RIGHTEOUSNESS – 13

STANDARD OF RIGHTEOUSNESS – (K)

Isaiah 59:19 – So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, And His glory from the rising of the sun; When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will LIFT UP A STANDARD AGAINST HIM.

• Special note: Raising a standard against the enemy is part of the wonderful work of the HOLY SPIRIT! God is looking after HIS WORD to perform it. Living by HIS WORD brings exaltation. Raising a RIGHTEOUS STANDARD OF HUMILITY brings exaltation a to nation, but despising, ignoring, and disobeying it brings destruction.

When we are cleansed through the blood of Jesus (I John 1:7) our sins are forgiven, and His RIGHTEOUSNESS imputed to us. He takes away our UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, and exchanges it for HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS (2 Corinthians 5:21).

THE STANDARD OF THE WORD OF GOD

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT

Ephesians 6:17 – And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God…

• Special note: We are empowered in our spiritual warfare against our enemies as we are equipped with the WORD OF GOD, and use it. The Lord raises a standard against the enemy with the powerful WORD OF GOD (see Isaiah 59:19 above).

THE POWERFUL, MIGHTY, living WORD OF GOD

Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

JESUS, THE LIVING WORD

John 1:1,4,14 – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... ⁴ In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. ¹⁴ And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Revelations 19:13; 22:6 – He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The WORD OF GOD... Then he said to me, “These WORDS are faithful and true.”

JESUS WORDS BRING LIFE

John 6:63 –  It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.

JESUS PREACHED THE WORD

Matthew 2:2 – He (JESUS) preached THE WORD to them.

• Special note (Repeated for emphasis emphasis): What did Jesus preach? THE WORD!

THE CHURCH PREACHED THE WORD

Acts 8:4 – Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching THE WORD.

Acts 15:35-36 – Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the WORD OF THE LORD, with many others also. Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the WORD OF THE LORD, and see how they are doing.”

Acts 16:36 –  …they spoke the WORD OF THE LORD to him and to all who were in his house.

Acts 13:5,7,26,42,44,48-49 – They preached the WORD OF GOD in the synagogues of the Jews… the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the WORD OF GOD… those among you who fear God, to you the WORD of this salvation has been sent… the Gentiles begged that these WORDS might be preached to them the next Sabbath… On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the WORD OF GOD… Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the WORD OF THE LORD. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. And THE WORD OF THE LORD was being spread throughout all the region.

Acts 4:31 – And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the WORD OF GOD with boldness.

THE INSPIred WORD OF GOD

2 Timothy 3:16-17– ALL SCRIPTURE is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

LIVE BY EVERY WORD THAT COMES FROM GOD

Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4 – He (JESUS) answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not LIVE by bread alone, but by EVERY WORD that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”

WE ARE HEALED AND DELIVERED BY THE WORD

Psalm 107:20 – He sent HIS WORD and HEALED them, and DELIVERED them from their destructions.

Matthew 8:16 – When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with A WORD, and healed all who were sick…

Matthew 8:8 – (Centurion) … But only speak A WORD, and my servant will be healed.

THE WORD CLEANSES, IS PURE, PURIFIES AND PROTECTS US FROM SIN

Psalm 119:9-11 – How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to YOUR WORD. ¹⁰ With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! ¹¹ YOUR WORD I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.

Ephesians 5:26-27 – …Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, ²⁶ that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by THE WORD, ²⁷ that He (JESUS) might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

Psalm 12:6; 18:30; 33:4 – The WORDS OF THE LORD are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times…

THE WORD IS LIGHT

Psalm 119:105 – YOUR WORD is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Psalm 119:130 – The entrance of YOUR WORDS gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.

Psalm 27:1 – The Lord is my light and my salvation… ² When the wicked came against me… my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell… … And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me…

• Special note: (Refer to Isaiah 59:19 above) The light of God’s Word causes the enemy to fall, as the standard of God’s Word is raised.

THE WORD BRINGS BLESSING, FRUITFULNESS, AND SUCCESS

Psalm 1:1-4 – Blessed is the man… his delight is in the law (WORD) of the Lord, and in His law (WORD) he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.

Joshua 1:8 – This Book of the Law (GOD’S WORD) shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way PROSPEROUS, and then you will have GOOD SUCCESS.

TRUE DISCIPLES CONTINUE IN GOD’S WORD, WHICH BRINGS KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH

John 8:31-32 – Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you ABIDE IN MY WORD, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know THE TRUTH, and THE TRUTH shall make you free.”

THE GREATNESS OF THOSE WHO SHARE GOD’S WORD

Psalm 68:11 – The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.

• Special note: Great not only in quantity, but in excellent and honorable greatness.

FAITH COMES THROUGH HEARING GOD’S WORD, and that pleases god

Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:6 – So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the WORD OF GOD... without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

THE WORD OF GOD IS A GREAT TREASURE, BRINGS JOY, IS DESIRABLE, AND MORE VALUABLE THAN OUR NECESSARY FOOD

Psalm 119:162 – I rejoice at YOUR WORD as one who finds GREAT TREASURE.

