Saturday, 20 July 2024
FRUITS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
May you abound in and be filled with the fruits of righteousness (of right standing with God and right doing)... (Philippians 1:11 AMPC).
Did you know that we’re trees of righteousness? Isaiah 61:3 says, “...that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” We’re trees of righteousness, planted by the Lord to produce fruits of righteousness. Hallelujah!
It brings to mind the words of the Master in John 15:5, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” In the 8th verse, He continued, “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples” (John 15:8). We show ourselves to be His disciples when our lives are filled with abundant fruits and works of righteousness.
Everywhere you find yourself, manifest the fruits of righteousness; produce works of righteousness, because you’re the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Who you are is what you’ll manifest. Whatever is inside you is what will manifest under pressure.
Therefore, because you’re a tree of righteousness—the righteousness of God in Christ—it’s your nature to walk in righteousness and do works of righteousness. In Matthew 10:8, the Lord Jesus charged us to freely manifest fruits and works of righteousness when He said, “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.”
Ephesians 4:24 (NIV) says, “and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” And Ephesians 5:1-2 & 8-10 (NIV) says, “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.”
Remember, we’re His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2:10).
PRAYER: Dear Father, I thank you for making me a tree of righteousness, planted by you to produce fruits of righteousness. My life is a reflection of your righteousness, and a testimony of your goodness to the world, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Matthew 5:16; John 15:5-8; 2 Corinthians 9:10
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 26:19-32 & Psalms 19-20
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Galatians 6:1-9 & Isaiah 40