TEXT: PSALM 15: 1 – 5

INTRODUCTION:

The theme for the month of June is THE WAY OF THE RIGHTEOUS. We started out by learning that there is a difference between self-righteousness and God’s righteousness, concluding that the Lord is the source of our righteousness and that inward change produces righteous living and that living in peace with God results from justification. We later learnt that it is only when our decision-making is based on God’s word that we can truly succeed, by avoiding ungodly counsel, guiding our heart and pursuing wisdom.

Today, we are looking at the characteristics of the upright, knowing that when our motives align with God’s plan in every conceivable way, everything will work for our good and the good of others.

An upright person is a righteous person living with strong moral character and integrity.

Living With The Truth – Proverbs 12 :22. Matthew 5:8

The upright lives with the truth. Biblical Truth is the quality used to describe utterances from the Lord. It is the fundamental characteristic of God. Truth is also a virtue that a Godly person should practice. An upright person:

1. Surrenders to the Truth: John 14:6; John 1:4; John 8:32; 3 John 1:3,8; 3 John 1:12. No man can be reconciled to God the father except through Jesus Christ.
2. The upright walks righteously and speaks the truth from his heart: Psalm 15: 2; Matthew 5:8. He lives with integrity and honesty.
3. True Believers have the Spirit of Truth and discern the spirit of error – 1 John 4:6
4. The wicked cannot live with the truth or speak the truth – 2 Thessalonians 2: 12; Psalm 5:9; 2 Kings 5:25 – 27.
5. The Lord’s eyes are on the truth and wants all to come to the knowledge of truth– Jeremiah 5:3a; 1 Timothy 2:4
6. God expects Believers to speak the truth – Ephesians 4:25

Doing Justice And Mercy – Micah 6:8, Zechariah 7:9-10

To qualify as an upright person requires we align with God’s nature of providing justice and showing mercy. God’s people are expected to always temper justice with mercy – meaning in the event a penalty is deserved, it should be applied with kindness to ensure a better outcome. Micah 6:8.

2A). JUSTICE: Justice is treating others with fairness and equity thereby reflecting the perfect moral character of God.

1. The upright man executes true judgement and show compassion to brethren – Deuteronomy 24:17, 19; Zechariah 7:9-10; Proverbs 22:22; Jeremiah 22: 3; Proverbs 31:9.
2. The upright man has financial integrity and a strong sense of justice: Psalm 15:5.
3. Justice requires courage – Proverbs 3: 21-24; Psalm 15:4.
4. The upright does not justify the wicked and condemn the just as it is an abomination to the Lord: Proverbs 17:15, 26; Proverbs 18:5; Proverbs 24:24.
5. The upright implements justice that brings joy to the righteous and terror to evildoers: Proverbs 21:15
6. The upright judges righteously and pleads the cause of the poor and needy– Proverbs 31:9

2B). MERCY. Mercy is compassionate, forgiving or lenient treatment shown to someone. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed because His compassions fail not – Lamentations 3:22

1. The upright is merciful and shall receive mercy: Matthew 5:7
2. The upright man shows compassion: Matthew 4:23-24; John 8:1-11; Mark 8:2-3; Matthew 9:36; Luke 10: 25 – 37.
3. The upright does not criticize or blame others for something they do wrong or fail to do: Psalm 15: 3.
4. The upright forgives – Luke 15: 11 – 32.

Putting Others Above Self-Interest – Romans 12:9-13, 1 John 3:18

The upright puts others above self-interest. This means selflessness, having empathy and compassion.

1. The upright loves with actions: 1 John 3:18
2. He abhors evil and cleaves to what is good- Romans 12: 9
3. He is affectionate to others – Romans 12: 10
4. The upright is given to hospitality: Romans 12: 13
5. The upright is humble; considering others better than himself- Philippians 2:3

CONCLUSION

To be considered upright, one must be born again, align and live with The Truth. Other characteristics of the upright are honesty, justice and mercy. The upright must love others and be selfless by putting others above his self-interests.

Discussion: In which areas should our motives align with God’s plan?       

Thank You Jesus,

Salvation Prayer

If you don’t Know Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour and would like to accept him into your life as your personal Lord and Saviour, Please say this prayer:

Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from You. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward You. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that Your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send Your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your Will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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By Chukwuemeka Obiorah Ogwo.