What does "My righteous one will live by faith" mean for believers today? Anchoring the Phrase in Scripture • Hebrews 10:38: “But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.” • The writer quotes Habakkuk 2:4, weaving an Old Testament truth into New Testament life. • Paul repeats the same line in Romans 1:17 and Galatians 3:11. God’s consistent message: righteousness and life are inseparable from faith. Defining “Righteous” • Not self-made: Romans 3:22—“This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” • Credited by God: Genesis 15:6—“Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” • Lived-out holiness: 1 John 3:7—“The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.” In Christ, believers are declared righteous and are called to practice righteousness day by day. What “Live by Faith” Means 1. Ongoing dependence, not a one-time decision. 2. Trust in unseen realities—Hebrews 11:1. 3. Daily obedience even when circumstances contradict sight. 4. Perseverance under pressure—James 1:12. 5. Forward-looking hope—2 Corinthians 5:7, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Concrete Expressions Today • Choosing Scripture’s verdict over cultural opinion. • Praying expectantly before acting strategically. • Giving generously though budgets feel tight. • Sharing the gospel despite potential rejection. • Refusing despair when news feeds stir fear. The Warning Against Shrinking Back • “If he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him” (Hebrews 10:38). • Shrinking back = abandoning confidence in Christ when trials rise. • Hebrews 10:39 reassures: “But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” • God’s pleasure rests on steadfast faith; loss of faith forfeits joy and reward. Motivation from Hebrews 11’s Portrait Gallery • Abel worshiped by faith. • Noah built by faith. • Abraham obeyed and waited by faith. • Moses chose reproach over palace comfort by faith. These lives shout, “God keeps His promises—keep trusting!” Practical Takeaways for Today’s Believer • Begin each day in the Word; faith is fueled by hearing (Romans 10:17). • Replace “What if?” with “God will”—Philippians 1:6. • Measure choices by eternal reward, not immediate ease—2 Corinthians 4:17-18. • Encourage fellow believers; faith flourishes in community—Hebrews 10:24-25. • Keep eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith—Hebrews 12:2. Key Verses to Hold Close • Galatians 2:20—“I have been crucified with Christ…” • Psalm 37:5—“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it.” • 1 Peter 1:8-9—“Though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him… receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” Living by faith is not abstract theory—it is the heartbeat of righteous living, the pathway of divine pleasure, and the sure route to enduring joy in Christ. |
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