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Daily Devotions

2 Timothy

2 Timothy 
Day 
Day 77

“Profitable… for instruction in righteousness.”

Text: 2 Timothy 3:16

TWO KINDS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

There are two kinds of righteousness that are clearly taught in the Scriptures:-

1. Imputed righteousness

a) On our own we will not be able to stand before a holy God.
b) However because of the Lord Jesus Christ we have “imputed righteousness”.
i) Christ’s righteousness is imputed to us.
ii) We thus stand before God covered in the perfect righteousness of Christ the Lord.

2. Personal righteousness is quite different

a) We need the Scriptures to teach us how to practise personal righteousness.
b) Personal righteousness should issue forth from our life if we speak of a true faith in God.

PERSONAL RIGHTEOUSNESS OF SERVANTS OF GOD

The apostle Paul wrote about the kind of behaviour expected of those who seek to serve the Lord as Deacons and Elders/Bishops (1 Timothy 3:1-13). The behaviour of these people will reflect their personal righteousness!

WHERE THERE IS NO PRACTICE OF PERSONAL RIGHTEOUSNESS

Paul also wrote about the behaviour of false teachers (2 Timothy 3:1-9). The lack of personal righteousness is all too clear. True Christianity is not merely about the profession of faith! Where there is no personal righteousness the genuineness and the strength of faith is in serious doubt!

A WONDERFUL PICTURE OF A TRULY RIGHTEOUS PERSON

While there are many portions which teach about personal righteousness, Psalm 112 is truly a classic text. This portion of Scripture helps us to understand what it means to be a truly righteous person! Ten features may be highlighted!

1. He fears the Lord.

2. He delights in His commandments.

3. His righteousness endures forever.

4. He is gracious.

5. He is full of compassion.

6. He graciously lends to those in need.

7. He guides his affairs with discretion.

8. His heart is steadfast, trusting the Lord.

9. His heart is established.

10. He gives to the poor.