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Read yesterday’s reflections here: Death Could Not Hold Him: The Victory of Resurrection in Acts 2:24
The Righteous Shall Live by Faith: Understanding Galatians 3:11
Welcome back to Christ Focused Living, where we explorer God’s Word to find comfort, direction, and strength for our daily life with Christ. Today, we turn our hearts and minds to a piece of Scripture from the book of Galatians that speaks directly to the essence of our faith and how we are called to live it out.
The focal point of our reflection is Galatians 3:11, a verse that resonates deeply with the truth that “the righteous shall live by faith.” Below, is the verse in its entirety:
“Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for ‘The righteous shall live by faith.'”
Galatians 3:11
Reflections on Galatians 3:11
In this powerful passage, Paul emphasizes a fundamental principle of the Christian faith: that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God. The power of God is evident. It is clear, for “the righteous shall live by faith.” This statement is not merely a doctrinal assertion but a life changing truth that has the power to reshape our understanding of righteousness and how it is attained.
Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4 to reinforce this message, drawing a stark contrast between those who rely on the works of the law and those who live by faith. The book of the law, with its rigorous demands and stipulations, was never intended to be the means by which man is justified. Instead, it served to reveal our shortcomings and our need for a savior, underscoring that the righteousness of God is something that can only be received through faith, not earned through deeds.
The phrase “the righteous will live by faith” is echoed throughout the New Testament, notably in Romans 1:17 and Hebrews 10:38, highlighting its centrality to the Gospel message. Paul’s assertion that “no one is justified by the law” is a liberating truth, freeing us from the impossible burden of trying to earn God’s grace through our own efforts.
Practical Applications: Living by Faith
Living by faith means trusting in what God has done for us through Jesus Christ, who redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. This act of supreme love and sacrifice opened the way for us to be made righteous in the sight of God, not through our adherence to the law but through faith in Jesus.
To live by faith is to let go of the notion that we can achieve righteousness on our own. We are children of God, and we know that our standing before God is based on our faith in Jesus Christ. This understanding should permeate every aspect of our lives, influencing our decisions, shaping our values, and guiding our interactions with others.
Embracing the Righteousness of God
To embrace the righteousness and gift of God is to accept that we are justified by faith alone. This acceptance is transformational, leading us to live lives that reflect the love, grace, and mercy we have received. It challenges us to look beyond the external adherence to laws and to cultivate a heart that seeks after God.
Living in the Freedom of Faith
The freedom that comes from knowing we are justified by faith liberates us from the need to prove ourselves through the works of the law. It invites us to live in a way that is responsive to God’s love, led by the Spirit, and characterized by a deep-seated peace that comes from trusting in God’s promises. We are righteous by faith, and our faith in God will open us to receive the promise of salvation through the Son of God, Jesus Christ.
Witnessing to the Truth of the Gospel
Living by faith also calls us to be witnesses to the truth of the Gospel. In a world that often values achievement and tangible success, the message that the righteous live by faith is counter-cultural. By embodying this truth in our lives, we offer a powerful testimony to the grace of God and the transformative power of the Gospel.
A Prayer for Living by Faith
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You today, grateful for the gift of faith and the righteousness that comes through it. Help us to truly understand and embrace the truth that we are justified by faith, not by the works of the law. Teach us to live out this faith in every aspect of our lives, reflecting Your love, grace, and mercy to those around us.
Strengthen our trust in You, Lord, so that we may live a life of faith even when the path is uncertain and the challenges are great. May our lives bear witness to the glorious truth of the Gospel, that the righteous shall live by faith, and in doing so, draw others to your holy spirit.
Lord God, we thank You for redeeming us from the curse of the law and for making us righteous in Your sight. Help us to hold fast to this truth and guide us to live each day in the freedom and joy that comes from knowing we are Yours.
In Jesus’ Name we pray, amen.
In embracing the life of faith, we are called to a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God, one that transcends the limitations of the law and is rooted in the righteousness of Christ. Let us walk this journey together, encouraging and supporting one another as we live out the profound truth that indeed, the righteous shall live by faith.
