“The Righteous Shall Live By Faith” Habakkuk 2:4

Living by Faith In bible class, I was asked if “living” (in Hab.2:4) was spiritual or physical. “Yes” is probably the best answer! Remember the context of Habakkuk: >Habakkuk has questioned the Lord as to why Judah’s wickedness has gone unpunished, 1:1- 4 >The Lord said “yes” He had noticed, and Chaldea was coming to punish them, 1: >This prompts the prophet to then question as to why a nation more wicked would be used to punish Judah, 1:12 - 2:1 >The Lord’s answer was (paraphrased), “Write it down, it’s going to happen!” >But also added, “But the righteous will live by his faith.” Meaning the faithful would be spared!

Living by Faith It is interesting to note that though this principle is as old as man’s history with God, this is the first time it is stated in these words. In Habakkuk, the sparing of the physical lives of Judah depended upon faithfulness to Jehovah- those unfaithful would die by the sword of the Chaldeans. This prompts some intriguing questions: >How then did faith allow them to live? >How did faith require them to live? >How did faith influence their thought processes and “living” while everyone else was be killed? >And perhaps most importantly, is it the same for us today???

Living by Faith Look at some New Testament applications of Habakkuk 2:4: Rom.1:17 >The phrase “from faith to faith” is not evidence of God’s acceptance of denominational division- for such contradicts other clear teaching, 1Cor.1:10. >It is a statement of the maturation of believing faith to saving faith. Such are not always the same: -John 12:42-43, they “believed” but not saved -Acts 26:27, Agrippa believed but not saved -Luke 17:3-5, the 12 believed but were not yet to the point of saving faith >Initial, or believing faith, must be matured into saving faith by application- living in accordance with one’s beliefs, Rom.10:8-17

Living by Faith Look at some New Testament applications of Habakkuk 2:4: Gal.3:11 >The Galatians, after conversion to Christ, were seeking to return to the Law of Moses, 3:1ff; 4:21 >But what Paul is trying to get them to see is that the Law (of Moses) was a fleshly law dependant upon perfect obedience to produce salvation. It contained no provision of grace for forgiveness. It only condemned the violator, 5:1-4. >Therefore, the Law was not “of faith” and could not save, 3:12,21-22a. >But the promise of salvation only came through “faith in Jesus Christ” 3:22b-29! Thus, the righteous man lives (spiritually is saved) by faith! He does so by obedience- living by/in faith.

Living by Faith Look at some New Testament applications of Habakkuk 2:4: Heb.10:37-39 >First note the context, vv The Hebrew brethren were reminded of their faithful living despite being severely persecuted. >They are then urged not to “throw away” their confidence in salvation by succumbing to the pressure, giving up their faith in Christ, and returning to Judaism, vv >The reason? “My righteous one shall live by faith; and if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” and, the “preserving of the soul” is for those who “have faith”, vv.38,39 Even when life is lost, faith preserves the soul!

Living by Faith Are you “living by faith”? Has your belief caused your life to become faithfully obedient to Christ? If not, what will you do about it? Has your faith caused you to understand what living is really all about? Luke 12:15 If not, what will you do about it? Has your faith caused you to leave doubt, fear, and carnality behind? Matt.6:31-34; 1John 4:17-18; 2Cor.5:1-7 If not, what will you do about it? Live by faith that you may live (physically) as God intended, and live (spiritually) eternally!