“The Just shall live by faith.” This is a biblical phrase that can be found in the book of Habakkuk 2:4 in the Old Testament. It is believed to be one of the most important themes of the Bible, as it encourages people to trust and have faith in God even during difficult times. This phrase emphasizes living righteously before God so one may enjoy his favor.
This phrase serves as a reminder for us to live our lives according to God’s will and remain obedient to him. Trusting in God means believing in his promises and relying on him for everything, including guidance, protection, provision, and all other needs we cannot provide for ourselves.
Contents
- 1 What Does It Mean To Be “Just”?
- 2 What Does It Mean To Live By Faith?
- 3 What Is The Spiritual Connection Between Faith And Living Justly?
- 4 Challenges To Living By Faith
- 5 How To Cultivate Habits That Help Us Live By Faith?
- 6 How Do We Live Righteously By Faith?
- 7 Practical Ways To Live By Faith
- 8 What Are The Benefits Of Living By Faith?
- 9 Conclusion
What Does It Mean To Be “Just”?
To be “just” is to do what is fair and right according to the principles of justice. In a biblical context, being ‘just’ means keeping God’s laws [1] and standards as set out in the Bible. One of the best-known verses on this concept can be found in Habakkuk 2:4, which states, “The just shall live by faith.” This verse speaks directly to mankind seeking salvation, who should strive for justice in his life and become a righteous man.
Righteousness does not stem from our own efforts but is attained through faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrificial act for us. Genuine faith involves living in harmony with God, obeying His commands, and upholding His standards. It goes beyond mere belief in facts or doctrines, as some may perceive it. Faith compels us to delve deeper and showcase our trust in Christ through our actions. Through faith, we can be justified before God and lead a just life.
What Does It Mean To Live By Faith?
Living by faith means following the Bible’s teachings and being a righteous person. It entails trusting and obeying God, who promises salvation to believers. The phrase “The just shall live by faith” emphasizes the central role of faith in our relationship with God. Living by faith entails comprehending and embracing God’s grace and mercy, which are accessible through His Son, Christ Jesus.
We must understand our need for forgiveness and redemption from sin and seek fellowship with other believers to share our testimonies and encourage one another. Through prayer and the study of Scripture, we can learn how to abide by the truth of God’s word and apply it to our everyday lives.
Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” This is a powerful reminder that living by faith means trusting in something unseen but believing it will happen regardless. As believers, we must rely on God’s promises, surrendering our own understanding and expectations. We are called to trust Him wholeheartedly, even when life’s circumstances are unclear or unexpected.
What Is The Spiritual Connection Between Faith And Living Justly?
The spiritual connection between faith and living justly is essential to the Christian faith. The Bible teaches us that right living must be built on a foundation of faith, as God has called us to seek justice and righteousness (Micah 6:8). Furthermore, the Lord Jesus Christ himself exemplified this principle in his life (John 5:19) and called all those who follow him to live by example.
When we place our trust in God, he guides us into righteous living through his Word (Psalm 119:105). Living according to Scripture provides a moral framework for how we conduct ourselves with others, including being honest, fair, generous, and compassionate towards them. When we extend grace toward others, it reflects humility and gratitude for the grace God revealed to us.
Challenges To Living By Faith
Living by faith demands courage, perseverance, and unwavering commitment. The Bible presents numerous instances of people encountering hardships while striving to live out their faith amidst challenging circumstances. Despite societal pressures, financial struggles, rejection, and other obstacles, these individuals bravely confronted these challenges, trusting in God’s faithfulness to His promises.
The book of Hebrews provides excellent examples of individuals whose faith inspired them to endure suffering despite tremendous odds against them. For instance, we read about people like Abraham, who left everything he knew behind to follow God’s call (Hebrews 11:8).
We also see how Joseph faced betrayal and imprisonment but stayed true to God’s call even in his darkest moments (Hebrews 11:21–22). These are a reminder that we can trust God even when our circumstances seem impossible.
How To Cultivate Habits That Help Us Live By Faith?
Living by faith requires dedication and commitment, but it can be achieved with the right habits. Habits such as spending time in prayer, reading God’s Word, and trusting that he is in control are essential for living by faith. Here are five tips to help cultivate habits that will help us live by faith:
Pray Regularly
Prayer is a powerful way to connect with God and strengthen our faith. It should be a regular part of our daily routine to engage in honest conversations with God, just as we would with a friend or family member. Each morning, take a moment to express gratitude for His blessings and seek His guidance for the day ahead. Sharing your worries, fears, and needs with Him can bring a sense of peace and tranquility.
Read Scripture
Reading the Bible, whether the Old or New Testament, is a great way to get to know God’s will for our lives and gain insights into how he wants us to live. It helps keep us focused on what matters most in life: faith, hope, and love. When you feel like you need encouragement or guidance, turn to the Word of God for answers.
Spend Time With Other Believers
Surrounding yourself with other Christians striving to live by faith can be an invaluable resource and provide much-needed support when times are tough. Find a church or Bible study group that can help strengthen your faith journey and provide deep conversations about God’s word.
How Do We Live Righteously By Faith?
Living by faith means following Jesus’ teachings in the Bible and obeying His commands. Our lives should demonstrate our love for God (Matthew 22:37–39). The Bible emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s laws and pursuing a holy existence (Romans 12:1-2; 1 Peter 1:15–16). This entails living with integrity, justice, mercy, and humility. It involves expressing gratitude for God’s blessings and prioritizing Him above all else.
To become righteous by faith, we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. We wholeheartedly trust Him, obey His teachings, and invite the Holy Spirit to lead us into truth (John 16:13). This encompasses loving God with all our being and treating others with the same love and care (Matthew 22:37–39).
Practical Ways To Live By Faith
The Bible instructs us on how to live out our faith in practical ways. First, we must have a heart of surrender and obedience to God (Romans 12:1-2). This means trusting him even if his plan doesn’t make sense at the moment. We should also stay connected to him through prayer and reading his Word (Psalm 119:105) so that we can be reminded of his promises and know he is with us always.
Also, our relationships should reflect Christ’s love and care by being authentic, inclusive, and loving toward those around us. Lastly, it is important to practice patience as we wait for God’s plans to unfold (Psalm 37:7). By following these practical steps, we can live out our faith in tangible and meaningful ways.
What Are The Benefits Of Living By Faith?
Living by faith strengthens our bond with God, drawing us closer to Him. It means relying on His promises instead of ourselves or others for satisfaction. By aligning ourselves with God’s will, we become more aware of His presence and better able to discern His guidance for our lives.
Trusting in God amidst uncertainty or adversity, we release worries and doubts to Him, confident in His unfailing care. We can rely on His provision and find courage and hope in navigating tough circumstances.
Conclusion
Living by faith is a lifestyle of trusting in God’s promises to all the nations, relying on his guidance, and striving to live according to his commandments. It may be difficult at times, but it brings us peace, joy, hope, and a strong relationship with our Creator.
With the Lord’s help, we can remain faithful no matter what comes our way. We can hold onto his promises with the assurance that he will work everything out for our best outcome. No matter our struggles, we can have faith that God has everything under control and will never forsake us.