But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

The sermon on the mount took many dimensions and one of such is the statement above. The religious church had given many interpretations to this verse by our Lord and we had been taught to do something as requirements to getting "all these things" which shall be added unto us. They had taught us to come to church more, join one unit or more in the church, pray more, fast more, give alms more, attend more religious functions\programs\conventions, go to the mountain more etc. All of these things are good but are they in the context of "...God and his righteousness"? Is the Lord saying this "seeking" should be done as a requirement\demand or as in order to find out something by thinking, meditating, reasoning, to enquire into, aim at, strive after? We shall continue and find out.

Christ is the mediator of the new testament and such, all new testament teachings by the Apostles are revelations of Christ messages after His finished works and Christ revealed truth of most of His messages\teachings to them most things meant in His teachings. Luke 24:27, Ephesians 3:1-5.

Christ's audience at this time of the above statement were the Jews who are under the regulations of the Mosaic law. One of the missions of Christ was that, he was sent to save and\or to redeem his people (the Jewish) from their sins, specifically talking about the Jews who at this time was under the law (Matthew 1:21, Galatians 4:4-5) and so, his teachings was radical towards redeeming these people who are soaked in the law of Moses. Over the time, they (the Jews) have established their own righteousness which is different from God righteousness that Christ in our opening text called "and his righteousness". So, what do we have going on here: there's righteousness that the Jewish people established for themselves geared towards doing something towards making themselves right with God and there is God's own righteousness (kingdom of God AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS) of how He makes people right with Himself.

Romans 10 Amplified Bible (AMP)

10 Brethren, [with all] my heart’s desire and goodwill for [Israel], I long and pray to God that they may be saved.

2 I bear them witness that they have a [certain] zeal and enthusiasm for God, but it is not enlightened and according to [correct and vital] knowledge.

3 For being ignorant of the righteousness that God ascribes [which makes one acceptable to Him in word, thought, and deed] and seeking to establish a righteousness (a means of salvation) of their own, they did not obey or submit themselves to God’s righteousness.

4 For Christ is the end of the Law [the limit at which it ceases to be, for the Law leads up to Him Who is the fulfillment of its types, and in Him the purpose which it was designed to accomplish is fulfilled. That is, the purpose of the Law is fulfilled in Him] as the means of righteousness (right relationship to God) for everyone who trusts in and adheres to and relies on Him.

5 For Moses writes that the man who [can] practice the righteousness (perfect conformity to God’s will) which is based on the Law [with all its intricate demands] shall live by it.

6 But the righteousness based on faith [imputed by God and bringing right relationship with Him] says, Do not say in your heart, Who will ascend into Heaven? that is, to bring Christ down;

When Christ said "seek ye first the kingdom of God AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS". He's not teaching "seeking" as fulfilling a requirement\demand which was what the law was all about and that was already going on as a practice so he wasn't telling them to continue doing what they were doing if it was a good\perfect course. How do we know that? Paul, the Apostle explained that according to revelation - Romans 10:2, Israel had already being seeking to establish their own righteousness and would not submit to God's righteousness. So Christ was teaching these Jews to seek God's kingdom and God's way of righteousness.

Christ is God's righteousness as a gift to save the Jews and the world. Christ is the works that wrought the righteousness of God. What Paul the Apostle was teaching is, Israel like many today are still doing something to get right with God (doing the demands\requirements of the law) but Christ had already done the fulfillment\requirements\demands of the law. So, in Christ through faith in His finished works, we are made right with God.

New International Version
For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous - Romans 5:19

New International Version
It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption - 1 Corinthians 1:30

This is nothing but a radical statement! You did nothing to be a sinner, it was by the disobedient of one person, Adam. In the same manner, you can do absolutely nothing to be made right back to God, it is through Christ and Christ is the righteousness which you must receive as a gift of God that in doing that, "all these things will be added to you"

...and all these things shall be added unto you.

