By David Phillips
On Wednesday evening, we enjoyed a service of song, scripture and prayer as we typically do at the end of each
Bible Class Quarter. Our theme came from Psalm 1:6 which says, for the Lord knows the way of the
righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. If you missed it, here’s what we covered:
The Way of the Righteous is the way of consecration and devotion. Consecration means solemn dedication to
a special purpose or service. We sometimes us the terms “devoted employee” or “devoted wife…husband”. We
know what devoted means. The Christian life is a life of devotion to God. Paul alludes to this plainly in
Romans 12:1-2 as he tells us that we must present our bodies (lives) as a living sacrifice to God.
The Way Of the Righteous is the way of knowing Jesus. Some will say, “Everybody knows Jesus.” Perhaps in
a sense they do, but not in the way that the righteous do. In Philippians 3:8—9 Paul said he was willing to suffer
the loss of all things in exchange for the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord… What all do
you suppose Paul had suffered the loss of? What would we be willing to lose, if necessary, in order to know
Jesus? Surely the right answer to that question would be, “everything”.
The Way of the Righteous is the way of perseverance. Temptations constantly come before us, trying to cause
us to turn aside from following the Lord. Job 17:9 says, Nevertheless the righteous will hold to his way…
James 5:11 says Behold we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. He then reminds us of the
steadfastness or perseverance of Job.
The Way of the Righteous is the way of prayer. Have you ever considered how it would be if you had to do
completely without prayer? Philippians 4:6—7 reminds us in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God… Prayer is our vital link to be able to express our
needs, desires and gratitude to the Heavenly Father who longs to bless His dear children.
The Way of the Righteous is the way of fruitfulness. God is glorified by our fruit bearing (Jn.15:8). All good
results produced by Christian efforts are fruits that glorify Him. God’s Spirit also produces good in conjunction
with our righteous efforts to strengthen us with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. These are called the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23.
The Way of the Righteous is the way of maturity. There is no shortcut to maturity, and James 1:2—4 says the
most direct route to it is through trials, tribulations and tests to our faith. But the result is completeness.
The Way of the Righteous is the way of the cross. I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who
live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in theflesh I live byfaith in the Son God, who loved
me and gave Himself up for me. (Galatians 2:20).