INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. The Letter to the Romans
2. The Letter to the Galatians
3. The Letter to the Hebrews
Remarks.
1. In our lesson today we are going to discuss the theme: "The Just Shall Live by Faith." This lesson will emphasize that the just shall be declared righteous by their faith in Jesus Christ. This original quotation comes from the book of Habakkuk, notice: "Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith," Habakkuk 2:4. Jehovah was providing the prophet an answer to his question regarding Judah's exile by the Babylonians. The Chaldeans were lifted up with pride and haughtiness in the capture and treatment of the people of God. Jehovah promises that: "the soul which is lifted up is not upright in Him; but the just shall live by his faith." This promise not only provided hope to Habakkuk regarding the people's exile; but it also had a prophetic meaning regarding, "justification by faith in Jesus Christ."
2. First, we will consider Paul's Letter to the Romans and the phrase, "the just shall live by faith." The emphasis in this verse was on the means of the believer's salvation - which was "by faith," Romans 1:16-17. Paul quotes the passage from the prophet, with the emphasis on faith: "The just shall live by faith." As with the Prophet's statement: "no soul which is lifted up (with pride) is upright in Him." We are reminded it's, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy he saved us," Titus 3:5.
3. Second, we will discuss Paul's Letter to the Galatians and the phrase, "the just shall live by faith," Galatians 3:11. The emphasis of this verse is on the word "just." How does one become just in the sight of God? The process is through "faith in Christ." Recall the apostle Paul: "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God... By whom also we have access by faith into this grace ...and rejoice in hope of the glory of God," Romans 5:1-2.
4. Lastly, we will investigate Paul's Letter to the Hebrews and the phrase: "The just shall live by faith." The emphasis of this verse is on the word "live." In our text of discussion: "The just is said to live by faith." It further states: "But if any man draws 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 10:38-39. Paul affirms the just shall live by faith; and sustained by faith to the "saving of the soul," if he waits on the Lord. With this introduction let's consider our first thought: "The Just Shall Live by Faith."
BODY OF LESSON
I THE LETTER TO THE ROMANS
A. In Paul's Letter to the Romans. He entertains Habakkuk's statement: "Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith," Habakkuk 2:4. Solomon said: "Pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall," Proverbs 16:18. Also, "A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit," Proverbs 29:23; James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:5-6.
1. The emphasis in this verse is on the manner in which the believer obtains salvation - and that is "by faith in the gospel," Romans 1:16-17. Paul quotes the passage from the prophet, with the emphasis on how, "the just shall live by faith."
2. Faith - in Gr: is "pistis"; "primarily means, a firm persuasion, a conviction based upon hearing (akin to the Gr: peithio, to persuade); to be assured of; to trust in God or Christ, or in things that are spiritual." The gospel is heard, believed and obeyed, Romans 10:17.
3. The text in Romans could read: "But, as it has been written, the righteous man by faith will live," Romans 1:17b. (The New Greek English Interlinear New Testament, Fourth, Correct Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990, page 532.)
B. Paul affirms this righteousness comes through the gospel which he desires to preach in Rome. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: ...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. Here is Paul's first reference to this predictions and promise. Notice:
1. First, I am not ashamed of the gospel -- The words, "of Christ," in the text, are not found in the oldest and best manuscripts, some writers have suggested. However, it is clear, Paul is making mention to the "gospel" as the message he desired to preach in the city of Rome; the "seat of Satan."
a. This language implies that it required courage, to take the "message of Christ to the entire world; including both Jew and Gentiles," 1 Corinthians 2:1-5.
b. However, he did not "despise the shame" that came while preaching “Christ and Him crucified,” 1 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 1:21.
c. The gospel is here promised to be "the power of God unto salvation," to the world.
2. Further, to everyone that believeth -- Here in verse 16 as well as in, Romans 1:17.
3. Next, the apostle announces this great theme of his ensuing argument. The "gospel" alone is the means by which, "the just shall live by faith."
4. Finally, within the gospel, we find God's "power unto salvation." In it we find the source, the terms, and the promise of salvation. The gospel then is, the "Gr: dynamis Theos," that contains:
a. God's source of salvation - to the world;
b. God's terms of salvation - to the believers; and
c. God's promise of salvation - to the Jew first and also the Greek, Romans 1:16.
C. Righteousness of God revealed. This is the message (the entire argument of the Epistle); God has "justified both Jew and Gentile through the faith in Christ."
