Living by Faith: Embracing God's Righteousness
Summary
In today's exploration of faith, we delved into the profound concept of righteousness as revealed in the epistle to the Romans. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the critical role of faith, mentioning it four times in just two verses. This repetition underscores the importance of understanding faith not as a mere human trait or a general life principle, but as a unique, divine gift bestowed upon believers. Faith, as discussed, is not a universal possession or a simple trust in everyday occurrences like riding a bus or eating food. Instead, it is a specific, intelligent, and active trust in God, distinct from the law of mathematical probability that governs our daily assumptions.
Faith is not a condition for salvation nor a lighter demand than the law. It is not a new law that is easier to fulfill. Rather, faith is the opposite of legalism and human merit. It is the channel through which God's righteousness is received, not something that justifies us by itself. Our faith does not constitute our righteousness; it is the righteousness of Jesus Christ that justifies us. Faith is the instrument through which we accept this righteousness, and it is only through faith that we can truly understand and rejoice in God's gift.
The phrase "from faith to faith" highlights that salvation is according to God's method of righteousness by faith, not by human effort or law-keeping. This righteousness is revealed to those who have faith, and it is through this faith that believers live. The Apostle Paul, along with Martin Luther, found liberation in the understanding that "the just shall live by faith," a realization that transformed Luther's life and sparked the Reformation. This understanding bridges the abstract concept of God's righteousness with the concrete experience of living by faith, offering believers eternal security in God's love.
Key Takeaways:
- Faith is not a universal trait or a simple trust in everyday life; it is a unique, divine gift given to believers, distinct from the law of mathematical probability. It is an intelligent and active trust in God, not a mere assumption or subconscious action. [32:57]
- Faith is not a condition for salvation or a lighter demand than the law. It is the opposite of legalism and human merit, serving as the channel through which God's righteousness is received. Our faith does not justify us; it is the righteousness of Jesus Christ that justifies us. [39:25]
- The phrase "from faith to faith" emphasizes that salvation is according to God's method of righteousness by faith, not by human effort or law-keeping. This righteousness is revealed to those who have faith, and it is through this faith that believers live. [43:34]
- Martin Luther's transformation came from understanding that "the just shall live by faith," bridging the abstract concept of God's righteousness with the concrete experience of living by faith. This realization offered him liberation and sparked the Reformation. [47:32]
- The security of believers lies in the understanding that those who are righteous by faith shall live, eternally safe in God's love. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, providing assurance and peace to those who live by faith. [49:19]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [30:48] - Introduction to Faith
- [31:40] - Misunderstandings of Faith
- [32:28] - Everyday Faith vs. Biblical Faith
- [33:28] - The Nature of True Faith
- [35:22] - Faith as a Divine Gift
- [36:31] - Faith and Salvation
- [37:38] - Faith vs. Legalism
- [39:25] - Faith and Human Merit
- [41:03] - Righteousness Through Faith
- [43:02] - From Faith to Faith
- [45:07] - The Gift of Faith
- [46:16] - Martin Luther's Revelation
- [49:19] - Eternal Security in Faith
- [50:39] - Conclusion and Resources
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Romans 1:16-17
2. Ephesians 2:8-9
3. Habakkuk 2:4
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Observation Questions:
1. How does the Apostle Paul describe the role of faith in Romans 1:16-17, and why is it emphasized multiple times in these verses? [31:06]
2. According to the sermon, what is the difference between everyday faith, like trusting a bus driver, and the biblical faith Paul talks about? [32:57]
3. What does the phrase "from faith to faith" mean in the context of Romans 1:17, and how does it relate to the concept of righteousness? [43:02]
4. How did Martin Luther's understanding of "the just shall live by faith" transform his life and contribute to the Reformation? [47:32]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that faith is distinct from human merit or legalism? How does this distinction affect our understanding of salvation? [39:25]
2. How does the sermon explain the concept of faith as a divine gift, and why is it important to recognize faith as such? [35:22]
3. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between faith and righteousness, particularly in the context of Romans 1:17 and Ephesians 2:8-9? [41:03]
4. How does the sermon describe the security and assurance that comes from living by faith, and what implications does this have for believers today? [49:19]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own understanding of faith. How does the sermon challenge or affirm your current perspective on faith as a divine gift rather than a human trait? [35:22]
2. Consider a time when you relied on your own merit or efforts to feel justified before God. How can you shift your focus to rely more on the righteousness of Jesus Christ? [39:25]
3. The sermon highlights the phrase "from faith to faith." How can you actively live out this principle in your daily life, moving from one act of faith to another? [43:02]
4. Martin Luther experienced a profound transformation upon understanding "the just shall live by faith." How can this realization impact your spiritual journey and daily decisions? [47:32]
5. The sermon emphasizes the eternal security found in God's love for those who live by faith. How can this assurance influence your response to life's challenges and uncertainties? [49:19]
6. Identify an area in your life where you might be relying on assumptions or probabilities rather than an active, intelligent trust in God. What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper faith in that area? [32:57]
7. How can you encourage others in your community to understand and embrace the concept of faith as a divine gift, distinct from everyday assumptions or legalistic practices? [35:22]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith as a Divine Gift
Faith is not a universal trait or a simple trust in everyday life; it is a unique, divine gift given to believers, distinct from the law of mathematical probability. It is an intelligent and active trust in God, not a mere assumption or subconscious action. This understanding of faith challenges the notion that it is something we can muster on our own. Instead, it is a gift from God, bestowed upon those who believe. This divine gift allows believers to trust in God's promises and live a life that reflects His righteousness. [32:57]
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a time when you relied on your own understanding rather than trusting in God's gift of faith. How can you begin to shift your perspective to see faith as a divine gift in your daily life?