What is so powerful about this God's righteousness that it adds all things in life to you? The Father gave gift to all those who will come to Him through Christ. The Son gave gift to men also and the Spirit gave gifts to believers. Righteousness is the Father's authoritative gift. It is given to you by\through Christ and imputed to by faith in the finished works of Christ not in doing works the law of Moses demanded\required. This is God's way of making people right with Himself, not man trying to make himself right with God because man will have something to boast of should man's way work.

New International Version
For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ - Romans 5:17

Listen, do you want to reign in life? And all these things added unto you? There's a gift of righteousness in Christ that declares you righteous before God and the devil cannot accuse of anymore. The Devil stands in guilt against you but you declare by faith in the finished works of Christ, I am the righteousness of God in Christ. This is the righteousness of God that Christ was teaching "into the future" to these Jews but they never understood His teachings.

Receive God's gift of righteousness today in and through Christ and all other things shall be added unto you and you shall reign in life.

Excellent posts. Though I don't agree with this statement:

Goshen360:


You did nothing to be a sinner, it was by the disobedient of one person, Adam.

I am sure you have discussed the concept of original sin elsewhere so to not derail this thread point me to that one.

I am of the opinion that the op was just pointing at the helplessness of man in getting entangled with sin... recalling the words of David, he said in Sin did my mother conceive me. Same way our helplessness played out in the origin of sin so also is the beauty of salvation, we didn't put in any effort to have it extended to us.

@Goshen360 lemme get something clear here, your writeup suggests that Jesus' statement could be better understood by reading it in context. In this case the Jewish legalistic righteousness which God actually described as filthy. Now applying it to us u didn't really say how we should therefore practice or walk in line with that instruction. Religiosity or Activism as I will like to call it, while it is good it is not a manifestation of the righteousness that comes from God through faith in Christ Jesus. How then should Christians ensure they don't get dragged deeper and deeper into that Web of my righteousness my effort my pleasing God because in all honesty we are never sure if we have done enough. That I believe is what u should further elucidate on.

And by the way your message is in 2 parts. What re the all other things that the Lord referred To? I don't really think it's the exact thing that is preached in popular culture i.e.wealth and all

Goshen360:
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

The sermon on the mount took many dimensions and one of such is the statement above. The religious church had given many interpretations to this verse by our Lord and we had been taught to do something as requirements to getting "all these things" which shall be added unto us.

An important statement from the lord that should never go behind the scene.

@Goshen: nice one. You should highlight "added" as you did "his righteousness". It is important to not that Jesus said "it will be added" and not "seek them later"...rather he said "these things the gentiles seek after and your father knows that you have need of them" in the preceding verse.

Shalom.

Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid.

Ukutsgp:
Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid.

How shall we that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

dein77:


How shall we that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

let no man deceive you; he that doeth righteousness is righteous.

Ukutsgp:
let no man deceive you; he that doeth righteousness is righteous.

He that DOETH RIGHTEOUSNESS IS RIGHTEOUS? Really? Are you sure what you saying? If yes, provide scriptures please. I hope you're not referring to RIGHTEOUSNESS UNDER THE LAW?

Goshen360:


He that DOETH RIGHTEOUSNESS IS RIGHTEOUS? Really? Are you sure what you saying? If yes, provide scriptures please. I hope you're not referring to RIGHTEOUSNESS UNDER THE LAW?

do u think i formulated it from my head? Is in the bible. I hope u know where it is?

PART II: COMING SOON

Righteousness Exalt A Nation.

Ukutsgp:
do u think i formulated it from my head? Is in the bible. I hope u know where it is?

I'm talking to much with you, give us bible verse please. If you're wise, you should know where I'm going and coming from.

Goshen360:


I'm talking to much with you, give us bible verse please. If you're wise, you should know where I'm going and coming from.

check 1 John 3:7.

Ukutsgp:
check 1 John 3:7.

I'm sure you reading English, not Spanish.

Is he saying you're righteous BECAUSE OF THE RIGHTEOUS THINGS YOU DO or he's saying you do RIGHTEOUS THINGS BECAUSE YOU'RE RIGHTEOUS?

Grab another translation and read before you reply o.

