The Book of Romans – Part 2, The Just Shall Live by Faith

[Study aired June 20, 2023]

Rom 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; 
Rom 1:10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. 
Rom 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 
Rom 1:12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. 
Rom 1:13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. 
Rom 1:14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. 
Rom 1:15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 
Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

In these verses from Romans 1:9-17, the apostle Paul continues his introduction to the Romans and expresses his deep concern and heartfelt longing for the believers in Rome. He begins by affirming that God is his witness, as he serves with his spirit in the declaration of the gospel of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. Paul’s commitment to sharing the good news is evident as he mentions the believers in Rome without ceasing in his prayers.

Paul expresses his desire to visit the Roman believers. He desires to strengthen their faith and establish them firmly in their walk with God. His intention is not merely to satisfy personal curiosity or fulfill a casual desire, but rather to impart a spiritual gift to them. 

1Co 12:1-11 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

Although Paul had intended to visit Rome on previous occasions, he was hindered thus far. Nevertheless, his purpose remains steadfast: to bear fruit among the believers in Rome, just as he had done among the Gentiles in other places. Paul recognizes his debt to all people, whether Greek or Barbarian, wise or unwise, emphasizing his obligation to spread the gospel to every person, without distinction.

In verse 16, Paul boldly declares his unwavering conviction in the power of the gospel. He proclaims that he is not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the very power of God that brings salvation to all who believe. This message of salvation is not limited to a specific group but extends to both Jews and Greeks. It is through faith in Christ that this power is revealed, and it is through faith that the righteous shall live.

Verse 17 further expounds on the righteousness of God, which is unveiled through the gospel. The righteousness of God is made known from faith to faith, indicating a progression and deepening of faith. Paul references the Old Testament, quoting the prophetic words, “The just shall live by faith.” This serves as a foundational truth, emphasizing the significance of faith in our lives as believers.

In these verses, Paul’s deep love for the believers in Rome. His longing to visit them, share spiritual gifts is driven by his understanding of the power of the gospel and the righteousness of God revealed through faith. These verses set the stage for the message of Romans, highlighting themes of faith, the power of the gospel, God’s righteousness, and the universal reach of salvation.

The phrase “The just shall live by faith” is mentioned at least three times in scripture. Three signifies the process of spiritual completion through judgment. Paul’s message to the Romans is a message to the elect of God firstly and extends to all men in the ages to come. We as the elect are given to seek judgment now so that our process of spiritual growth will cause us to become a king and priest in the kingdom of heaven. Faith is the only way we will complete this process and this faith is not of our own but a gift of God.

Habakkuk 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

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

Galatians 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Rev 1:4-6 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 

The above verses emphasize the theme of salvation by faith, rather than through our works or us follow the law. They highlight that true righteousness and a self-sacrificing life in God are not achieved through personal actions or self-righteousness. Instead, they emphasize the transformative power of faith in God and His regenerative work.

The righteous find life by living in faith and trust in God’s provision, not in our own abilities. Salvation and justification come solely through God’s grace, received as a gift by faith, and are not based on our efforts or boasting. These verses convey the essential truth that righteousness, justification, and a disciplined life in God are obtained through faith alone, emphasizing the central theme of salvation by faith in the face of God’s righteous judgment and the insufficiency of our works.

Galatians 2:16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

Philippians 3:9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith.

Galatians 3:11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Mark 8:34 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

This self-sacrificial life is a response to the grace of God and is characterized by presenting our bodies as living sacrifices to God. It is through faith in Christ that we are united with Him, crucified with Him, and transformed to live a new life in Him. The grace of God disciplines us, causing us to live a godly life.

Tit 2:11-14 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching [chastening] us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

1 Corinthians 11:32: But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we will not be condemned along with the world.

1 Timothy 1:20: Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.

Hebrews 12:6-7 For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and He scourges every son whom He receives. It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness.

Revelation 3:19: Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.

Even our Lord suffered in the flesh, setting the example for us to follow.

Act 26:22-23 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

Let’s read our featured verse again.

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

Living by faith, according to Scripture, living with a deep trust in God, reliance on His promises, and obedience to His Word. It involves having complete confidence in God’s faithfulness and actively applying His principles in our daily life. Here are a few Scriptures that highlight the concept of living in faith:

Heb 10:31-39 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.  But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Hebrews 11:6: And without faith, it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

These verses show how important faith is in our lives as believers. Living in faith means trusting in God’s goodness, relying on His promises, and showing our faith through obedience and good actions. It is an active and life-changing way of living that recognizes God’s control and depends on His guidance. Being obedient to the Law of Christ and expressing love for His body is the only way we will rise in the first resurrection.

John 14:15 If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

John 15:10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.

Romans 13:8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Galatians 5:14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

Galatians 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Ephesians 5:1-2 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

James 2:8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well.

Paul’s message to the Romans is a message of love. It is not the love of the world as taught in Babylon. The love we receive from the Father through Christ is filling up the afflictions in our bodies that are left behind of Christ. We will live a life of being hated by those who hate the doctrine of Christ and because we will not participate in the affairs of the world.

Col 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: 

Joh 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

2Ti 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 
2Ti 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
2Ti 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
2Ti 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

Here are our verses for our next study:

Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 
Rom 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 
Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 
Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 
Rom 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
Rom 1:23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
Rom 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
Rom 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.