1. They are: "Fellow heirs, and of the same body;"
2. They are: "Partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel," Ephesians 3:6.
3. Let's explore the clause in Romans 1:17: ("ek pisteos eis pistin"), "from faith unto faith" as it pertains to "the righteousness of God."
D. From "faith to faith." In considering this clause, Paul is announcing three dispensations: i.e., from the first dispensation of "faith by the patriarch (Abraham)" - "to Moses and unto" - the final dispensation of "faith by Jesus Christ." Notice:
1. Paul calls it elsewhere, as the "dispensation of the fullness of time" and the "dispensation of the grace of God," in his Letter to the church at Ephesus. The word, "dispensation" in Gr: is oikonomia, oy-kon-om-ee'-ah, which means: an "administration (of a household or estate); specially, a (religious) 'economy':- dispensation, or stewardship." Let's consider the first dispensation of this clause: "From faith to faith."
2. "From Faith" or "ek pistis" of the fathers. The first dispensation of faith; had its origin with the "fathers (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob)." It was solely granted to the believers by their "faith in God." God declared the patriarch's faith, when it was enjoined with an act of obedience, as "the righteousness of God." We will discuss several examples of their "faith and obedience," later in this lesson. Let's consider now the second dispensation, or the "UNTO" in this clause: "From faith unto faith."
3. "Unto" or "eis" Moses and the Law. The second dispensation was NOT of "faith." It was the dispensation of law. It was instituted in order to, "BRING US UNTO CHRIST;" or to usher in the final dispensation, that "of faith." In Paul's Letter to the Galatians he writes: "And THE LAW IS NOT OF FAITH: but, the man that doeth them shall live in them," Galatians 3:12. Illustrate: The Rich Young Ruler, Matthew 19:16-22. Before describing the final dispensation; let's consider the reasons for the "dispensation of Law."
a. First, Paul asks of the Galatians: "Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added:
1) Because of transgressions;"
a) "But the scripture hath concluded all are under sin," Galatians 3:22.
b) "As it is written: There is none righteous ...For all have sinned," Romans 3:10, 23.
c) "But we are all unclean things - all of our righteousness are as filthy rags," Isaiah 64:6.
2) "Till (till, is an adverb of time) the seed should come:"
a) "To whom the promise was made," Galatians 3:19.
b) "That the promise by faith of Jesus might be given to all that believe," Galatians 3:22.
3) "Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith NOT, And to seeds, as of many: but as of ONE, And to thy seed, which is Christ," Galatians 3:16.
4) Law perfected nothing. Paul writes: "For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God," Hebrews 7:19. Writing elsewhere: "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having your hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed in pure water," Hebrews 10:22. Illustrate: Heavenly Intervention; before Human Intercession!
5) Law completed nothing. It was an introduction; an instructor or tutor; but, it did not complete a thing. It was deemed necessary because of sins; and was to remain TILL THE SEED SHOULD COME to whom the promise was made - Christ.
6) Christ completed the Law. He said:
a) "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled (completed)," Matthew 5:17-18.
b) Recall on the cross: "Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scriptures might be fulfilled ...saith, I thirst ...It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost," John 19:28-30.
c) After His resurrection. To the apostles he stated: "These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the Law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me, Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures," Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:1-11; Acts 2:1-18. Illustrate: Received Power and Holy Ghost, the 12.
7) Christ the end of the Law. Paul wrote: "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is ...For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth," Romans 10:1-4. Christ then is the "end" of the law, or in Gr: "telos - the conclusion of an act or state, the termination, the end or the completion of a thing." That permitted the ushering in "the righteousness of God" which is by the faith of Jesus Christ.
b. Paul further states:
1) "But before (the) faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up UNTO the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us UNTO Christ, that we might be justified by faith."
2) "But after that (the) FAITH IS COME, we are no longer under the schoolmaster," Galatians 3:23-25.
c. Next, Christ is the, "promised seed that should come" - that faith - sent to usher in the, "dispensation of grace." Paul further writes: "When the fullness of time was come ... that we might receive the adoption of sons," Galatians 4:4-5. Christ is that "faith" which should "afterwards be revealed."
d. Finally, thanks be unto our Lord Jesus Christ, who came to "abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel," 2 Timothy 1:10. Let's notice now the final dispensation of faith - that which Paul describes to the Ephesians, as the "dispensation of the grace of God," Ephesians 3:2.
