Jehovah Sidkenu: Our Source of Righteousness
Summary
The names we carry often have little meaning beyond family heritage or a way to get our attention, but the names of God are never empty—they reveal His very identity and purpose. Among these, Jehovah Sidkenu—“The Lord Our Righteousness”—stands out as a name rooted in messianic prophecy, fulfilled only in Christ, and inseparable from God’s eternal plan to save us. Unlike human names, which may be used in vain or for discipline, God’s names are declarations of His character and His intentions toward us.
Jehovah Sidkenu emerges from a time of deep failure in Israel’s history. The people had split into two kingdoms, both plagued by unfaithfulness and injustice. Jeremiah, the “weeping prophet,” was tasked with warning Judah of impending judgment, knowing his words would fall on deaf ears. Yet, even as God pronounced judgment on corrupt leaders, He promised hope: a coming King from David’s line who would shepherd His people with justice and righteousness. This King would not just be righteous—He would be our righteousness.
This is not a trivial distinction. Humanity’s problem is not a lack of relative goodness, but a total absence of the absolute righteousness required to stand before a holy God. Sin, like filth, cannot be tolerated in God’s presence. We may compare ourselves favorably to others, but when measured against God’s perfection, we all fall short. The gospel is not about self-improvement or finding a unique personal destiny; it is about receiving a righteousness that is not our own, but Christ’s, credited to us by faith.
This gift of righteousness is not earned, but imputed—like a bank credit we did not deserve or possess. Abraham was counted righteous not by works, but by faith. In Christ, we are clothed in His righteousness, able to stand faultless before God. Yet, the human heart resists this truth, clinging to self-justification, blame, and an inability to confess or repent. True freedom and assurance come only when we trust Christ alone for our righteousness, daily thank Him for His forgiveness, and walk in holiness as a grateful response to His grace. Jehovah Sidkenu is not just a name; it is our only hope and our daily strength.
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Key Takeaways
- God’s Names Reveal His Character and Purpose
Unlike human names, which may be arbitrary or tied to heritage, the names of God are intentional revelations of who He is and what He does. Jehovah Sidkenu, “The Lord Our Righteousness,” is a name that points directly to God’s plan to provide what we could never achieve on our own: true righteousness. This name is a promise and a provision, not just a title. [03:46]
- Sin Disqualifies Us from God’s Presence—No Exceptions
Sin is not a minor flaw or a pet to be managed; it is a contaminant that cannot exist in the presence of a holy God. No amount of relative goodness or comparison to others can bridge the gap between our unrighteousness and God’s perfection. The biblical witness is unanimous: all have sinned, and none are righteous by their own merit. [12:28]
- Righteousness Is a Gift, Not an Achievement
The righteousness that saves is not something we produce or earn, but something Christ gives. Through faith, His righteousness is credited to our account, just as Abraham’s faith was counted as righteousness. This imputed righteousness is the only basis for our acceptance before God, freeing us from the endless cycle of self-justification and performance. [21:43]
- Self-Righteousness Is Subtle and Dangerous
The instinct to justify ourselves, blame others, dismiss criticism, or avoid confession is deeply rooted in the human heart. These tendencies are not just personality quirks—they are spiritual dangers that keep us from repentance and true dependence on Christ. Regular self-examination and honest confession are essential to avoid the trap of self-righteousness. [28:55]
- Living in God’s Righteousness Means Trust, Gratitude, and Holiness
The only way to live in the reality of Jehovah Sidkenu is to trust Christ alone for righteousness, not Jesus plus our efforts or achievements. Each day should begin with gratitude for God’s forgiveness, resetting our perspective in worship and prayer rather than negativity or fear. Holiness is not a means to earn God’s favor, but a grateful response to the grace we have received. [32:19]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - The Meaning of Names
[03:46] - Jehovah Sidkenu: The Lord Our Righteousness
[05:25] - Historical Context: Israel and Judah
[08:46] - Jeremiah’s Prophecy and God’s Promise
[09:54] - The Problem of Sin
[12:28] - Humanity’s Need for a Savior
[13:47] - The Reality of Unrighteousness
[15:27] - Relative vs. Absolute Righteousness
[17:08] - Jesus: Our Only Source of Righteousness
[19:22] - The Myth of Individualized Plans
[20:13] - Righteousness by Faith, Not Works
[21:43] - Imputed Righteousness: The Bank Story
[25:26] - Detecting Self-Righteousness
[28:55] - The Dangers of Blame and Unconfessed Sin
[30:47] - Living in God’s Righteousness
[32:19] - Starting Each Day with Gratitude
[33:00] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Jehovah Sidkenu – The Lord Our Righteousness
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### Bible Reading
1. Jeremiah 23:1-6
(The prophecy of the coming King who will be called “The Lord Our Righteousness”)
2. 2 Corinthians 5:21
(“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”)
3. Romans 3:21-24
(“But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law... For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”)
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### Observation Questions
1. In Jeremiah 23:1-6, what does God promise to do for His people after judging the corrupt leaders? What is the significance of the new leader’s name? [08:46]
2. According to 2 Corinthians 5:21, what did God do through Jesus, and what does that mean for us? [17:08]
3. In Romans 3:21-24, what is the difference between the righteousness that comes from the law and the righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus? [20:13]
4. The sermon described how the people of Israel and Judah failed to listen to God’s warnings. What was Jeremiah’s role, and how did he feel about it? [05:25]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important that God’s name is not just “The Lord is righteous,” but “The Lord OUR Righteousness”? What does this say about our relationship to God? [03:46]
