What do we learn from Romans 1:17??

Romans 1:17

Summary

God has a desire for us to live righteously like He is. Moreover this is only done through our faith and a byproduct of that faith in increased faith. 

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

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

Romans was written by the Apostle Paul to the believers in Rome as a clear and powerful explanation of the gospel message. In chapter 1, Paul introduces the central theme of the entire letter: righteousness comes from God and is received by faith—not earned through works. Quoting Habakkuk 2:4, Paul reminds us that God’s people have always lived by faith. From beginning to end, the Christian life is not about striving in our own strength, but trusting fully in God and what He has done through Jesus.

This verse teaches that the only way to live a righteous life is by faith. God desires us to be righteous as He is (1 Peter 1:16), and the only way we can do that is through faith in Jesus Christ. The phrase “from faith for faith” reveals a beautiful truth—it’s faith that leads to more faith. In other words, faith is both the starting point and the fuel for our spiritual growth. Like a cycle, the more we trust God, the more our lives reflect His righteousness—and the more we experience His faithfulness, the deeper our faith grows.

“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” – Hebrews 11:6

When we truly believe in the finished work of Jesus on the cross—His death for our sins and resurrection to give us new life—we receive not only forgiveness but also the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. That Spirit produces fruit in us (Galatians 5:22-23), and one of the core fruits is righteousness. We begin to act differently—not because we’re trying harder, but because we genuinely believe God is who He says He is. If we believe God is our provider, we don't need to lie, cheat, or steal. If we believe He is our healer, we don't need to numb our pain with sin, people, or temporary fixes. If we believe He is our refuge, we don't have to hide behind pride or defensiveness. If we believe He is our Creator, we stop chasing identity in sex, status, or success—because we know who we are in Him.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16–17

All of this takes faith—because we often don’t see these truths with our natural eyes. And even when we do see them, we may be tempted to credit something or someone else. But it is God who is at work in us, and it is through faith that His righteousness is revealed in our lives. There is no other way to live righteously, and no other way to please God, except by faith. As our faith grows, so does our ability to walk in righteousness—and that in turn strengthens our faith even more.