Ukutsgp:
let no man deceive you; he that doeth righteousness is righteous.

Even as He is righteous. I Jn 3.7

Goshen360:




I'm sure you reading English, not Spanish.

Is he saying you're righteous BECAUSE OF THE RIGHTEOUS THINGS YOU DO or he's saying you do RIGHTEOUS THINGS BECAUSE YOU'RE RIGHTEOUS?

Grab another translation and read before you reply o.

we need to clarify some things about righteousness.

The Greek word that we translate as righteous is
dike (pronounced, dee-kay ). And while the ancient
Greek meaning was tendency , the use of this word
in the Bible implies justice and conformance to
established standards . Justice means doing the
right thing, and conformance to established
standards (in the Bible) refers to following the
ways of God . So the word righteous can also be
translated as just , since righteousness is so closely
tied to justice.

Here are a few conclusions about what the Bible
says is righteousness, and the scriptures from
which these conclusions have been drawn:

What the Scriptures Say

If you really want to be righteous, you
can be – Matthew 5:6:
'Those hungering and thirsting for
righteousness are blest,
For, they will find satisfaction.'

If you flaunt your righteousness, you
won't be rewarded by God for the good
things you do – Matthew 6:1:
'Be careful that you do not practice,
Your righteousness before other men,
So that they will see what you're doing
Or you will receive no reward,
From your Father in heaven.'

Righteousness involves living for God's
Kingdom – Matthew 6:33: 'Put the
Kingdom and righteousness first, and then
all these other things will be given to you.'

The things you do prove whether you
are righteous – Matthew 11:19: 'Wisdom
is proven righteous by her deeds.'

The things that you say prove whether
you are righteous – Romans 3:4: 'As it's
written: So that you might be proven
righteous by your words and you can come
off victorious when you're being judged. '

Someone who deliberately misleads
others can never be found righteous –
Matthew 12:36:
'And I tell you that on the Judgment Day,
They'll have to answer for all of the things,
Which they've said to lead others astray.

Immoral, unclean, and greedy people
will not be found righteous – Ephesians
5:5: '[For it's easy] to recognize those who
are immoral, unclean, and greedy (which
really amounts to being idol worshipers),
and you know that they won't receive an
inheritance in the Kingdom the Anointed
One and of The God.'

To be counted righteous, you must treat
other righteous people very well –
Matthew 25:37-40: 'Then the righteous will
ask: Lord, when did we see you hungry and
feed you, or thirsty and give you something
to drink? When did we see you a stranger
and take you in, or naked and clothe you?
When did we see you sick or in prison, and
come to your [aid]? And the king will say: I
tell you the truth; When you did it for the
least of my brothers, you also did it for me. '

Righteous people are at peace with
others – James 3:18: 'The seeds of the fruit
of righteousness are planted in peace by
the peacemakers!'

You have to be an honest judge to be
found righteous – John 7:24: 'Quit judging
from the way things look on the surface
judge righteously!'

Righteousness involves standing up for
right things, even if that invites
persecution – Acts 4:19, 20: 'If it's
righteous in God's eyes to listen to you
instead of to God, judge for yourselves. But
we can't stop talking about the things
we've seen and heard.'

A righteous person has faith in God and
His promises – Romans 3:28: 'We believe
that a man is called righteous because of
his faith, not by the works of the Law!.'

True righteousness requires more than
just faith – James 2:24: 'A man is
pronounced righteous by the things that he
does, not by his faith alone.'
To be counted as righteous, you can't be
immoral or continue in a sinful course –
Romans 6:12-14: 'Therefore, don't allow
sin to rule your mortal bodies anymore
and don't obey its desires no, don't offer
your body parts as unrighteous weapons of
sin! Rather, offer yourselves to The God as
people who've been made alive from
among those [who are] dead; and [offer]
your body parts to The God as weapons of
righteousness! So, sin must not be your
master, because you aren't under the Law;
rather, you're under [God's] loving care.'
Most people in the world aren't

considered righteous – 1 Corinthians 6:1:
'Would any of you who think you have
been [wronged] by another dare to take it
to court [to be tried by] unrighteous men,
rather than by the Holy Ones?

