Preacher: SVMSE A. Akinbinu
Introduction
The theme for this year is clear: “Pursue Righteousness.” This is a call to action for every member of the Central Cathedral and beyond. The word of the Lord challenges us to align our lives with His will by pursuing righteousness in every aspect of our lives.
Our anchor scriptures are:
- Isaiah 51:1-8 – A call to remember and follow the example of Abraham and Sarah, who pursued righteousness and trusted God.
- 1 John 3:13 – A reminder that pursuing righteousness may invite challenges, but our ultimate reward is from God.
- Matthew 5:6 – “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
The pursuit of righteousness is not a passive desire but an active, intentional, and consistent effort to live in alignment with God’s standards.
What Does It Mean to Pursue Righteousness?
1. Acting in High Moral Standards
Righteousness means more than avoiding sin; it involves actively striving to live according to God’s moral standards.
- Proverbs 21:21: “Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor.”
- It requires standing out by doing the right thing, even when it’s inconvenient or unpopular.
2. Going the Extra Mile
Pursuing righteousness demands sacrifices. It means:
- Letting go of personal desires for the sake of fulfilling God’s will.
- Prioritizing the well-being of others over personal gain.
- Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.”
3. Thirsting and Hungering for Righteousness
- Jesus emphasized in Matthew 5:6 that those who desire righteousness with intensity and consistency will be satisfied.
- This hunger reflects a longing for deeper fellowship with God, moral uprightness, and living a life pleasing to Him.
Why Pursue Righteousness?
1. It Aligns Us with God’s Will
God’s desire for us is to walk in righteousness because it reflects His nature.
- 1 Peter 1:16: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
- Pursuing righteousness allows us to live as true representatives of God on Earth.
2. It Brings Divine Blessings
Righteousness unlocks spiritual and physical blessings:
- Psalm 37:25-26: “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.”
- A life of righteousness brings favor, peace, and provision.
3. It Prepares Us for Eternity
Living righteously ensures that we are ready for Christ’s return.
- 2 Timothy 4:8: “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day.”
How to Pursue Righteousness
1. Follow Biblical Examples
Isaiah 51:1 encourages us to look at Abraham and Sarah as examples of faith and righteousness.
- Abraham’s unwavering trust in God and Sarah’s obedience reflect lives dedicated to God’s standards.
2. Stay Committed to God’s Word
Righteousness is cultivated through a deep connection with God’s Word.
- Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
- Spend time studying, meditating on, and obeying God’s Word.
3. Depend on the Holy Spirit
Righteousness is not something we achieve by our strength. It is through the enabling power of the Holy Spirit.
- Galatians 5:16: “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
4. Be Intentional in Your Actions
Every day, make deliberate choices that reflect righteousness.
- Evaluate your motives, thoughts, and actions regularly.
Prayer Point:
Lord, we ask for Your grace and strength to pursue righteousness with all our hearts. Transform us into vessels of Your will and help us to live lives that honor You. May our pursuit bring glory to Your name and blessings to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Takeaway:
Righteousness is a journey of faith, commitment, and transformation. Pursue it diligently, and experience the fullness of God’s promise.
| Hymns for the Service: | ||
| 1. Hymn 058 Yoruba: Ẹ kọrin, k’ẹ gborin soke S’Ọba Oluwa mi, English: Sing ye, raise your voice in songs, Unto the Lord our King, | 3. Hymn 230 Yoruba: Ẹmi Mimọ sọkalẹ wa o, Ko wa fun wa lagbara. English: O Holy Spirit, descend now, Come and give us Thy power. | 5. Hymn 284 Yoruba: Igbala de loni, Ẹnyin Ijọ Mimọ, English: Salvation come today, To all ye Celestians, |
| 2. Hymn 386 Yoruba: Ọpẹ ni fun Baba, Ọpẹ ni fun Ọmọ Rẹ, English: We give thanks to the Father, We give thanks to His only Son, | 4. Hymn 533 Yoruba: Ayọ, ayọ, ayọ yio wa, Ninu Ijọ Mimọ yi, English: Joy, joy and happiness shall come Into this Celestial Church, | Yoruba: Ọro otitọ ti mo ti sọ fun yin, Ẹ ro, ẹ ro, ẹ ro, ọrọ yi wo, English: The faithful message I have sent unto thee, Ponder, ponder, ponder over this message, |
| 7. Hymn 792 Yoruba: Gbadura, gbadura, gbadura, gbadura, Gbadura s’Ọba imọlẹ, English: Always pray, always pray, always pray, always pray, |
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Reflection
As we step into this year with the charge to pursue righteousness, let us remember that the journey is one of daily commitment and reliance on God. The pursuit of righteousness might come with challenges, but it is rewarding both here on Earth and in eternity.
What steps can you take today to align your life with God’s will?
Are you hungry and thirsty for righteousness?
Are you willing to go the extra mile to live by God’s standards?
