How does Romans 1:17 define "the righteousness of God" for believers today? Setting the Verse in Place “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’” (Romans 1:17) What “the righteousness of God” Means • God’s own perfect moral integrity—His character put on display • A gift credited to believers (imputed), not a quality we earn • Anchored in Christ: “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) • Fulfillment of Habakkuk 2:4, showing continuity between Old and New Covenants “Revealed from Faith to Faith” • Begins with saving faith: trusting Christ’s finished work (Ephesians 2:8-9) • Grows into ongoing faith: daily reliance on God’s grace (Colossians 2:6-7) • Moves believer to believer: as the gospel is shared, God’s righteousness keeps being unveiled (Romans 10:14-17) Living by Faith—What It Looks Like Today 1. Identity – See yourself clothed in Christ’s righteousness (Philippians 3:9) – Reject condemnation (Romans 8:1) 2. Worship – Approach God boldly, knowing you stand “in the right” because of Jesus (Hebrews 10:19-22) 3. Obedience – Good works flow from gratitude, not to earn favor (Titus 2:11-14) 4. Perseverance – When sin tempts, return to faith, not self-effort (Galatians 3:3) 5. Witness – Share the gospel confidently: the same righteousness offered to you is offered to all who believe (Romans 3:21-26) Key Takeaways for the Modern Believer • Righteousness is a gift received by faith, never a wage earned by works. • The Christian life begins, continues, and ends in faith—“from faith to faith.” • Because God sees you in Christ, you can live free from guilt, empowered for holiness, and eager to make Him known. |
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