Although faith is required to prove
ourselves righteous, speaking about
what we believe is what saves us –
Romans 10:10: 'For, it's this belief in your
hearts that makes you righteous; and it's
your mouths (when they confesses this)
that are saving you.'

Ukutsgp:
we need to clarify some things about righteousness.
The Greek word that we translate as righteous is
dike (pronounced, dee-kay ). And while the ancient
Greek meaning was tendency , the use of this word
in the Bible implies justice and conformance to
established standards . Justice means doing the
right thing, and conformance to established
standards (in the Bible) refers to following the
ways of God . So the word righteous can also be
translated as just , since righteousness is so closely
tied to justice.
Here are a few conclusions about what the Bible
says is righteousness, and the scriptures from
which these conclusions have been drawn:
What the Scriptures Say
If you really want to be righteous, you
can be – Matthew 5:6:
'Those hungering and thirsting for
righteousness are blest,
For, they will find satisfaction.'
If you flaunt your righteousness, you
won't be rewarded by God for the good
things you do – Matthew 6:1:
'Be careful that you do not practice,
Your righteousness before other men,
So that they will see what you're doing
Or you will receive no reward,
From your Father in heaven.'
Righteousness involves living for God's
Kingdom – Matthew 6:33: 'Put the
Kingdom and righteousness first, and then
all these other things will be given to you.'
The things you do prove whether you
are righteous – Matthew 11:19: 'Wisdom
is proven righteous by her deeds.'
The things that you say prove whether
you are righteous – Romans 3:4: 'As it's
written: So that you might be proven
righteous by your words and you can come
off victorious when you're being judged. '
Someone who deliberately misleads
others can never be found righteous –
Matthew 12:36:
'And I tell you that on the Judgment Day,
They'll have to answer for all of the things,
Which they've said to lead others astray.
Immoral, unclean, and greedy people
will not be found righteous – Ephesians
5:5: '[For it's easy] to recognize those who
are immoral, unclean, and greedy (which
really amounts to being idol worshipers),
and you know that they won't receive an
inheritance in the Kingdom the Anointed
One and of The God.'
To be counted righteous, you must treat
other righteous people very well –
Matthew 25:37-40: 'Then the righteous will
ask: Lord, when did we see you hungry and
feed you, or thirsty and give you something
to drink? When did we see you a stranger
and take you in, or naked and clothe you?
When did we see you sick or in prison, and
come to your [aid]? And the king will say: I
tell you the truth; When you did it for the
least of my brothers, you also did it for me. '
Righteous people are at peace with
others – James 3:18: 'The seeds of the fruit
of righteousness are planted in peace by
the peacemakers!'
You have to be an honest judge to be
found righteous – John 7:24: 'Quit judging
from the way things look on the surface
judge righteously!'
Righteousness involves standing up for
right things, even if that invites
persecution – Acts 4:19, 20: 'If it's
righteous in God's eyes to listen to you
instead of to God, judge for yourselves. But
we can't stop talking about the things
we've seen and heard.'
A righteous person has faith in God and
His promises – Romans 3:28: 'We believe
that a man is called righteous because of
his faith, not by the works of the Law!.'
True righteousness requires more than
just faith – James 2:24: 'A man is
pronounced righteous by the things that he
does, not by his faith alone.'
To be counted as righteous, you can't be
immoral or continue in a sinful course –
Romans 6:12-14: 'Therefore, don't allow
sin to rule your mortal bodies anymore
and don't obey its desires no, don't offer
your body parts as unrighteous weapons of
sin! Rather, offer yourselves to The God as
people who've been made alive from
among those [who are] dead; and [offer]
your body parts to The God as weapons of
righteousness! So, sin must not be your
master, because you aren't under the Law;
rather, you're under [God's] loving care.'
Most people in the world aren't
considered righteous – 1 Corinthians 6:1:
'Would any of you who think you have
been [wronged] by another dare to take it
to court [to be tried by] unrighteous men,
rather than by the Holy Ones?
Although faith is required to prove
ourselves righteous, speaking about
what we believe is what saves us –
Romans 10:10: 'For, it's this belief in your
hearts that makes you righteous; and it's
your mouths (when they confesses this)
that are saving you.'

