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Pursuing Righteousness

blessed are those who pursue righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.*

Looking closer at this verse we see the word διώκω (diṓkō) which is used positively ("earnestly pursue") and negatively ("zealously persecute, hunt down"). In each case it means pursue with all haste ("chasing" after), earnestly desiring to overtake.* Righteousness in Christ is a gift given to us through faith. Justification brings about our righteousness and is by grace through redemption and through his blood.* Righteousness is not from ourselves, nor from works thus it is said Christ is our righteousness. If we have obtained righteousness then why did Jesus tell us to pursue it? And why did he say seeking first the kingdom of heaven is about righteousness?

Now, you man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, endurance...*

Paul writes we are to pursue righteousness. Again why are we told to pursue it? If we have righteousness in Christ and the old man is already dead then why does Paul tell us to put off the old man?  "And put on the new self the one created according to God in righteousness and holiness of truth."* And why is the sacrifice of the body, in which sin dwells, a living one if the old man is dead? And why do I put on the breastplate of righteousness? Because I am called to holiness. How important it is to walk in righteousness in this battle to stand against the pursuit of the devil, it is armor I put on to stand against the schemes of the devil. Putting on the breastplate represents the fruit of pursuing righteousness. I can not stand if I am walking in darkness. This speaks of maturity that bears fruit. We pursue righteousness when we pursue the character of Christ, when we pursue holiness, being conformed to His image, partaking of his divine nature.

We cleanse the inside of the cup first, desiring holiness over fleshly desires, to be led by or to walk in the Spirit so to put the deeds of the flesh to death. We must walk in righteousness to walk in the Spirit and to walk in the Light and truth. It is why the Spirit is life through righteousness. It is a process of growth in knowledge of Jesus, that conforms us to His image.* I receive righteousness in Christ, and I am called to be holy, like him.* So I devote myself to training in godliness, so to be filled with fruit of righteousness. Jesus said the kingdom of God is about the inward first, cleansing the inside, not like the Pharisee who cleanse only the outside.* And who claims to be righteous doing good works for people to see, while inside like dead men's bones. It is the inward that defiles a person so the seed of God, of righteousness, is planted within and will grow up to bear fruit.

his divine power given freely to us everything we need, that for life and godliness through knowledge of the one who called, his own glory and might.*

Everything is given but we must grow up into it, through knowledge of the Son. This is what is purposed in the Church, that we grow up in knowledge of the Son, into the full measure of the stature of the image of Christ.* In Christ is all wisdom and understanding from God.* James writes this wisdom is needed from Jesus so to mature, in which faith is active yielding fruit. Through knowledge of Him, we receive wisdom from God, who came into existence for us, wisdom from God and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.* There is a completion, a salvation waiting to come, a working out of our salvation of the soul, and we are awaiting a salvation, redemption of the body. A child sees dimly as in a mirror but when we grow up in Him, we see fully as we are known in him. This is why we pursue righteousness and godliness, which is a devotion to God, seeking first his kingdom and righteousness.

now, reject the unholy and absurd advice and train yourself for godliness.*

There are false brothers who teach another gospel as if there were another one, Paul writes they pervert the gospel, and he had strong words against them.* At its core their unholy speech and advice keeps children tossed to and fro and doesn't train for godliness, but appeals to the flesh and the glory of men, putting great confidence in the flesh. not in the Spirit. We are trained by discipline of God which at times seems unpleasant but those trained by it yield a fruit of righteousness, which is sharing in His holiness.* Consecration of the flesh in the Old testament did not accomplish this (it was to set a part a people of His own which shared in his character) if it had Jesus would not have needed to come, it was a shadow of things to come, for in the words of Jesus, the truth, and in power of the Spirit we are consecrated.* And it is not the Law with its fear of punishment but agape love and the Holy Spirit that leads us into consecration in truth so to become like Jesus.* 

All scripture is divinely inspired also beneficial for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,*

If I have already received righteousness and do not have to do anything else then why is scripture for training in righteousness? Why is there a salvation of my soul? And teachings of righteousness? Because we grow up truth in love in Christ to bear fruit of righteousness. "I pray that you may abound more and more in knowledge and all understanding so you prove that essential, so that existing pure and blameless on the day of Christ, filled with fruit of righteousness that through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."* Do we see what is essential? that we exist pure, filled with fruit of righteousness. It is what Paul promised Jesus, a pure church. And if I have all things, including righteousness in Christ, then why is Paul praying for us to abound more and more in knowledge and understanding in Christ, to be filled with fruit of righteousness? Does not the devil plant weeds that prevent growth of God's children? If it is true that we are to live a life of righteousness that bears fruit through growth in knowledge of Jesus, then are we not to pursue it, seeking it first? why would doctrines and traditions of men say differently? "Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some of faith will fall away, holding to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons."*

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