4. "Faith" or "pistis" of Christ. By this we understand the "faith that justifies the believers" has culminated in the "coming of Jesus Christ," THE PROMISED SEED. The righteousness of God is contained in the gospel message: "God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory," 1 Timothy 3:16. In order that the, "just shall live by faith." Notice Paul's conclusion:
a. First, Paul states: “For ye are all the children of God through (the) faith in Christ Jesus (dia tes pisteos en Xristos Iesous). For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ,” Galatians 3:26-27.
b. Further, John declares: "He came unto His own... But as many as received him, to them gave he (the) power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name," John 1:11-12.
c. Finally, Paul concludes: "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God," Romans 8:14.
d. Conclusion: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature ...For he (God) hath made him (Christ) to be sin for us, who knew no sins; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him," 2 Corinthians 5:17; 2 Corinthians 5:21. When did this occur? It happened when Christ came to "complete," and "to fulfill both the Law and the Prophets."
E. Just shall live by faith. This golden maxim of the Old Testament has been thrice quoted in the New Testament -- here; in Galatians 3:11 and Hebrews 10:38. These verses indicate as well, that, "the just shall live by faith." The "believer" is called by grace; and justified by faith. Let's now consider, "The Just Shall Live by Faith."
II THE LETTER TO THE GALATIANS
A. In Paul's Letter to the Galatians. The emphasis of the verse is on the "just" that shall live by faith. Paul states to the Galatians: "Now that by the law no one is being justified before God, it is clear: because, the just by faith will live; and the law is not of faith: but, the man that doeth them shall live in them," Galatians 3:11-12.
1. Just - Gr: "diakanos"; the word denotes "righteousness, a state of being right, or right conduct, judged by the Divine Standard, for what is right," Psalms 33:4. Notice:
2. First, Paul writes: "But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets," Romans 3:21.
3. Further, he writes: "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law," Romans 3:28.
4. Finally, he states: "Knowing that a man is NOT justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified," Galatians 2:16. Paul speaks of two things here in this verse, which justifies the believer. They are: first "our belief - and second - the faith of Jesus Christ." Notice:
a. "Even we (the Jews) have BELIEVED IN Jesus Christ;"
b. "That we might be justified BY THE FAITH of Christ."
c. Conclusion: For if one believes the message of the gospel - "the faith of Christ"; enjoined with "obedience to the faith;" he is "justified" or "imputed the righteousness of God"; that is WITHOUT the works of the law - or the seeming righteousness of men," Romans 1:5; Romans 6:17-18. Illustrate: Zeal of God, Romans 10:1-4.
B. The believer is justified by faith in Jesus Christ. Notice:
1. Forgiveness: "Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses," Acts 13:38-39.
2. Justified: "Therefore being justified by faith ...By whom also we have access by faith into this grace ... and rejoice in hope of the glory of God," Romans 5:1-2.
C. Saved through the faith. Hear Paul in his discussion of grace:
1. Saved by grace: "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," Ephesians 2:8-9.
a. The original Greek text: "For by grace are ye saved through the faith." The just are saved "through the faith" in Jesus Christ.
b. It is not the believer's "faith" that saves; but grace that saves the believer "through the faith, which is the gift of God." Amen, some body!
c. Salvation is by grace - "not of works, lest any man should boast." Let's notice the emphasis on the words: "the faith - or - the one faith" elsewhere in the Bible. Recall:
1) The "one faith," Ephesians 4:4-5.
2) The "common salvation ...the faith once delivered unto the saints," Jude 3.
3) The "common faith," Titus 1:4; 2 Peter 1:1.
4) The "faith a great company of priest were obedient to," Acts 6:7; Romans 10:16.
5) The "faith which should afterwards be revealed - Christ," Galatians 3:23-24.
2. The promise is of faith: "Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace: to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law (Jews), but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham (Gentile), who is the father of us all," Romans 4:16.
3. Abraham's seed: "There is neither Jew nor Greek... And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise," Galatians 3:28-29.
4. Children of Abraham: "Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen (Gentiles) through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham; saying, in thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham," Galatians 3:7-9. Are you of "the faith?"
D. Justification not by faith ONLY. Being justified by faith - does not mean - "justified by faith only." This as you know, is the position of many religious groups. Notice:
1. First, "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law," Romans 3:28. There should be no question that this is true, NOW.
2. Further, "Ye see then how that by works (obedience) a man is justified, and not by faith only," James 2:24. Faith must be coupled with obedience to be pleasing to God.
