"Filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ- to the glory and praise God." Philippians 1:11 NIV.
RIGHTEOUSNESS
Righteousness is more than just being declared innocent of crime; it is to be declared pure and holy before God demands purity and holiness for acceptance. He himself is pure and holy, and to demand less would compromise his holiness, making him guilty and not worthy to rule or judge.GOOD FRUIT
The fruit of righteousness comes from having righteousness.BUT
Righteousness is so lofty a state that man can never obtain it. Righteousness before a holy God would require holy righteousness, pure and without any corruption, stain, sin, or blemish. Who could claim that? Paul believed the people in the church could have this fruit, so he prayed for the church in Philippi to have this fruit to the full.YET IT IS GIVEN
Righteousness is a gift given by God the Father. It comes not by our efforts or merits but by Jesus Christ. None of our efforts or a combination of efforts will earn righteousness.HOW
Righteousness comes through Jesus Christ. He is the source of our righteousness. He was righteous himself; that is, he was without sin. None who encountered him found sin in his actions, words, or life. Even the Roman Judge said, "I find no guilt in him." (John 18:38). Since Jesus had no sin of his own to die for, he gave his life to pay for our sins as a substitution; this makes righteousness available for us. We receive the righteousness he offers as a gift, and we receive it by faith.When we have this righteousness through Jesus, we will have the works of Jesus coming through us. The love Jesus had for others will fill us, and we will love others. The gentleness and kindness of Jesus will be ours. The beautiful life he lived will be the life we live.
THE PURPOSE
Righteousness and the fruit of Righteousness are not for our self-promotion but for the glory and praise of God. He gave us rightness standing before him; he gives the fruit and the blessings that accompany it. It is right that he gets the glory and the right thing to do is to praise him.
(c) Adron 9/16/12
