<Lesson 7 - Supplement>

The Just Shall Live By Faith

Romans 1:17 “ For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."

Hebrews 10:38 “Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him."

This article is a study of Titus 2:11-15 , where the heading is mentioned. It will be considered from two points: 1. " God's people ", and 2. " in this present world ”.

1 . " God's people ". It will be noted that here is a four-fold description of " God's people ", and each starts with the letter " p ". Firstly, they are a " purified " people. This is done only through "obeying the truth" 1Peter 1:22 , so there is a great need to study, know, and apply it. Secondly, they then become a " possessed " people, and that by God, He then accepts them as His own. They are then described as, "His own special people", that is they are a " peculiar " people, that does not mean strange, but denotes ownership, but they are different from other people. Finally, they are said to be "zealous of good works", that is they are " profitable " to God in His service.

"God's people" become that way only by "the grace of God", which can't be earned, but note that it "teaches us" certain things which must be heeded, without that obedience nothing will be achieved, but simply be the existence of God's grace. There are two areas where the "teaching of God's grace" needs to be obeyed. One is that we must "deny ourselves", this is a two-fold area said to be "ungodliness" and "worldly lusts". It's important that the difference is recognized. "Ungodliness" is that which can never be right in any circumstances, and "God's people" are most times aware of the dangers involved, but on the other hand, "worldly lusts" may not be wrong within themselves, but become wrong when made a priority which detracts from service to God. A classic example is education, while there needs to be great emphasis placed on its need and worth, it also needs to be understood that many a soul has been tainted when it becomes a "worldly lust". There is a need to deny ourselves anything that is right from becoming a "worldly lust". To the extent one is successful in heeding this teaching; there is a danger of life becoming empty.

To avoid this emptiness there is more to the "teaching of God's grace", three words are used to describe how "God's people" are to live. "Soberly, righteously, and Godly". "Soberly" does not mean never drunk, though it includes that, it means sensibly and describes the duty to self. Each person needs to recognize this duty both in the physical and spiritual realm. "Righteously" has to do with the duty to others, it does not mean religious, but includes that, it refers to being right in all areas and dealings. "Godly", to be Godlike, ones duty to God, the greatest duty in life anyone can achieve, but it can only result through obeying the "teaching of God's grace". Thus the "teaching of God's grace" deals with the whole man both from a physical and spiritual standpoint, and for both time and eternity.

2. "This present world". The time for "God's people" to obey the "teaching of God's grace" is " in this present world" - NOW - there never was a more desperate and urgent time, only to the extent that "God's people" are diligent in obeying the "teaching of God's grace" can they portray the divine answer to the world's problems. God has every answer, and it's up to His people to make them known at every opportunity.

God's grace is not in question or dispute and you are not among "God's people" short of obeying what it teaches, by fulfilling your duty to self, fellow man, and God. And by denying yourself of even what is right if it becomes a "worldly lust".

"This present world" needs "God's people" like never before, so the task faced is greater than it has ever been.