Habakkuk contains one of the most important verses in the Bible. This verse was written to the Israelites on the eve of permitted captivity of the Chaldeans who were wicked rulers who severely persecuted their captors. God informs his people that when this captivity comes the just must live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4). Note: Faith is only found twice in the OT: (1) “…a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith” (Deuternomy 32:20). (2) “… but the just shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). So Godly faith is only mentioned once in the OT. Note: The Bible words faith and trust are interchangeable words with the same meaning. Trust (Hebrew – OT) in 107 verses and faith in only two verses. Faith (Greek – NT) in 229 verses and trust in 27 verses. Amazing! The word “faith” (towards God)) is only found this one time in the OT. This affirms the importance of this one verse as it is also restated in three different NT books, Romans, Galatians and Hebrews. These books contains these six words: the just – shall live – by faith. Each book reveals one of the three different stages the just must live in their worlds and lifetimes. (1) The just (Romans 1:17). Romans reveals who are the just ones – believers in Christ (Romans 5:1). (Note: In the 16th century this one verse converted and changed the course of Martin Luther). Good news! This one verse still changes lives today. (2) shall live (Galatians 3:11). Galatians reveals how the just ones shall live under the rule of Rome (Gal. 2:16; 5:16) (3) by faith (Hebrews 10:38). Hebrews reveals what the just must have to overcome their present world (Hebrews 11:1). The just learn that the things that are over our heads are under his feet (Hebrews 2:8). Even when we are out of control, God is in control.
The just shall overcome and not be overcome of the world (1 John 4:4). Overcome is mentioned seven times to all seven churches (Revelations 2-3). God promises rewards to all who overcome. The just are overcomers who must focus on faith not fear. Faith fades fear. Fear fades faith. Without faith you cannot please God (Hebrews 11:6).
Realize that works are what man sees. Faith is what God sees. (1) The just must show man our works. Be a light in darkness. Be salt to make a difference. “By this shall all man know that ye are my disciples” (John 13:35). (2) The just must show God our faith (Heb. 6:1). So James (works – James 2:14-20) and Paul (faith – Romans 3:27) were both right.
Remember in all generations the greatest testimony to this world is a changed consistent Christian life. This verse teaches that under the control of the Chaldeans, under the rule of Rome, and even now in our present world.
The Just Shall Live By Faith
My name is Ted Camp and I approve of this message
