Lesson 18 July 17, 2002
Review:
3:11-12 The blessing of
faith
It was by faith that men, like Abraham, were justified
before God, not by law‑keeping.
Now that no one is justified by the Law
before God is evident; for, the righteous man shall live by faith.
We must remember that faith is an active noun and speaks
of believing in something, it is not passive. In fact faith-resting in the
promises of God is not a passive thing at all. You need to know them and
believe them and apply them.
Summary 3:11
1. Paul demonstrates through this quote of Hab. 2:4 that even in the
OT in the age of Israel, under the M/L salvation and the life lived before God
was on the same basis, faith.
2. Paul is really appealing to the harmony of Scripture.
3. The future of za,w (zaw) we shall live speaks of enjoying our new
life in Him, in the time he grants to us and in eternity.
3:12 Law and faith are like
oil and water, don't mix.
Possibly
Paul is responding to the input from someone that both faith and works were
necessary for justification.
However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, "HE
WHO PRACTICES THEM SHALL LIVE BY THEM."
Summary 3:12
1. Only perfect performance under the law could win divine
approval.
2. No one, except for Jesus Christ ever fulfilled the law
completely Mt 5:17; 1 Pet. 1:19;
3. Man's inability to keep the law completely demonstrates the
futility of attempting to gain salvation by law keeping or any works from our
own ability.
4. Faith exhaled in the only one who kept the law completely, was
without spot or blemish and therefore the only means of salvation.