Living in Increase (Part 1) - Increase in UnderstandingSýnishorn

For the Purpose of Training in Righteousness

Over the previous days, we’ve read and hopefully pondered the benefits of Scripture that Paul presented in 2 Timothy 3:16. The last purpose of Scripture mentioned in this verse is to train us in righteousness.

Training refers to “educating,” such as teaching a child. Think of the fun times you had potty training your child or the stories you’ve heard of others potty training their children! It’s not just a one-time conversation. When teaching a child, people must be persistent, have strategies, and reinforce expectations. They have to train their child to reach the desired outcome.

“Righteousness” refers to moral conduct. Someone righteous is honest, upstanding, virtuous, and just. Our standard for Biblical righteousness is God’s perfection in all His attributes and deeds.

Even though, as believers, our righteousness comes through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:9), I still hope your wheels are turning and you’re wondering how we can be trained in righteousness! If that’s where you’re at, it is helpful to think of righteousness as twofold: positional and practical.

In 2 Corinthians 5:21, the Apostle Paul says, “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” While perfect (positional) righteousness comes through Christ, we can mature in practical righteousness in everyday life. Some righteous deeds or acts glorify God as opposed to those that do not. This is what James means when he says to “prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves” (James 1:22). We know what is considered glorifying and right by reading God’s Word and putting it into action.

We have been made righteous in Christ, and righteousness is proof of our growing spiritual maturity. As we learn to make decisions and complete actions that glorify God, we are being trained in righteousness!

Ruby Washington

Action Step: Choose a church member or a friend/family member for whom to pray. Pray for God to increase their hunger and thirst for righteousness.