What is Righteousness and Why Should I Care?

Understanding Biblical Vocabulary

One of the main goals of this study is to give us an understanding of biblical vocabulary. We hear a lot of words thrown around in sermons and see them in the Scriptures that may seem like a foreign language. Many well-intended Christians may not fully grasp these terms to teach them clearly. Understanding them deeply equips us to live by them, share them with others, and explain why we believe what we believe.

A Basic Definition of Righteousness

Righteousness is the expectation of excellence in all that we say and do that produces excellence.

This forms a foundation for everything else. We all recognize unrighteousness when someone hurts or offends us—it bothers us because something wasn't right. Morality ties into this: what is morally right versus wrong.

Righteousness is an expectation. When it's fulfilled, we experience righteousness; when unfulfilled, unrighteousness. We expect good quality and morality from others. Growing up, we learn our family, church, and society's standards of right and wrong. Living rightly produces excellent results—extremely good speech and behavior leading to excellent experiences.

The world tries to define its own righteousness, like in cultural agendas pushing certain lifestyles as good and opposing views as wrong. But we pursue biblical righteousness that produces true excellence.

What is the Biblical Definition of Righteousness?

Deuteronomy 4:1-8

"Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the rules that I am teaching you, and do them, that you may live and go in and take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your fathers, is giving you. You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you... See, I have taught you statutes and rules, as the Lord my God commanded me, that you should do them in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.' For what great nation is there that has a God so near to it as the Lord our God is to us, whenever we call upon him? And what great nation is there, that has statutes and rules so righteous as all this law that I set before you today?"

Righteousness means not adding to or taking from God's Word—preserving it entirely. It is holding fast to the Lord, keeping and doing His rules. This produces wisdom: knowing how to live from God's perspective. The righteous become a great nation of wise, understanding people who discern situations and make right choices.

Those who live in God's expectations live eternally; those who don't, perish.

Romans 1:17

"For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'The righteous shall live by faith.'"

The gospel reveals God's righteousness, which becomes our faith. Faith is expecting God's excellence to save us. The righteous live by faith because God instills in them the expectation of salvation.

Romans 4:1-12

"What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.' ... To the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness ... Blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin."

Abraham's faith was counted as righteousness—God's righteousness, not earned by works. Righteousness has two aspects: forgiveness of sins and being considered righteous by faith, as with Abraham trusting God's promise of a son.

How Can I Live in God's Righteousness?

2 Timothy 2:22

"So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace..."

Flee youthful passions—cravings for physical or emotional satisfaction through relationships, chemicals, or entertainment. Pursue righteousness by being trustworthy like God, loving graciously, and pursuing peace—being calm amid chaos.

James 1:20-21

"For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls."

Put away anger, filthiness, and wickedness; receive God's Word.

1 John 3:10-15

"By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother... We should not be like Cain who was of the evil one and murdered his brother... Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you."

Practice righteousness by loving brothers in Christ, hating the world, and living in light, not darkness. Righteous believers are distinguishable and hated by the world.

Practical Applications

• Obedience to parents: Do what they say unless it involves sin—honoring God's reputation.
• Relationships: Men, guard and defend her purity ("man and virgin"). Women, encourage him to be godly. Avoid worldly ways.
• Self-control: Be sober-minded, restrained, concerned for God's reputation.

Why Should I Care?

Righteousness is the difference between eternal life and death. Our own righteousness is filthy rags; God's righteousness brings salvation.

Psalm 5:12

"For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield."

God blesses the righteous with joy, right attitudes, and protection like a shield.

Proverbs 29:2

"When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan."

Proverbs 21:15

"When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers."

Psalm 37:16

"Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked."

Psalm 32:11

"Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!"

Righteousness produces joy, rejoicing, and endurance in any circumstance—eternal life now and forever. It is what God expects of us, and what we expect of Him: goodness fulfilling His promises. Living this way lets humanity function correctly, producing enjoyment in life.