Romans 1:17 NIV: “For in the gospel a righteousness from 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 is the key verse of Romans, announcing the theme of “the righteousness of God.” The word righteousness and other terms from the same Greek root – just, righteous, and justified, were used sixty times throughout Paul’s letter to the church at Rome. Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4: “But the righteous shall live by his faith,” in Romans 1:17. This verse is quoted three times in the New Testament (Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:11; and Heb. 10:38). It is by faith that one receives the gift of salvation, through God’s Son. It is also by faith we must live out each day in victory, liberty, and security, out of our faith, hope, and trust in God Almighty from start to finish. For this to be repeated throughout scripture, it means we need to pay attention to this truth – “The righteous shall live by faith.”
What past trials in your life tested your faith? Is your list a long list or a short list? There was one big one that I went through years ago, that I remember that I had told the Lord, “If you get me through this I will never doubt you again!” Actually, there have been two or three since that one, that I have prayed the same prayer. But that one particular memory still stands out in my mind as God used it to move us from Minnesota to sunny California (Ps. 27:13-14 “. . . in the land of the living.” But that is another story for another time.).
What has caused your faith in God to grow? I think over my life and ask myself what has caused my faith to grow? It usually has come out of trials. God spoke to me, during a span of three or so years of several hard circumstances that were going on all at the same time, from Psalm 119:92-93, and I have never forgotten this: “If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life.” Those verses breathed life into those painful circumstances, and I saw God’s glory come forth later as I prayed the words of those verses. I had to trust in God’s righteousness, provision, healing, and justice, one moment at a time in faith, for God’s sovereign plan to be revealed. I asked God to let those verses be my testimony. Do you have a verse that you rely on to give you comfort, peace, and strength in your storm as you are anchored in your faith in God?
We start with a seed of faith in our heart, mind, and soul, at the time of our salvation. Trusting in Christ was our first step of faith by God’s grace (Ephe. 2:8), which was our undeserved privilege. The second step is for us to live out our faith one step at a time – and some days that requires just one moment at a time. Today is a new day. Live in the surrounding power of your faith in Christ’s righteousness as His presence goes with you today, leading you one step at a time.
A fitting song to listen to regarding faith and hope is David Crowder’s YouTube video of “ All My Hope (Official Music Video)” featuring Tauren Wells. Then listen and watch Danny Gokey’s “New Day (Lyric Video).” It will put a bounce to your step!