Truth & Righteousness

"If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." (John 7: 17 KJV)

There is a connection between knowing right and practicing right. In order to practice righteousness, one must first learn the meaning of righteousness, or the doctrine of godliness.

Doing God's will requires one to know what is God's will. Wrote Paul:

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (II Timothy 3: 16 NIV)

Jesus spoke of knowing "the doctrine," both which concerns the knowledge of God the Father (theology) and the knowledge of Christ (Christology).

We cannot expect to come to greater knowledge of the truth if we have our hearts set on practicing unrighteousness.

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness." (Romans 1: 18 KJV)

There are those who, though entertaining some correct views of God, nevertheless live ungodly, the truth merely being an abstract idea, not something to actually practice.

If we truly desire to live godly and righteously, then God will see to it that we learn doctrine, and are given "know how" in living righteously.