Living by Faith and Righteousness
10/19/2024
“For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’” - Romans 1:17 (NIV)
In Romans 1:17, Paul highlights an incredible truth: God’s righteousness is revealed through the gospel, and this righteousness is accessed and lived out by faith. This scripture reminds us that righteousness isn’t something we can achieve on our own, but rather something that is granted to us by God, through our faith in Jesus Christ.
What is Righteousness?
Righteousness refers to being in right standing with God—living in a way that pleases Him and aligns with His will. In the Old Testament, people sought to achieve righteousness by following the Law. However, no one could perfectly uphold the Law, and it became clear that a greater solution was needed.
Paul shows that in Christ, God’s righteousness is revealed not as something we earn but as something we receive through faith. Jesus, who lived a perfect life, fulfilled the Law’s requirements. Through faith in Him, we are counted righteous before God.
Righteousness by Faith: A Journey from Start to Finish
Paul emphasizes that the righteous will live by faith “from first to last.” This means that faith is not just the starting point of our journey with God—it is the essence of our entire Christian life. It’s easy to think that once we’ve come to faith, we must somehow sustain our walk with God through our own efforts. But Paul is clear: faith is what keeps us connected to God and sustains us daily.
For example, consider Abraham, who trusted God’s promise even when it seemed impossible. His faith was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). Abraham wasn’t perfect, but he believed in God’s ability to fulfill His promises. Similarly, we are called to trust God, even when circumstances seem uncertain or challenging.
Faith in Action: Living Out Righteousness
Living by faith means more than just believing in God’s existence, it involves trusting Him in every aspect of life.
Here are some practical examples of how faith and righteousness can intersect in our daily lives:
1. Trusting God in Decisions:
When faced with important decisions, instead of relying on our own understanding, we can seek God’s guidance in prayer, trusting that He will lead us on the right path. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to lean not on our own understanding but to acknowledge God in all our ways.
2. Responding to Adversity with Faith:
In moments of trial, instead of reacting with fear or frustration, we can remember that God is in control. Like Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20, who faced overwhelming opposition, we too can place our battles in God’s hands, trusting Him for deliverance.
3. Choosing Integrity in Temptation:
When tempted to compromise our values, faith in God’s righteousness empowers us to stand firm. Trusting in His provision and goodness helps us resist the temptation to take shortcuts or engage in dishonest behavior.
The righteousness of God revealed through the gospel is a powerful truth that transforms our lives. It is not about what we do but about what Christ has done. As we live by faith, we experience His righteousness in our everyday actions, thoughts, and decisions.
Today, consider how you can live by faith in the situations you face. Ask God to help you trust Him more deeply and to live in the righteousness He has provided through Jesus Christ.
Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing Your righteousness through the gospel and for making it accessible to us through faith. Help me to live each day trusting in Your promises and walking in the righteousness You have given me through Jesus. Strengthen my faith, and let Your righteousness be evident in my words, actions, and thoughts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’” - Romans 1:17 (NIV)
In Romans 1:17, Paul highlights an incredible truth: God’s righteousness is revealed through the gospel, and this righteousness is accessed and lived out by faith. This scripture reminds us that righteousness isn’t something we can achieve on our own, but rather something that is granted to us by God, through our faith in Jesus Christ.
What is Righteousness?
Righteousness refers to being in right standing with God—living in a way that pleases Him and aligns with His will. In the Old Testament, people sought to achieve righteousness by following the Law. However, no one could perfectly uphold the Law, and it became clear that a greater solution was needed.
Paul shows that in Christ, God’s righteousness is revealed not as something we earn but as something we receive through faith. Jesus, who lived a perfect life, fulfilled the Law’s requirements. Through faith in Him, we are counted righteous before God.
Righteousness by Faith: A Journey from Start to Finish
Paul emphasizes that the righteous will live by faith “from first to last.” This means that faith is not just the starting point of our journey with God—it is the essence of our entire Christian life. It’s easy to think that once we’ve come to faith, we must somehow sustain our walk with God through our own efforts. But Paul is clear: faith is what keeps us connected to God and sustains us daily.
For example, consider Abraham, who trusted God’s promise even when it seemed impossible. His faith was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). Abraham wasn’t perfect, but he believed in God’s ability to fulfill His promises. Similarly, we are called to trust God, even when circumstances seem uncertain or challenging.
Faith in Action: Living Out Righteousness
Living by faith means more than just believing in God’s existence, it involves trusting Him in every aspect of life.
Here are some practical examples of how faith and righteousness can intersect in our daily lives:
1. Trusting God in Decisions:
When faced with important decisions, instead of relying on our own understanding, we can seek God’s guidance in prayer, trusting that He will lead us on the right path. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to lean not on our own understanding but to acknowledge God in all our ways.
2. Responding to Adversity with Faith:
In moments of trial, instead of reacting with fear or frustration, we can remember that God is in control. Like Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20, who faced overwhelming opposition, we too can place our battles in God’s hands, trusting Him for deliverance.
3. Choosing Integrity in Temptation:
When tempted to compromise our values, faith in God’s righteousness empowers us to stand firm. Trusting in His provision and goodness helps us resist the temptation to take shortcuts or engage in dishonest behavior.
The righteousness of God revealed through the gospel is a powerful truth that transforms our lives. It is not about what we do but about what Christ has done. As we live by faith, we experience His righteousness in our everyday actions, thoughts, and decisions.
Today, consider how you can live by faith in the situations you face. Ask God to help you trust Him more deeply and to live in the righteousness He has provided through Jesus Christ.
Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing Your righteousness through the gospel and for making it accessible to us through faith. Help me to live each day trusting in Your promises and walking in the righteousness You have given me through Jesus. Strengthen my faith, and let Your righteousness be evident in my words, actions, and thoughts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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