Good morning,

You just murdered and panel-beat bible verses. We'll address each of them when I do have enough time.

Goshen360:


Good morning,

You just murdered and panel-beat bible verses. We'll address each of them when I do have enough time.

murdered what? na u know.

Goshen360:




I'm sure you reading English, not Spanish.

Is he saying you're righteous BECAUSE OF THE RIGHTEOUS THINGS YOU DO or he's saying you do RIGHTEOUS THINGS BECAUSE YOU'RE RIGHTEOUS?

Grab another translation and read before you reply o.

which other translation do you need?

Numismatic:


which other translation do you need?

help me ask am.

Ukutsgp:
let no man deceive you; he that doeth righteousness is righteous.

Let no man deceive you, we are righteous in two ways - one way, by faith in Christ , the other - because we do righteousness.
But we dare not trust the latter for our salvation.

King James Bible
Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
Proverbs 14:34

King James Bible
For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:17

We look at the verses on the OT with the eyes of the NT, in the lens\revelation of the finished works of Christ. A nation is literally a geographical location but people makes a nation. Notice the interchanged words between "nation" and "people" in the opening verse. Believers & Christians are also called holy "nations" also, 1 Peter 2:9. So, we understand a nation is the people.

Righteousness that is imputed by faith in the finished works of the Son God is an authoritative gift. Scripture says, "they which receive this gift of righteousness".....shall reign in life, by Jesus. wow! This is the wonders of the Grace of God - that He will declare sinners righteous by faith in the Son God. This is the righteousness that will exalt you as Christians\believers in Christ and cause you to reign in life. Many Christians are seeking to do their own righteousness and neglect the righteousness of God as a gift. Just as no good works could make us good in the eyes of God but good works that is produced out of God's goodness. Our righteousness is like a filthy rag in the eyes of God. The righteousness that God imputes, is the gift of the Father - it causes you to reign in life.

Righteousness was also put side-by-side with sin in Proverbs 14:34. Sin have its consequences but many Christians think sin can unfinish the finished works of Christ as regards imputed righteousness. Sin will bring a shame, reproach and disgrace to God's people but it does not take away the gift of God else, scriptures will be broken. Scripture says, the GIFT and calling of God is without repentance and righteousness IS A GIFT OF GOD.

Sin is a matter of Slavery and Master. Paul, the great Apostle of faith, dedicated the whole of Romans 6 to unveil the submissiveness to sin in a slavery and master analogy. A Christian who received the gift of righteousness has submitted to the Master of Christ which in turns produce righteous living. We do no longer answer and submit to sin under slavery no more neither should we answer to its call or mastership. Scripture says, you're dead to sin...in Christ, that is, through the body of Christ on the Cross. The cross kills the sinner & sin urges in us just as it killed Christ who knew no sin but became the sinner for our redemptive process.

Goshen360:
King James Bible
Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
Proverbs 14:34

King James Bible
For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:17

We look at the verses on the OT with the eyes of the NT, in the lens\revelation of the finished works of Christ. A nation is literally a geographical location but people makes a nation. Notice the interchanged words between "nation" and "people" in the opening verse. Believers & Christians are also called holy "nations" also, 1 Peter 2:9. So, we understand a nation is the people.

Righteousness that is imputed by faith in the finished works of the Son God is an authoritative gift. Scripture says, "they which receive this gift of righteousness".....shall reign in life, by Jesus. wow! This is the wonders of the Grace of God - that He will declare sinners righteous by faith in the Son God. This is the righteousness that will exalt you as Christians\believers in Christ and cause you to reign in life. Many Christians are seeking to do their own righteousness and neglect the righteousness of God as a gift. Just as no good works could make us good in the eyes of God but good works that is produced out of God's goodness. Our righteousness is like a filthy rag in the eyes of God. The righteousness that God imputes, is the gift of the Father - it causes you to reign in life.