Day 2: Faith and Righteousness
Faith is not a condition for salvation or a lighter demand than the law. It is the opposite of legalism and human merit, serving as the channel through which God's righteousness is received. Our faith does not justify us; it is the righteousness of Jesus Christ that justifies us. This distinction is crucial because it shifts the focus from our efforts to the grace of God. By understanding that faith is the means through which we receive God's righteousness, we can rest in the assurance that our salvation is not dependent on our works but on Christ's finished work. [39:25]
"For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law." (Romans 3:28, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you tried to earn God's favor through your own efforts? How can you embrace the truth that it is Christ's righteousness, not your own, that justifies you?
Day 3: From Faith to Faith
The phrase "from faith to faith" emphasizes that salvation is according to God's method of righteousness by faith, not by human effort or law-keeping. This righteousness is revealed to those who have faith, and it is through this faith that believers live. This concept highlights the continuous journey of faith, where each step is taken in reliance on God's promises. It is a reminder that faith is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey of trusting in God's righteousness. [43:34]
"For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'The righteous shall live by faith.'" (Romans 1:17, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate a daily practice of living "from faith to faith"? What steps can you take to deepen your reliance on God's righteousness in your everyday life?
Day 4: Martin Luther's Revelation
Martin Luther's transformation came from understanding that "the just shall live by faith," bridging the abstract concept of God's righteousness with the concrete experience of living by faith. This realization offered him liberation and sparked the Reformation. Luther's insight serves as a powerful reminder that faith is not just a theological concept but a practical reality that transforms lives. By embracing this truth, believers can experience the freedom and joy that comes from living by faith. [47:32]
"For we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a time when living by faith brought you freedom or joy. How can you apply this understanding to a current situation in your life?
Day 5: Eternal Security in Faith
The security of believers lies in the understanding that those who are righteous by faith shall live, eternally safe in God's love. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, providing assurance and peace to those who live by faith. This assurance is a source of comfort and strength, reminding believers that their eternal security is grounded in God's unchanging love. By resting in this truth, believers can face life's challenges with confidence and peace. [49:19]
"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39, ESV)
Reflection: How does the assurance of God's eternal love impact your daily life? In what ways can you remind yourself of this truth when facing challenges or doubts?
Quotes
Faith is not something that exists in all men; it is not some subjective possession of the whole of mankind. Now, it's often represented like that. You must have heard it many times. I've often heard it being put like this: people say this whole question of Salvation is quite simple. [00:32:12]
Faith is not a condition for salvation. It doesn't mean that our faith is the thing that determines our Salvation. It doesn't mean that faith is something which is demanded as a condition of our being saved. And secondly, it doesn't mean this, and oh, how often is it put like this at the present time. [00:36:37]
Faith is the opposite of everything that is legalistic, not the opposite of the law, but the opposite of everything that is legalistic. Take what Paul says about himself in Philippians 3. He says that he thought that he was, as regards the demands of the law, perfect and righteous. [00:38:57]
Our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is not our righteousness. Our faith does not constitute our righteousness. Faith is simply the instrument by which we receive the righteousness. Or again, to take it like this, our faith does not justify us. If you begin to speak like that, you see, you turn faith at once into works. [00:40:08]
Faith is the instrument of the channel through which this righteousness of Christ is given to me, and I am rendered capable of accepting it. Here it is again in Romans 3:21 and 22: But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets. [00:41:29]
What the Apostle is emphasizing, in other words, is this: that salvation is according to God's method of righteousness by faith, not righteousness by trying to keep the law, not righteousness by any human endeavor or activity, even though you call it Faith. It's a righteousness of God by faith. [00:43:24]
It is only the man who has Faith who sees it and accepts it gladly and rejoices in it. Again, I repeat that verse from Ephesians 2: By grace are saved through faith, and that not of yourself; it is the gift of God. The natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God. [00:44:39]
The just shall live by faith. Oh, what an important statement that was! The actual phrase that gave Martin Luther Liberty. This is how he puts it: you see, that expression, the righteousness of God, was his stumbling block. He calls that the abstract conception of the righteousness of God. [00:46:06]
He saw that this is the whole difference between the law and Faith. He'd been trying to work our righteousness according to the law, but there's an absolute stumbling block to that, this righteousness of God. But now he begins to see how are these people righteous? Ah, it's a righteousness by faith. [00:47:19]
The righteous by faith or the just by faith shall live. In other words, those who are righteous by faith shall live. Men may put them to death, but they're still right with God, and they'll go on living through all eternity. That's the basic principle: the righteous or the just by faith shall live. [00:49:03]
Having been justified by God, we are eternally safe. I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God. [00:50:13]
There is no more vital statement for us than this: that just by faith shall live. Having been justified by God, we are eternally safe. I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height nor depth. [00:50:04]
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