2. The sermon compared sin to filth that cannot be tolerated in God’s presence. Why is it not enough to simply be “better than others” or relatively good? [09:54]
3. The pastor shared that righteousness is “credited” to us, not earned. How does this change the way we think about salvation and our standing before God? [21:43]
4. The sermon listed ways we show self-righteousness, like blaming others or refusing to confess. Why do you think these tendencies are so hard to overcome? [28:55]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon said that God’s names reveal His character and purpose, unlike our own names. How does knowing God as “The Lord Our Righteousness” change the way you see Him and yourself? [03:46]
2. The pastor asked, “When was the last time you confessed your sins to the Lord? To another person?” What keeps you from regular confession, and what would help you be more honest with God and others? [30:02]
3. The message warned about the dangers of self-righteousness—dismissing criticism, blaming others, and refusing to apologize. Which of these do you struggle with most, and what is one step you could take to grow in humility this week? [28:55]
4. The sermon said, “Start your day thanking God for his forgiveness.” What is your current morning routine, and how could you practically include gratitude and worship to reset your perspective each day? [32:19]
5. The pastor said, “Jesus is not an accessory. He is a necessity.” Are there ways you treat Jesus as just an add-on to your life rather than your only hope? What would it look like to trust Christ alone for your righteousness? [30:47]
6. The message explained that holiness is a response to grace, not a way to earn God’s favor. How can you live out holiness this week as a grateful response, rather than as a way to prove yourself? [32:19]
7. The sermon used the story of the bank credit to illustrate imputed righteousness. Can you think of a time when you received something you didn’t deserve? How does that help you understand what Christ has done for you? [21:43]
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Closing Thought:
Jehovah Sidkenu—The Lord Our Righteousness—is not just a name, but our only hope and daily strength. Let’s encourage each other to trust in Christ’s righteousness, confess our need, and live with gratitude and holiness.
Devotional
Day 1: The Lord Is Our Righteousness—Jehovah Sidkenu
God alone is our righteousness, not our own efforts. The name Jehovah Sidkenu, found in Jeremiah 23, is a promise that God Himself would provide the righteousness His people could never achieve on their own. In a time when Israel’s leaders were corrupt and the people were lost, God declared that He would raise up a righteous King from David’s line—a shepherd who would truly care for His flock. This is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, who is not just righteous, but becomes our righteousness. We are not called to earn our way to God, but to receive the righteousness He freely gives through Christ. [08:46]
Jeremiah 23:5-6 (ESV)
“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’”
Reflection: In what ways have you tried to earn God’s approval instead of resting in the righteousness Jesus provides? What would it look like to trust Him as your only righteousness today?
Day 2: Our Need for a Savior—No One Is Righteous
All people fall short of God’s perfect standard and are in desperate need of a Savior. The Bible is clear that no one is righteous on their own; sin disqualifies us from God’s presence, and comparing ourselves to others is futile when God’s holiness is the standard. Whether we try to minimize our sin or justify ourselves, the truth remains: we are all sinners in need of grace. This humbling reality is not meant to shame us, but to point us to the only One who can save. [13:47]
Romans 3:10-12 (ESV)
“As it is written: ‘None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.’”
Reflection: Where do you find yourself comparing your goodness to others instead of honestly acknowledging your need for Jesus’ saving grace?
Day 3: Righteousness Is a Gift—Credited by Faith, Not Works
Righteousness is not something we can achieve or earn; it is credited to us by faith, just as Abraham’s faith was counted as righteousness. God gives us the righteousness of Christ as a gift, not as a reward for our efforts. Just as a bank credits an account with funds that weren’t earned, God credits us with Christ’s righteousness when we trust Him. This is the heart of the gospel: we are justified by grace, not by our own works, and our only boast is in the Lord. [21:43]
Romans 4:2-5 (ESV)
“For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.’ Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.”
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you are still trying to “earn” God’s favor? How can you practice receiving His gift of righteousness by faith today?
Day 4: Detecting and Rejecting Self-Righteousness
Self-righteousness is a subtle but dangerous trap that keeps us from true repentance and grace. It shows up when we dismiss criticism, justify our actions, blame others, refuse to apologize, or avoid confessing our sins. These attitudes prevent us from experiencing the freedom and forgiveness God offers. True humility before God means being honest about our failures, confessing our sins, and depending on Christ’s righteousness alone. [30:02]
1 John 1:8-9 (ESV)
“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Reflection: When was the last time you confessed your sins to God or to another person? What is one step you can take today to practice humility and reject self-righteousness?
Day 5: Living in God’s Righteousness—Trust, Thankfulness, and Holiness
Living in God’s righteousness means trusting Christ alone, starting each day with gratitude for His forgiveness, and walking in holiness as a response to His grace. Jesus is not an accessory to our lives—He is our only hope and necessity for salvation. Each day, we are invited to reset our hearts by worshiping, praying, and thanking God for His mercy, then to honor Him by living out the righteousness He has given us. [32:19]
Philippians 3:8-9 (ESV)
“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith.”
Reflection: How can you begin your day tomorrow by thanking God for His forgiveness and intentionally choosing to walk in the righteousness He has given you?
Quotes
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