3. Finally, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works (obedience) is dead also," James 2:26. Consider now with me several examples of "faith and obedience" that resulted in the "righteousness of God." Notice:
a. By faith, "Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac," Hebrews 11:17-19; James 2:21-24. Abraham not only believed God; but he also obeyed. There was a corresponding act of obedience to his faith in God, (by faith Abraham - offered up Isaac). There can be no faith which is pleasing to God, without obedience, 1 Samuel 15:22.
b. By faith, "Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house... and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith," Hebrews 11:7. Noah is described as a "preacher of righteousness," 2 Peter 2:5; 1 Peter 3:20-21. Notice: (By faith - Noah prepared an ark).
c. By faith, "They (the children of Israel) passed through the Red sea as by dry land... were drowned," Hebrews 11:29. Thus, "The Lord saved Israel that day... the Egyptians," Exodus 14:29-30; 1 Corinthians 10:1-4. Illustrate: Wheel Barrel and Niagara Falls.
d. In each of these examples of faith, the believers demonstrated a corresponding act of obedience; after which they were, "imputed the righteousness of God" which was by faith. The righteousness of God involves both, "faith and obedience to Him," James 2:21-23. Chapter 11 of this great book reveals three things regarding "faith." We note in it:
1) The definition of "faith," Hebrews 11:1.
2) The direction of "faith," Hebrews 11:6.
3) The demonstration of "faith," Hebrews 11:7-40.
e. Conclusion: How does this truth impact us today? How does the believer trust in Christ's power to save by the gospel? See Romans 1:16. Notice:
1) Jesus gave directions for salvation before ascending into heaven unto the apostles when he said: "Go ye into the entire world and preach the gospel to every creature, he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved," Mark 16:15-16; Matthew 28:19-20.
2) Paul explained this process to the Romans:
a) The gospel is preached, Romans 1:16.
b) The hearer believes, and acquires faith in the word, Romans 10:17.
c) The believer obeys from the heart, "that form of doctrine," Romans 6:17-18.
d) However, not all will obey the gospel, "For Isaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?" Romans 10:16. They hear, believe; but do not obey the truth, John 8:31-32.
3) The Book of Acts; gives us repeated examples of how the believer's faith when coupled with the act of obedience - i.e., baptism - has the power to save and to forgive sin, Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:20-21. Notice, Philip's preaching in the city of Samaria:
a) Philip preached Christ unto them, Acts 8:5.
b) They believed Philip's preaching, Acts 8:12a.
c) They were baptized both men and women, Acts 8:12b.
d) There was great joy in the city, Acts 8:8.
4) Recall the sermons on the: "Acts of Conversion," in the Book of Acts? Each example shows the believers acquiring faith in the word, and then completing an act of obedience - baptism - as commanded by Jesus Christ.
5) "The Corinthians hearing believed and were baptized," Acts 18:8. Can we do less than these?
E. If justified by the law - we are fallen from grace. Notice: "Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith, in Jesus Christ ... faith which worketh by love," Galatians 5:4-6. Let's now consider our last point, "The Just Shall Live by Faith."
III THE LETTER TO THE HEBREWS
A. In Paul's Letter to the Hebrews. The emphasis of this verse is on the word "live." Our text of discussion places its emphasis on life: "Now the just shall live by faith: ...the saving of the soul," Hebrews 10:38-39. Illustration: Babylon Judgment; Judah’s Deliverance.
1. Before we continue, let’s notice the Lord’s answer to Habakkuk’s regarding the people of God in exile; and Babylon’s judgment. The Lord and said: “Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry,” Habakkuk 2:2-3; Psalms 27:14.
2. Paul now affirms, that “For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” To the believers he urges, (“cast not away your confidence ... for ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, that ye might receive the promise.”). It will be in our faithfulness, our endurance and our patience, that we “the just shall live by faith,” Hebrews 10:35-39. We shall be delivered! And obtain, “eternal life.”
