From First to Last

Date: February 6, 2023

I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional. 

B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study and savor
S - Summarize and Share

You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?

Bible Scripture Verse – Romans 1:17

"For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”"

Listen for God’s Voice

Heavenly Father, Give me the faith and understanding to live according to your righteousness. Help me to see how I can use this scripture to glorify you in my life. May I be guided by your wisdom and grace as I strive to live my life according to your will. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Explore History – Who wrote it, when and to what audience? Key people in the story?

The apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Christian community in Rome, which had both Jewish and Christian converts.  It was most likely written around 56-57 AD, while Paul was in Corinth. 

This letter is considered one of the most important works that Paul wrote because it was the most systematic and detailed explanation of Paul’s Theology. It lays out Paul’s teachings on the righteousness of God, the nature of sin and the way of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.   

Romans 1:17 is considered a key verse in the Bible, as it summarizes Paul’s central message.  It’s a verse that talks about the revelation of God’s righteousness in the gospel which is received through faith.

Study and Savor – Key Words

"Gospel" refers to the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. It is through the gospel that the righteousness of God is revealed.

"Righteousness of God" refers to the standard of righteousness that God requires of humanity. In this verse, Paul is saying that this righteousness is revealed through the gospel.

"By faith" means that righteousness is received through faith in Jesus Christ, rather than through works or human effort.

"Just as it is written" refers to the Old Testament scripture, Habakkuk 2:4, which states "The righteous will live by faith." Paul is saying that the righteousness of God, revealed in the gospel, is in line with what is written in the Old Testament.

"The righteous will live by faith" is a quote from Habakkuk 2:4, which Paul is using to emphasize that righteousness is received by faith and not by works.

Summarize and Share

The righteousness of God is revealed to us through the gospel and received by faith. We know that. But there are times that this verse can help us to remember that we are not saved by our own efforts or good works, but by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ.

There are times that we need this reminder that we need to rely on faith rather than our own abilities or accomplishments. When we are facing a difficult task or challenge, it can be easy to rely on our own strength and skills to overcome it. But Romans 1:17 reminds us that true righteousness and salvation come from God, and we must rely on faith in Him to see us through any obstacle.

We also need to remember the importance of sharing the gospel with others. Paul emphasizes that the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel, so if we have received it by faith, it is our duty to share it with others and to help them to come to faith in Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:17 reminds us that righteousness is a gift from God and it is received through faith in Jesus Christ. We are reminded to rely on faith in God, not on our own abilities, and to never forget the importance of sharing the gospel with others.

Bible Cross Reference

Habakkuk 2:4 - "See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright—but the righteous person will live by his faith." - This verse is the reference that Paul is making in Romans 1:17, which he cites as his source for the idea that righteousness comes through faith.

Galatians 3:11 - "Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.” - This verse is another one from Paul, in which he is reiterating the same point that righteousness is attained through faith and not through the law.

Hebrews 10:38 - "But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.” - This verse is from the writer of Hebrews, and it is a quote from Habakkuk 2:4 and it is confirming the same idea that righteousness is through faith.

James 2:14-26 - this passage is talking about faith and works, and it is emphasizing that faith without works is dead. And it is also pointing out that faith and works are interconnected and that faith will lead to works, and it is also citing the verse Habakkuk 2:4 as evidence that true righteousness comes through faith.