Living by Faith in a World of Distractions

In “Living by Faith in a World of Distractions,” discover what it means to live by faith as Romans 1 reveals why faith is the foundation of righteousness, peace with God, and a life that pleases Him.

“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith’” (Romans 1:17).

The idea of faith meant nothing to most Romans. As scholar Philip Freeman describes, “There were no creeds or professions of faith—it was a person’s actions toward the gods that mattered.” The focus of their religious concerns and activities was satisfying their gods.

But Paul knew that faith is a necessary foundation for a relationship with the true God, and he sought to teach this principle in his letter to the Romans.

In the first chapter alone, Paul wrote about the “obedience of faith” (v. 5); how the faith of the Romans was being proclaimed throughout the world (v. 8); how faith was central to the Christian life and relationships between Christians (v. 12); and how “the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith” (v. 17).

Paul went on to describe how we are “justified by faith apart from works of the law” (3:28); how Abraham lived a life of faith (4:9); how having been “justified by faith, we have peace with God” (5:1); how “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (10:17); and how each of us has been given a “measure of faith” (12:3).

Society today is filled with people who encourage us to seek temporary pleasures and worldly rewards. To them, faith seems to be a foolish concept. But Paul would remind us that faith must be the cornerstone of our lives.

Live by faith. Share your faith with others.

Reflection Question: What area of your life needs stronger faith today?