Lessons From the Secret Place – Intimacy- Lesson 5a: Walking in Paths of Righteousness in Christ

Today we will continue our study on intimacy with Christ as we journey through Psalm 23. 

Psalm 23:3b, He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. (MEV)

In Christ we walk in paths of righteousness by knowing the Word, abiding in Christ, and renewing my mind. In this lesson we will cover the knowing the Word and abiding in Christ.  Next week we will discuss renewing our minds.  

First, by knowing the Word. 

John 1:1, In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. (AMPC)

Jesus was the Word made flesh (John 1:14).  To be able to walk in paths of righteousness, we must know the Word.  We know Christ through his written word.  We must read it, meditate on it, apply it to our daily lives. As we learn to know the Word at deeper levels the path is illuminated before us.  It is easier to stay on the right path when we know the markers and understand the boundaries.   

Walking in paths of righteousness can be compared to hiking in unknown territory.  Before any serious hiker heads out on an unknown (to him) trail, he prepares. He consults those who have gone there before, and he gathers maps or trail guides. He makes sure he knows what obstacles and dangers to avoid and what, if any, guide markers or landmarks lie along the trail.  He may also hire a guide who can provide guidance and security through his knowledge of the territory.  

The body of Christ is full of “seniors” in the faith (those who have gone before us).  They can offer us the benefit of their years of experience walking with the Savior.  That is one reason we are admonished not to forsake assembling with other believers (Hebrews 10:25).  We need each other.  

The Bible is our trail map. Through it we find out God’s plans and purposes for our lives.  We find out who we are in Christ and who he is in us. We discover the tools (weapons) Christ has provided for us to walk in victory over the enemy, who is always trying to get us to stumble and struggle.

Holy Spirit is our trail guide.  As we listen to his leading and obey his voice, we are able to travel this path avoiding the obstacles and snares the enemy places along the way.  

Hebrews 4:12, For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (ESV)

The Word, written and spoken, illuminates any areas in our hearts; thinking, attitudes, or behaviors that are not aligned with the Word of Truth (God’s heart, plan, and desire for us).  As we yield in obedience to the promptings of Holy Spirit, we can avoid much danger and harm to ourselves and others. He will light the path before us because he sees what lies ahead.  

Psalm 119:105, Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (ESV)

Psalm 119:11, I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (ESV)

Luke 11:28, But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (ESV)

2 Timothy 3:16, All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, (ESV)

Romans 10:17, So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (ESV)

As we learn to know the Word (Jesus) our faith will increase in all areas of life.  When we understand who he really is and what he has promised in his Word, we can no longer walk in doubt or unbelief.  We might have to overcome the lies the enemy wants to get us to believe about God, his faithfulness, his goodness…. But knowing the Word will silence the enemy’s arguments as we stand on and declare the Truth!!!!

Second, by abiding in Christ.

Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines abide as: to rest, or dwell; to continue permanently or in the same state; to be firm and immovable.

I love that second definition: to continue permanently or in the same state; to be firm and immovable. (It is worth repeating!!) To continue permanently, implies that we never stop abiding.  Firm and immovable means that nothing can move us out of our position of abiding if we don’t let it.  

John 15:4, Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you. [Live in Me, and I will live in you.] Just as no branch can bear fruit of itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me. (AMPC)

For a branch to bear fruit it must be connected to the vine. The Amplified Classic Translation calls this, “being vitally united to”.  Webster defines vital as: very necessary; highly important; essential. Life giving resources come from the vine that are necessary for the sustaining of life as well as for multiplication (fruit bearing).  

The same is true for us. We must abide in Christ so that we can walk in the paths of righteousness, bearing fruit in keeping with our righteous standing.

Philippians 1:9-11, And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

John 15:7, If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (ESV)

As we learn to abide in Christ and develop our knowledge of who he is, we can then ask him anything (in keeping with his Word) and it will be done. 

Walking Paths of Righteousness requires us to knowing the Word and to abiding in Christ.