Righteousness was also put side-by-side with sin in Proverbs 14:34. Sin have its consequences but many Christians think sin can unfinish the finished works of Christ as regards imputed righteousness. Sin will bring a shame, reproach and disgrace to God's people but it does not take away the gift of God else, scriptures will be broken. Scripture says, the GIFT and calling of God is without repentance and righteousness IS A GIFT OF GOD.

Sin is a matter of Slavery and Master. Paul, the great Apostle of faith, dedicated the whole of Romans 6 to unveil the submissiveness to sin in a slavery and master analogy. A Christian who received the gift of righteousness has submitted to the Master of Christ which in turns produce righteous living. We do no longer answer and submit to sin under slavery no more neither should we answer to its call or mastership. Scripture says, you're dead to sin...in Christ, that is, through the body of Christ on the Cross. The cross kills the sinner & sin urges in us just as it killed Christ who knew no sin but became the sinner for our redemptive process.

word! will have to chew it properly. thanks for sharing bro God bless u

Goshen360:
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
The sermon on the mount took many dimensions and one of such is the statement above. The religious church had given many interpretations to this verse by our Lord and we had been taught to do something as requirements to getting "all these things" which shall be added unto us. They had taught us to come to church more, join one unit or more in the church, pray more, fast more, give alms more, attend more religious functions\programs\conventions, go to the mountain more etc. All of these things are good but are they in the context of "...God and his righteousness"? Is the Lord saying this "seeking" should be done as a requirement\demand or as in order to find out something by thinking, meditating, reasoning, to enquire into, aim at, strive after? We shall continue and find out.
Christ is the mediator of the new testament and such, all new testament teachings by the Apostles are revelations of Christ messages after His finished works and Christ revealed truth of most of His messages\teachings to them most things meant in His teachings. Luke 24:27, Ephesians 3:1-5.
Christ's audience at this time of the above statement were the Jews who are under the regulations of the Mosaic law. One of the missions of Christ was that, he was sent to save and\or to redeem his people (the Jewish) from their sins, specifically talking about the Jews who at this time was under the law (Matthew 1:21, Galatians 4:4-5) and so, his teachings was radical towards redeeming these people who are soaked in the law of Moses. Over the time, they (the Jews) have established their own righteousness which is different from God righteousness that Christ in our opening text called "and his righteousness". So, what do we have going on here: there's righteousness that the Jewish people established for themselves geared towards doing something towards making themselves right with God and there is God's own righteousness (kingdom of God AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS) of how He makes people right with Himself.

Word!!! Correct.

Goshen360:
King James Bible
Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
Proverbs 14:34
King James Bible
For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:17
We look at the verses on the OT with the eyes of the NT, in the lens\revelation of the finished works of Christ. A nation is literally a geographical location but people makes a nation. Notice the interchanged words between "nation" and "people" in the opening verse. Believers & Christians are also called holy "nations" also, 1 Peter 2:9. So, we understand a nation is the people.
Righteousness that is imputed by faith in the finished works of the Son God is an authoritative gift. Scripture says, "they which receive this gift of righteousness".....shall reign in life, by Jesus. wow! This is the wonders of the Grace of God - that He will declare sinners righteous by faith in the Son God. This is the righteousness that will exalt you as Christians\believers in Christ and cause you to reign in life. Many Christians are seeking to do their own righteousness and neglect the righteousness of God as a gift. Just as no good works could make us good in the eyes of God but good works that is produced out of God's goodness. Our righteousness is like a filthy rag in the eyes of God. The righteousness that God imputes, is the gift of the Father - it causes you to reign in life.
Righteousness was also put side-by-side with sin in Proverbs 14:34. Sin have its consequences but many Christians think sin can unfinish the finished works of Christ as regards imputed righteousness. Sin will bring a shame, reproach and disgrace to God's people but it does not take away the gift of God else, scriptures will be broken. Scripture says, the GIFT and calling of God is without repentance and righteousness IS A GIFT OF GOD.
Sin is a matter of Slavery and Master. Paul, the great Apostle of faith, dedicated the whole of Romans 6 to unveil the submissiveness to sin in a slavery and master analogy. A Christian who received the gift of righteousness has submitted to the Master of Christ which in turns produce righteous living. We do no longer answer and submit to sin under slavery no more neither should we answer to its call or mastership. Scripture says, you're dead to sin...in Christ, that is, through the body of Christ on the Cross. The cross kills the sinner & sin urges in us just as it killed Christ who knew no sin but became the sinner for our redemptive process.

