THE CARDINAL FRUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

THE CARDINAL FRUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
Wednesday, 27th September 2023
Pastor Victor

Philippians 1:11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

Righteousness has fruits. This implies that righteousness is a tree which produces fruits. When we came into Christ Jesus, we received the righteousness of God as a gift; and we became the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21).

The word “fruit” in Philippians 1:7 is from the Greek word “karpos” which according to Thayer means fruit, that which originates or comes from something, an effect, result, work, act, deed, advantage, profit etc. And from the scripture above, apostle Paul prayed that the Philippian church be filled with the fruits of righteousness. What a prayer! If you know what fruits of righteousness means you will appreciate the power of Paul’s prayer.

The cardinal fruit of righteousness is “peace”. In the Greek the word peace is “eirene” which is the same as “shalom” in the Hebrew. It means peace, tranquillity, prosperity and wholeness. Having being made the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus by faith in the finished work of Christ, we have peace with God. Romans 5:1 says “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

This is vital. When man sinned against God, we became enemies of God through wicked works. There was a wall of hostility between us and God. There was no way we could approach God; we became objects of the wrath of God. But by Christ’s death on the cross, that enmity was broken and peace was made between us and God.

Today, there is no more war between us and God. Jesus by His death mediated between us and brought peace to us. That’s why when Jesus was born, the angel of God announced peace and goodwill to the earth. Luke 2:13‭-‬14 says, “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

The war is over! Hallelujah! We can approach the Lord with confidence, knowing fully well that God’s wrath will never fall on us again. And God will never be angry with us forever. All His anger and fury fell on Jesus’ body on the cross. How this truth tranquillizes our hearts and draws us closer to the Lord to walk in all pleasing and worthy of our calling.

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