[… filled with the fruit of righteousness] that comes through Jesus Christ…
Summary: Righteousness that comes through Jesus is different than human righteousness.
As we continue through this passage, we discover that Paul is referring to a specific kind of righteousness, the kind that comes through Jesus Christ.
The word Paul uses for “righteousness” is “dikaiosýnē,” in Greek, which Strong’s Concordance defines as “equity (of character or act)” (Strong’s G1343).
To understand how the word “righteous” is used, we have to rely on its context. For example, when Jesus says, “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven,” (Matthew 5:20), he is using the righteousness of the Pharisees as a measuring stick.
In a different context, Paul writes, “For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’” (Romans 1:17) In this context Paul is using the “righteousness of God” as the standard.
This begs the question, “What is God’s standard of righteousness?”
God answers this question through the prophet Micah:
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)
In this passage, Micah points out specific actions that mimic the righteousness of God.
When we talk about specific actions, we have to be careful. People tend to equate actions with legalistic requirements that can be quantified. This tendency leads to questions like, “Did you go to church this week?” or “Did you tithe your income before tax or after tax?” and the like.
I want to be clear: We are not talking about legalism here.
Instead, we are talking about the “fruit” of righteousness. Fruit is something that grows out of a tree or vine and matures in its own time. Like the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), we can “see” the impact that God is having in a person’s life by the changes we see in the people who know Jesus. If there are no changes, if we do not see any “fruit,” then that tells us something, too.
There are other fruits of righteousness we could talk about, but for now, the passage from Micah provides a good starting point. People who know Jesus, who act justly, show mercy, and walk humbly with God are pretty easy to spot.
Application: When looking for the “plank” in our own eye (Matthew 7:3-5), begin with Micah’s short list.
Food for Thought: How is living by faith (Romans 1:17) an act of righteousness?
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Living by faith is an act of righteousness because when we do so we are applying His righteousness rather than our own. Living by faith and depending on Him is Christ centered living, whereas living selfishly in my own power and for myself is “me” centered living. What could go wrong?
Thank you, Rich!
What could go wrong, indeed! Only everything!! “Me centered” living brings out the worst in me and poisons everything I touch. I think I’ll stick with Jesus!
A wiser man than me once told me “Faith is changing the question away from me to God. From ‘what have I done and can I do enough?’ to ‘what has God done?’ It is not about what I have done or can do, it is about what God has already done.”
If we believe that God is righteous, that His will is righteous, that the expression of His will is righteous, then we have assurance that by doing His will we are acting righteously. The expressions of our thoughts (our actions and words) that are faithful to Him, are pleasing to Him. Because God is righteous, an act of faith in Him is pleasing to Him, and therefore righteous.
Thank you, Chris!
I like the way you framed this. By acting in faith we affirm God’s righteousness.
Nicely stated Rich!
How is living by faith (Romans 1:17) an act of righteousness?
In the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed as righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
Romans 1:17
In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Romans 6:11
For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them. 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for the righteous shall live by faith. Galatians 3:10-11
All mankind has the power to deceive themselves as we establish our standards of righteousness achieved by our own power.
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
1 John 1:8
A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.
Proverbs 21:2
Righteousness is beyond the abilities of mankind to achieve and can only come from God through His Son Jesus Christ. This truth is not a product of human minds, but TRUTH made known by the convicting work of the Holy Spirit.
John 16:8
Giving ourselves to God is an act of submission to His will for our lives over our own. In this act of lifelong submission, we increasingly surrender our power to discern, apply, live by any standard of righteousness but that given to us by God. His Holy Spirit, His written word are the power guiding us into a life pleasing to Him.
Thank you, Ron!
“Righteousness is beyond the abilities of mankind to achieve and can only come from God through His Son Jesus Christ.”
— That is a powerful truth!