The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Just

  • Live by Faith

    “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.”

    Habakkuk 2:4

    What is faith? Many speak of their “faith” today. But not many mention what that faith is. Or where it is placed. We can learn many things about the faith as described in the Bible. Faith means “a term indicative of the means of appropriating what God in Christ has for man resulting in the transformation of man’s character and way of life; Christian faith; a firm and confiding belief in Jesus and His gospel…” Notice that faith is belief in Jesus and His Gospel (His atoning death, burial, resurrection, and His return one day). But faith is much more than that. It is also the appropriating what God has for each individual life, resulting in the transformation of that person’s character and that person’s way of life.

    Read some insight we have on faith mentioned in the Old Testament. “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4).

    • Upright means “ethically; a moral life; to declare right.”
    • Just means “lawful; righteous; God himself is the standard for ethics and morality.”

    Consider one who is lifted up and is not upright. This is one who has chosen to live as they so choose. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12). This death can be speaking of more than this life; it can also speak of eternity. Remember what Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:24). The Bible teaches us that there is either eternal death or eternal life. The difference is belief in Jesus, which makes one just before God (see Romans 5:8-9). Becoming just (righteous) is obtained by faith in Jesus. This helps us understand that Habakkuk 2:4 describes two peoples: one who is “not upright”(one who is lost and apart from Christ); and one who is “just” (one who has received the righteousness of Christ by faith). The one who continues “not upright” will end up in eternal death.

    Habakkuk 2:4 is quoted in the New Testament three times, helping us understand it even better. The first time Habakkuk 2:4 is quoted is in the book of Romans. “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17). The book of Romans explains that justification before God is by faith in Jesus, alone. This is salvation.

    The second place Habakkuk 2:4 is quoted is in Galatians. “But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith” (Galatians 3:11). The book of Galatians teaches one who has trusted in Jesus how to then live that life out of faith while living here on this earth. Read the following example of this: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). A Christian no longer chooses to please self, but to please Jesus, who “gave himself for me.” We read in Habakkuk that the “just” will live by his faith. Once one has obtained faith by belief in Jesus (salvation), each Christian is to learn to live his faith in Jesus. A Christian must “hold fast” to the things that are to be learned from the Bible (see 2 Timothy 1:13). Once we learn these things and begin to live by them, what happens to that Christian life? The righteousness of God is then revealed in that Christian’s life.

    The third time Habakkuk 2:4 is quoted in the New Testament is in the book of Hebrews. “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him” (Hebrews 10:38). Understand what happens if a Christian becomes fearful and does not move forward in their Christian walk by faith. God is not pleased when a Christian does not continue forward in their Christian walk but draws back (this means they go into apostasy – forsaking the ways and truths of God’s Word). To encourage Christians, we can read of a whole chapter listing people who forsook the pleasures of this world to seek after and follow God and His Word (see Hebrews 11). Read the key to living by faith: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

    Once a Christian understands how to live and walk by faith, what will they have? “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). These things should help every Christian understand the importance of living by faith and not forsaking the teachings found in God’s Word. Why is it important to live by faith? “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7). Each Christian’s goal should be to be found “unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”

    Have you believed in Jesus by faith?

    Have you chosen to appropriate that faith into your life by continually living for Him?

    Link to learn How to be Saved

  • Think on These Things

    “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
    Philippians 4:8

    If Christians find themselves in a place where they become discouraged with what is happening in the world around them, there are many encouraging things to be found in the Bible. Paul recorded many upon which we are to rely.

    Paul called for Believers to “stand fast in the Lord”. He had already encouraged them to have the mind of Christ. He then gave a list of instructions they were to implement in their lives helping them become more Christ-like. Nevertheless, it was not always easy. One may want to just run and hide out away from the insanity that is often found in the world around one.   

    Yet Paul called them to action. “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved” (Philippians 4:1). Read the following instructions Paul gave to help them live with the mind of Christ; things upon which to think. There are some definitions in brackets to help in the understanding of these verses. 

    Philippians 4:4-9: 

    • “4. Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
    • 5. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. [Moderation means “clemency (means mercy; disposition to treat with favor and kindness; to forgive or spare; tenderness in punishing; opposed to severity; mildness of temper).”]
    • 6. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. [Careful means “to be anxious or troubled.” Supplication means “prayer for particular benefits; petition for oneself.” Keep means “to guard or preserve spiritually.”]
    • 8. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, [True means “true in conduct; upright; honest; just; sincere.”]
    • whatsoever things are honest, [Honest means “venerable (being consecrated to God and to his worship); reputable; dignified.”]  
    • whatsoever things are just, [Just means “used of dispositions (inclination; propensity; the temper or frame of mind as directed to a particular object); judgments; things to indicate their right or conformable relation to justice or righteousness.”]
    • whatsoever things are pure, [Pure means “innocent or blameless.”]
    • whatsoever things are lovely, [Lovely means “dear to someone; beloved; things that are acceptable or pleasing.”]
    • whatsoever things are of good report; [Good report means “well-spoken of; laudable; praiseworthy.”]
    • if there be any virtue, and [Virtue means “human virtue as in moral excellence; perfection; goodness of action.”]   
    • if there be any praise, [Praise means “something praiseworthy.”]  
    • think on these things.
    • 9. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” 

    Paul simply listed the things they must do in order to stand fast in their like-mindedness with Christ.