Word!!!!! God bless you oo OP!!!!! This is just the TRUTH!!!!! I hardly come to the Religious section cos of the Fanatics here with their confused understanding of the Gospel & Blind arguments. But thank God for someone like you!!!! Please preaching the Gospel of Grace!!! Nigerian Christians need to be liberated!!!! It is well with you!!!!

Goshen360:
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

The sermon on the mount took many dimensions and one of such is the statement above. The religious church had given many interpretations to this verse by our Lord and we had been taught to do something as requirements to getting "all these things" which shall be added unto us. They had taught us to come to church more, join one unit or more in the church, pray more, fast more, give alms more, attend more religious functions\programs\conventions, go to the mountain more etc. All of these things are good but are they in the context of "...God and his righteousness"? Is the Lord saying this "seeking" should be done as a requirement\demand or as in order to find out something by thinking, meditating, reasoning, to enquire into, aim at, strive after? We shall continue and find out.

Nothing of that command tells you to attend church, join your church units and and all the other things you listed there.

When Jesus said to seek first the Kingdom of God and then God's righteousness, He infact meant you should
1) Gain access into the Kingdom of God
2) and then find God's righteousness
After which all things will be added to you


In John 3 vs 1 -21, Jesus Christ explains what you need to do to gain access to the Kingdom of God and in no particular order, the following are required parts of the process.

* Must Believe Jesus is the New Covenant
* Must be baptized in water .I.e. born-again -born of water
* Must be born of spirit (note the Spirit mentioned in this step to becoming born-again is not to be confused with the Spirit of God.)
* Must be saved and this by eating the body and drinking the blood of Jesus Christ in order to gain eternal life, a key result of Salvation

Without all four steps, there is no entry into the Kingdom of God, and this according to Jesus Christ's response to Nicodemus in John 3 vs 1 - 21

To find God's righteousness, Jesus Christ declares in John 14, 15 and 16, that only those who believe in Him and continue to obey His teachings and commandments, will He and His father come and make their home in. And it is only those that are able to do the Will of God, just as He Jesus Christ did while He was here on earth.

In order words, only those who prove themselves worthy of Him will obtain God's righteousness, hence the reason why we are commanded to seek it.

Your church attendance, serving in church units, listening to sermons and whatever else you do with yourselves amount to nothing but meaningless worship where the doing of that which God in fact commands is concerned.

5solas:

Let no man deceive you, we are righteous in two ways - one way, by faith in Christ , the other - because we do righteousness.
But we dare not trust the latter for our salvation.

I am afraid this is wrong. Christ's righteousness was bestowed only on those who came from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant and that was applied to close out their debt in the Old Covenant.

God's righteousness is what everyone in the New Coevnant is commanded to seek, after seeking the Kingdom of God, and only those who present themselves worthy will find it.

Goshen360:
■ So, what do we have going on here: there's righteousness that the Jewish people established for themselves geared towards doing something towards making themselves right with God and there is God's own righteousness (kingdom of God AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS) of how He makes people right with Himself.

1. There is righteousness by the standard that is God's Old Law of Moses and there is righteousness that is established only according to God's New Covenant agreement, Jesus Christ. Two different standards but the same God.

