Topical Bible: Righteousness: Saints: Pray for the Spirit of

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Righteousness, in the biblical context, refers to the quality of being morally right or justifiable, aligning with God's standards and commands. It is a central theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of living a life that reflects God's holiness and justice. For the saints, or believers, the pursuit of righteousness is not merely a personal endeavor but a spiritual journey empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Biblical Foundation

The call to righteousness is evident in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, the psalmist declares, "The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His loving devotion" (Psalm 33:5). This verse highlights God's intrinsic nature and His desire for His people to embody these attributes.

In the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes the importance of righteousness in the Sermon on the Mount: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled" (Matthew 5:6). This beatitude underscores the promise that those who earnestly seek righteousness will be satisfied, indicating a divine provision for their spiritual needs.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The pursuit of righteousness is not achievable through human effort alone. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in transforming the hearts and minds of believers, enabling them to live in accordance with God's will. The Apostle Paul writes, "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17). Here, Paul connects righteousness with the work of the Holy Spirit, suggesting that true righteousness is a fruit of the Spirit's presence in a believer's life.

Prayer for the Spirit of Righteousness

Recognizing the necessity of the Holy Spirit in achieving righteousness, saints are encouraged to pray for the Spirit's guidance and empowerment. In Ephesians, Paul prays for the believers, "that He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being" (Ephesians 3:16). This prayer reflects the understanding that spiritual strength and righteousness are gifts from God, imparted through the Holy Spirit.

Furthermore, in Galatians, Paul exhorts the believers to "walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16). This instruction implies a continuous reliance on the Holy Spirit through prayer, seeking His influence to overcome sinful desires and to cultivate a life marked by righteousness.

Practical Implications

For the saints, praying for the Spirit of righteousness involves a commitment to spiritual disciplines such as prayer, meditation on Scripture, and fellowship with other believers. These practices create an environment where the Holy Spirit can work effectively, shaping the believer's character to reflect Christ's righteousness.

Moreover, the saints are called to intercede not only for their own righteousness but also for the righteousness of others within the body of Christ. James encourages believers to "pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail" (James 5:16). This communal aspect of prayer underscores the collective responsibility of the church to seek righteousness through the Spirit's power.

In summary, the pursuit of righteousness is a divine calling for the saints, made possible through the indwelling and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Through prayer, believers are invited to seek the Spirit's guidance, strength, and transformative power to live lives that honor God and reflect His righteousness to the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
... are in Christ; and he that toucheth the saints, toucheth the ... "And this I pray, that
your love ... Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/i will pray with the.htm

Courage
... It has made weak women martyrs and saints. ... itself, the Truth itself; and whosoever
does righteousness and speaks ... Pray for that spirit, I say; for we all need ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xviii courage.htm

The Holy Spirit.
... that he commands his disciples to pray for the ... of sin., "were convinced of the
"righteousness" of Christ ... word of preaching and exhortation that saints are moved ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the holy spirit.htm

The Prayer of Faith is the Only Power in the Universe to which the ...
... The conditions of praying are the conditions of righteousness, holiness and ... are the
Christlike leaders who can teach the modern saints how to pray and put ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter v the prayer of.htm

On Prayer and The Contemplative Life
... Luke, 107; on true righteousness, 111; on exterior religion, 119 ... in prayer, 135;
that God urges us to pray, 138, 139 ... 151; of the knowledge of the Saints in Limbo ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/on prayer and the contemplative life/index 2.htm

Introduction
... for us wisdom from God and righteousness and sanctification ... says "but what we ought
to pray we know ... because His intercession on behalf of saints is according ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen on prayer/chapter one introduction.htm

The Holy Spirit and the World.
... by the earnest stirring words of the saints, either spoken ... no more," the Holy Spirit
"convicted of righteousness." Now, all ... that I will pray the Father for you ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the holy spirit and the.htm

The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
... was poured out only on Pentecost, the saints of the ... shall be peace, and the effect
of righteousness, quietness, and ... of the Holy Spirit: "I will pray the Father ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxiv the outpouring of the.htm

Perseverance
... thee unto me for ever, in righteousness and lovingkindness ... done to cause God to withdraw
his Spirit, and suffer ... the more Satan tempts, the more the saints pray. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/10 perseverance.htm

Prayer and vigilance
... The cause of God, His saints, their woes and ... with Christ's warrior, "watch and pray,"
forever sounding in ... the Kingdom of God, which is "righteousness and peace ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/xi prayer and vigilance.htm