Job 23:12 – I have treasured the WORDS OF HIS MOUTH more than my necessary food.

Proverbs 2:1-7 – My son, if you receive MY WORDS, and TREASURE MY COMMANDS within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, ⁴ If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for HIDDEN TREASURES; ⁵ Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. ⁶ For the Lord gives wisdom; from HIS MOUTH come knowledge and understanding; ⁷ He stores up sound wisdom for the upright…

Psalm 19:7-11 – The law of the Lord (GOD’S WORD) is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; ⁸ The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. ¹⁰ More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. ¹¹ Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is GREAT REWARD!

DESPISING THE WORD BRINGS DESTRUCTION; HEEDING IT IS WISE, AND BRINGS GREAT REWARD

John 15:3,7 – He who DESPISES THE WORD will be destroyed, But he who fears the commandment will be rewarded…  He who HEEDS THE WORD wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.

TRUE DISCIPLES HEAR LOVE GOD AND KEEP HIS WORDS; THOSE WHO ARE NOT OF GOD DO NOT HEAR IT

John 8:37 – He who is of God hears GOD’S WORDS; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.”

John14:23,24 – Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will KEEP MY WORD; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does NOT KEEP MY WORDS;

THE DISCIPLES PRIORITY WAS PRAYER AND THE WORD

Acts 6:4 – …we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of THE WORD.”

THE SEED IS THE WORD OF GOD

Mark 4:3-7,14; Luke 8:12 Behold, a sower went out to sow. ⁴ And it happened, as he sowed, that some seed fell by the wayside… ⁵ Some fell on stony ground…⁷ And some seed fell among thorns… The sower sows THE WORD… “Now the parable is this: THE SEED IS THE WORD OF GOD.

Matthew 13:22-23 – Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the WORD, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the WORD, and he becomes unfruitful. ²³ But he who received SEED on the good ground is he who hears the WORD and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

• Special note: The seed of God’s Word has the potential to produce an abundant, fruitful crop.

GROWTH AND THE MULTIPLICATION OF THE WORD BRINGS VICTORY

Acts 12:2; 19:20 – …the WORD OF GOD GREW and multiplied…So the WORD OF THE LORD GREW MIGHTILY and prevailed.

THE WORD BRINGS GUIDANCE AND DIRECTION

Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (See also Psalm 119:105 above)

John 16:13 – However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth (the WORD…

John 17:17 – Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth

THE WORD OF GOD IS PROVEN TO BE RIGHT AND TRUE

Psalm 12:6; 18:30; 33:4; John 17:17  – As for God, His way is perfect; The WORD OF THE LORD is proven;He is a shield to all who trust in Him… For the WORD OF THE LORD is right, And all His work is done in TRUTH. (Again) John 17:17 – Sanctify them by Your truth. YOUR WORD IS TRUTH.

THERE IS BLESSING IN HEARING THE WORD OF GOD AND KEEPING IT — DESPISING IT BRINGS DESTRUCTION

Luke 11:28 – …BLESSED are those who hear the WORD OF GOD and keep it!” (JESUS)

Proverbs 13:13; 16:20 – He who DESPISES THE WORD will be destroyed, But he who fears the commandment will be rewarded…  He who HEEDS THE WORD wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.

PARTAKING OF GOD’S WORD BRINGS JOY

Jeremiah 15:16 – YOUR WORDS were found, and I ate them, And YOUR WORD was to me the JOY and REJOICING OF MY HEART; For I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.

THE WORD OF GOD MAKES US STRONG AND HELPS US BE OVERCOMERS

I John 2:14 –   I have written to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the WORD OF GOD abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.

Revelation 12:11 – And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by THE WORD of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

• Special note: Speaking GOD’S WORD is powerful, and gives us the victory over our enemies.

MARY YIELDED TO THE WORD OF THE LORD

Luke 1:38; Matthew 1:23 – Mary (mother of Jesus) said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” … the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

CHOosing TO LISTEN TO JESUS’ WORDS is a good choice that pleases him

Luke 10:39 – she (Martha) had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard HIS WORD.

HEARING AND BELIEVING JESUS’ WORDS BRINGS ETERNAL LIFE

John 5:24 – “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears MY WORD and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.

There is a Scripture chorus that comes to mind:

• “God said it, and I believe it, and that settles it for me; God said it, and I believe it, and that settles it for me! Though some may doubt that His Word is true, I’ve chosen to believe it – now how about you? God said it, and I believe it, and that settles it for me!” ⁽¹⁾

HEARING THE WORD PRECIPITATES THE HOLY SPIRIT FALLING UPON US

Acts 10:44; 11:1 – While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard THE WORD… Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the WORD OF GOD.