Goshen360:
■ When Christ said "seek ye first the kingdom of God AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS". He's not teaching "seeking" as fulfilling a requirement\demand which was what the law was all about and that was already going on as a practice so he wasn't telling them to continue doing what they were doing if it was a good\perfect course. [s]How do we know that? Paul, the Apostle explained that according to revelation - Romans 10:2,[/s] Israel had already being seeking to establish their own righteousness and would not submit to God's righteousness. So Christ was teaching these Jews to seek God's kingdom and God's way of righteousness.
■ Christ is God's righteousness as a gift to save the Jews and the world. Christ is the works that wrought the righteousness of God. What Paul the Apostle was teaching is, Israel like many today are still doing something to get right with God (doing the demands\requirements of the law) but Christ had already done the fulfillment\requirements\demands of the law. So, in Christ through faith in His finished works, we are made right with God. This is nothing but a radical statement! You did nothing to be a sinner, it was by the disobedient of one person, Adam. In the same manner, you can do absolutely nothing to be made right back to God, it is through Christ and Christ is the righteousness which you must receive as a gift of God that in doing that, "all these things will be added to you"

1. I am afraid this is entirely wrong! Jesus Christ is God's New Law and agreement — the Constitutional Law in the Kingdom of God, God's Nation of priests — and as such, seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness rightly implies doing as the Law commands in the Kingdom of God, in other to attain righteousness by it's standard.

2. The same Jesus Christ made it abundantly clear to HIs followers that only those who submit to and obey His teachings and commandments, God's Law and Truth in the Kingdom of God, love Him i.e. belong to Him. All others who refuse to submit and obey His teachings do not love Him and as such as not of Him.

psalmizt:
■ I am of the opinion that the op was just pointing at the helplessness of man in getting entangled with sin... recalling the words of David, he said in Sin did my mother conceive me. Same way our helplessness played out in the origin of sin so also is the beauty of salvation, we didn't put in any effort to have it extended to us.
■ lemme get something clear here, your writeup suggests that Jesus' statement could be better understood by reading it in context. In this case the Jewish legalistic righteousness which God actually described as filthy.
■ Now applying it to us u didn't really say how we should therefore practice or walk in line with that instruction. Religiosity or Activism as I will like to call it, while it is good it is not a manifestation of the righteousness that comes from God through faith in Christ Jesus.
■ How then should Christians ensure they don't get dragged deeper and deeper into that Web of my righteousness my effort my pleasing God because in all honesty we are never sure if we have done enough. That I believe is what u should further elucidate on.
And by the way your message is in 2 parts. What re the all other things that the Lord referred To? I don't really think it's the exact thing that is preached in popular culture i.e.wealth and all

1. This helplessness of man is all imagined. If an idol worshipper can step away from the idols of his fathers to follow a God he barely knows of, surely no man out there is helpless to doing to same.

2. What God described as filthy isn't what you refer to as Jewish legalistic righteousness. There seems a general lack of comprehension of that which is stated in Isaiah 65 vs 1 - 6. What Isaiah wrote is instead that the sins of the people tainted their works of righteousness rendering it filthy in the sight of God. The people were not wrong for doing works of righteousness, instead what was wrong was wrong was their engaging in such activities knowing they has sins they were yet to atone. God is after all the one who commander those very works of righteousness as depicted in Ezekiel 18 vs 1 - 32 & Ezekiel 33 vs 10 - 20.

3. Righteousness is defined by God Himself. Your religiosity and Activism has absolutely nothing to do with God or any of His standards as far as righteousness is concerned.

4. The only way to please God is through obedience of His teachings and commandments -- there is no other way -- for you see without obedience it is impossible to please God. So when you speak of having faith in God, if your faith does not insist on obedience of God's direct commandments/Law, you are not speaking at all of the kind of faith which is of God, but of a delusion that is instead of men.

Goshen360:
He that DOETH RIGHTEOUSNESS IS RIGHTEOUS? Really? Are you sure what you saying? If yes, provide scriptures please. I hope you're not referring to RIGHTEOUSNESS UNDER THE LAW?

Jesus Christ is God's New Agreement and hence Law in the Kingdom of God and as such righteousness is attained by living one's life in continuous submission and obedience of said Law. And as Jesus Christ said it is only those who are live under His Law, those who submit to and obey His commandments, that belong to Him..