    Not only did Paul teach what should be done, he was a living example: “which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do”. Although we cannot see Paul today, we can read the example of his life. These words recorded in Philippians should bring great encouragement, and when implemented, enable Christians to have the mind of Christ. Christians should avoid the bad and negative, but dwell upon the good things that Paul described.

    Have you been encouraged to take your eyes off of the world, thinking of the goodness God provides?

  • Faith and Hope

    “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”
    Romans 15:4

    Watching events in the world today, do you ever wonder why God allows some things to happen? Have you noticed the crime, injustices, wickedness, violence, strife, and so much more that happens continually? Does it seem like ungodliness is constantly in your face, yet there is nowhere to turn and hide from it? Believe it or not, this is nothing new. This has all happened before.

    Remember back for a minute to a small book in the Old Testament named after a prophet who had much of the same question for God. He asked God, “O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!” (Habakkuk 1:2). He wanted to know why he could see so many living in such sin and wickedness, knowing that God was displeased, and why God was allowing it to continue without doing anything about it.

    God answered Habakkuk. “Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you” (Habakkuk 1:5). God proceeded to tell Habakkuk that He was about to do something so mighty that it would be hard to believe such a thing could happen. God’s people had been living contrary to God for so long, and they had chosen instead to involve themselves wholly in idolatry. Because of their rejection of God and His ways, God was going to allow the enemy to come into the country, steal a select group away, and destroy the rest of the people and nation. The enemy that was coming to destroy was a “terrible and dreadful” people. God was going to use this wicked people to come into Judah and destroy. However, because God knows the heart of all people, He knew whom he would allow to be spared from the wrath of His judgment upon His people. This group of people would be taken into the enemy’s land that was wholly given over to idolatry. Hearing this, Habakkuk was greatly trouble. He did not know or understand that in that place, this group of people would be cured of idolatry forever. It would be then that God would allow them to go back to their homeland and rebuild.

    When Habakkuk did not understand, he still waited to hear from God. Once again, God answered him. God wanted him to write it down for all to know and understand, because if God says something is going to happen, be assured it will happen! The greatest verse in this book, the verse that is the most instructive is found next. “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). No one who places faith in anyone or anything besides God is “upright” in God. Remember: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12). The most important faith a person can have is the saving faith in Jesus. “8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9. Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Once one has the saving faith of Jesus, that person is able to “live by his faith.” “16. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth … 17. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:16-17). In the world, people think seeing is believing. God wants us to understand that believing is seeing.

    How did Habakkuk respond to this thought of living by his faith in God and His Word? The entirety of chapter three in Habakkuk is a prayer that turns into a song. Habakkuk remembered what God had done for His people in the past, and the hope God gave for the future. God had never left them. This comforted Habakkuk and gave him hope. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4).

    Habakkuk put into practice what we should know to do: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). When Habakkuk sought God, God answered and encouraged Habakkuk.

    Does God’s Word comfort you, encouraging you to live a life of faith in this world?

  • The Just Shall Live by Faith

    “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”
    Romans 1:17

    Have you ever been afraid?

    One cannot help but remember back to an event that took place in the Bible. Jesus had been going about preaching and healing many. The disciples who were with Him, recognized that he was a great teacher. They had witnessed many people come to Jesus with sicknesses that He healed. Jesus even healed Peter’s mother-in-law who had been sick. They saw many possessed with devils that Jesus cast out. Yet when these fishermen (who were used to being on the water) were in a ship in the sea and a storm arose, they were afraid. Yet Jesus was asleep in the ship. “25. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. 27. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!” (Matthew 8:25-27). Even these men who had witnessed Jesus do many great things were afraid in the storm! They did not yet understand just who Jesus was, and that He would take care of them. They had “little faith.”

    We can learn many things about the faith that is to be found in a Christian life. Is it good when one relies upon his own ability? “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). Each Christian is to learn to live his faith in Jesus. When we hear of the faith by which Christians are to live, what are we to do? “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13). A Christian must “hold fast” to the things that are to be learned from the Bible. Once we learn these things and begin to live by them, what happens to that Christian life? “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17). The righteousness of God is then revealed in that Christian’s life.

    Many Christians become afraid at some point. We do not see the preventions God has in place to hold the enemy (or things that cause us to fear) at bay; for these things can come so close and no further than God permits. God only allows some of these things to go so far in the affecting of our lives. He prevents many of these instances from reaching one who stays in the midst of the path God has for that Christian. Often times these occurrences are allowed to be there to test one’s faith (remember Job).

    Understand what happens if a Christian becomes fearful and does not move forward in their Christian walk by faith. “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him” (Hebrews 10:38). God is not pleased when a Christian does not continue forward in their Christian walk but draws back (this means they go into apostasy – forsaking the ways and truths of God’s Word).

    Once a Christian understands how to live and walk by faith, what will they have? “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). These things should help every Christian understand the importance of living by faith and not forsaking the teachings found in God’s Word. Why is it important to live by faith? “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7).

    Have you learned to trust God, not be afraid, and walk by faith?