WE ARE APPROVED OF THE LORD BY studying and ministering THE WORD of truth

2 Corinthians 6:7 – (approving ourselves as ministers of God) – by the WORD OF TRUTH, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left…

2 Timothy 2:15 – Study to shew yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Ephesians 1:13 – In Him you also trusted, after you heard the WORD OF TRUTH, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

MORE FROM PSALM 119 ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF GOD’S WORD

Psalm 119:1, 16-17,28, 38,41-42, 50, 58,65,67, 74,76,89, 103, 107, 116, 130, 133,160, 162, 169-170, 172    Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the law of the Lord!… I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget. Deal bountifully with Your servant, That I may live and keep YOUR WORD… Strengthen me according to YOUR WORD… Establish YOUR WORD to Your servant, Who is devoted to fearing You… Let Your mercies come also to me, O Lord— Your salvation according to YOUR WORD… I trust in YOUR WORD… This is my comfort in my affliction, For YOUR WORD has given me life. .. Be merciful to me according to YOUR WORD…You have dealt well with Your servant, O Lord, according to YOUR WORD… Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep YOUR WORD… I have hoped in YOUR WORD… Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort, According to YOUR WORD to Your servant… Forever, O Lord, YOUR WORD is settled in heaven… I have restrained my feet from every evil way, That I may keep YOUR WORD… How sweet are YOUR WORDS to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth! … I am afflicted very much; Revive me, O Lord, according to YOUR WORD… Uphold me according to YOUR WORD, that I may live;… The entrance of YOUR WORDS gives light; It gives understanding to the simple. Direct my steps by YOUR WORD, And let no iniquity have dominion over me… The entirety of YOUR WORD IS TRUTH, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever… I rejoice at YOUR WORD As one who finds great treasure… Give me understanding according to YOUR WORD… Deliver me according to YOUR WORD… My tongue shall speak of YOUR WORD…   H

THE LORD LOOKS AFTER HIS WORD TO PERFORM IT – HIS WORDS WILL NEVER FAIL OR PASS AWAY

Jeremiah 1:12 – …for I will hasten my word to perform it.

Psalm 89:34 – My covenant I will not break, nor alter THE WORD that has gone out of My lips… He remembers His covenant forever, THE WORD which He commanded, for a thousand generations…

I Kings 8:36; Joshua 21:45 – Blessed be the Lord, that has given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there has not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant… Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass.

Ezekiel 12:25 –  I am the Lord: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged: for in your days, O rebellious house, will I say the word, and will perform it, says the Lord God.

Matthew 24:35 – Heaven and earth will pass away, but MY WORDS will by no means pass away.

WISDOM IS THE REVELATION OF GOD’S WORDS TO US

Proverbs 1:23; 4:5,20 – Turn at my rebuke; Surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make MY WORDS known to you… Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the WORDS of my mouth… give attention to MY WORDS; Incline your ear to my sayings.

IF WE ARE ASHAMED OF HIS WORDS, THE LORD WILL BE ASHAMED OF US

Luke 9:26 – …whoever is ashamed of Me (JESUS) and MY WORDS, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory…

IMPORTANCE OF GOD’S WORD

The WORD OF GOD is very important! How much do we value it? Are we willing to diligently study it? Are we willing to live by it?

A REVEALING SURVEY TAKEN

In a survey Involving 100,000 people over 8 years, here are some of the findings. Those who engage the Bible four or more times a week experienced far less destructive behavior:

• 62% less drunkenness

• 59% less pornography

• 59% less sexual sin

• 45% less gambling

• Reduced bitterness 40%

• Reduced destructive thoughts by 32%

• Reduced isolation by 32%

• Reduced inability to forgive 31%

• Reduced loneliness by 30%

“BIBLE ENGAGEMENT improves your self-esteem, family structure, and social interactions. It’s the “single most powerful predictor of spiritual growth. So if you want to know the Bible better – you’ll be better for it!” ⁽²⁾

THE STANDARD OF GOD’S WORD

The Lord is faithfully raising a STANDARD OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, according to His faithful WORD. HIS WORD is light, and light is more powerful than darkness. Darkness flees when light comes… (Again) Psalm 119:130 – …the entrance of YOUR Word gives light…

• Special note: Prophetically, the church is to let the light of God’s Word shine to the world.

Matthew 5:14-16 – “You are the light of the world…¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Isaiah 60:1-2 – Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. ² For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you.

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1. Special acknowledgement and thanks to the anonymous composer of this song. Also, thanks to the Heritage Singers for their vintage recording of “GOD SAID IT, AND I BELIEVE IT” around 50 years ago. You might like to check it out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=924MCB12MfA&list=RD924MCB12MfA&start_radio=1
2. Special acknowledgement to the Center for Bible Engagement (CBE) focusing on the “Power of 4” (Bible engagement 4+ days/week), the affect of Bible Engagement is documented by CBE often cited in their research and reports, highlighting positive impacts on life, character, and spiritual growth. More information can be accessed at their website: centerforbibleengagement.org/post/bible-engagement-a-key-to-spiritual-growth.