3. Live - in Gr: "zao"; which means "to live, be alive, is used in the New Testament to denote: spiritual life," John 6:57; John 11:25-26. Notice:
a. First, life is in His Son: "And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son," 1 John 5:11. Also: "And we know that the Son of God is come ...This is the true God, and eternal life," 1 John 5:20.
b. Further, life through His name: "And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples ... but these are written that ye might have life," John 20:30-31.
c. Next, the resurrection and the life: "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: He that believeth in me ...And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die," John 11:25-26. Illustrate: Martha and Jesus in Bethany, Lazarus.
d. Finally, quicken or made alive: "It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life," John 6:63. Paul writes, "God who... Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)," Ephesians 2:5. This begs the question: "What are the results of our union with Christ and the quickening power of God?" Notice:
1) To be saved by grace: “For by grace ye are saved through the faith (i.e., dia tes pisteôs), and not of yourselves, it is the gift of God,” Ephesians 2:8-9; Colossians 2:11-13. It’s during the “quickening of God,” while in union with Christ that we are “saved by grace.”
a) Is there anyone in this assembly that does not know when and where you “were with Christ and quickening of God?” Baptism!
b) Paul calls it elsewhere, “the faith of the operation of God,” Colossians 2:12.
c) Illustrate: Angel came a certain season and “the troubled (agitated) of the water,” John 5:1-4.
d) Jesus troubled the water – and it hasn’t stopped rumbling yet! John 19:34.
e) If you want to be washed, forgiven or cleansed from your sins; you got to get into the water with Him.
2) To become His Masterpiece: "For we are his masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them (not to be saved by them)," Ephesians 2:10. You are God's Masterpiece!
3) To become a new creature: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new," 2 Corinthians 5:17.
B. Savior declared to be the life. Christ declared himself to be the source of life: "I am the Life," John 14:6; John 5:40. He is the life promised by the Old Testament prophecies. Jesus is Savior and Lord. The apostle Paul describes Jesus Christ as Savior. Notice:
1. God's promise of eternal life: "Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; In hope of eternal life... which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began...," Titus 1:1-3.
2. God's revelation of eternal life: "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men ... 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," Titus 2:11-14; 1 Peter 2:9.
3. God's blessing of eternal life: "But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us ...That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life," Titus 3:4-7.
C. Believers have everlasting life. Jesus said unto those Jews: "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.
1. Search the scriptures: "For in them ye think ye have eternal life," John 5:39.
2. Ye will not, Come to me, that ye might have life," John 5:40.
3. Illustrate: The Invitation of Jesus, Matthew 11:28-30.
D. Believers must remain faithful. Paul writes: "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draws 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 10:38-39. Illustrate: He that Looketh Back, Luke 9:62; Luke 17:32; James 1:5-8.
1. Perdition, in Gr: is apoleia, "ap-o'-li-a; (meaning) a ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal):-damnable (-nation), destruction, die, perdition, perish, waste."
2. Believe to the "saving of the soul." Notice:
a. The believer must walk in faith, 2 Corinthians 5:7; Colossians 2:6-7.
b. The believer must live in faith, Romans 1:17.
c. The believer must contend for the faith, Philippians 1:27; Philippians 1:7.
d. The believer must die in the faith, Revelation 2:10.
3. Illustrate: Discipleship and Jesus, John 6:68.
4. Believers and preachers must live to save themselves and others, 1 Corinthians 8:13; 1 Corinthians 9:27; 1 Timothy 4:16.
E. Saints are promised an abundant life. Jesus promised true believers a life more abundant, as well as an eternal life. Notice:
1. First, hear Jesus: "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly," John 10:10. First in this world he promises an abundant life; and in the world to come life eternal. Notice Peters after mentioning the Christian graces.
2. Further, Peter: "For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ ...Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ," 2 Peter 1:11-13.
3. Finally, Paul writes: "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life," 1 Timothy 6:17-19. Before we conclude let me summarize what we have discussed.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. The Letter to the Romans
2. The Letter to the Galatians
3. The Letter to the Hebrews
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we considered Paul's Letter to the Roman and the phrase, "the just shall live by faith." The emphasis in this verse was how the believers obtain their salvation - and that was "by faith in the gospel of Christ," Romans 1:16-17.
2. Second, we discussed Paul's Letter to the Galatians and the phrase, "the just shall live by faith," Galatians 3:11. The emphasis of this verse was on the word "just." How does one becomes just in the sight of God? The process is through "faith in Christ" and not through the Law of Moses.
3. Lastly, we investigated Paul's Letter to the Hebrews and the phrase, "the just shall live by faith." The emphasis of this verse was on the word "live." Our text of discussion emphasizes that, "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draws 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 10:38-39. Paul assures us, not only shall the just live by their faith; but our faith shall sustain us to the "saving of the soul."
C. Invitation. Present the plan of salvation. H, B, R, C, B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
