Paul told Timothy that the Scriptures could train him in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).  It can do the same for all of us.  When it comes to being a faithful child of God, there is no greater training manual than the Word of God.  In fact, it is God’s only training manual.

First, the Word of God instructs man on how to ascertain righteousness.  I am talking about the righteousness that God imputes to man.  It is a shame that so many in the religious world today read the wrong manual when it comes to the righteousness of God.  It is popularly taught that righteousness is imputed by faith alone.  The problem is, God’s manual never says that.  Yes, justification comes by faith, but not by faith alone.

James 2:21-24 (ESV)
²¹  Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? ²²  You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; ²³  and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. ²⁴  You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.

Obedience is necessary to have righteousness imputed.  Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).  If we will not believe Jesus, who will we believe?

What does a person have to do to have his sins forgiven?  He must obey the gospel (Romans 1:16).  How does one obey the gospel?  He does so by hearing (John 6:44, 45), believing (Mark 16:16), repenting (Acts 3:19), confessing (Romans 10:9-10), and being baptized (Acts 2:38).  None of these passages are difficult to understand or obey.  Thank God that He has instructed us by His Word so that we might know exactly what to do to be saved.

Second, we must live righteously.   John tells us that only those who practice righteousness are righteous (1 John 2:29; 3:7).  How do we know how to live righteously?  God’s Word trains us.

Titus 2:11 (ESV)
¹¹  For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,

In this case, the grace of God appears in the form of teachings.  By His grace, God teaches us how to discern between godliness and ungodliness, and to renounce the ungodly things.  He tells us, in His Word, what is righteous and what is not; thus, we can make informed decisions as to how to live in such a way that will please God.  

2 Peter 1:3 (ESV)
³  His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,

Where do we get this knowledge that pertains to life and godliness?  We get it from the Bible.  Thank God for the training power of the Word of God.  Without it, we would have no idea how to worship, serve, and live for God.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.