (only), BUT in humility, look out for the interests of others. What was Paul’s basis for this kind of self-giving humility? It was Christ! Though he was in the form of God he didn’t greedily grasp at his advantage, BUT in humility, became a servant who sacrificed himself for others. Now we may say, “that’s not very specific, what do we do when…?” Fill in the ellipse. Paul may say, “Do you trust God? Are you in hot pursuit of his will? He’ll provide you with light for the situation.” If we attempt to answer the specifics too generally (satisfying our selfishness) or too narrowly (satisfying our pride) we’re in danger of having our own righteousness. Let God provide the light – it’s just bright enough for the next step.