Rom 1:17 (NIV) For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

We received God’s righteousness through faith in the saving power of Jesus. That was a way of getting perfection without us having to do anything for it. But, what has to be EVENTUALLY added to that grace and mercy message is the fact that this crediting righteousness to our record is to give us the time we need to learn how to yield to the life and ministry of Jesus (Galatians 2:20; John 14:12) through faith.

It is a time of praying (Matthew 7:7-11) for the attitudes of Jesus (Matthew 5:3-12) and praying for the character of Jesus (Galatians 5:22-23). Then we mix faith with those prayers and the truths of God set us free (Mark 11:24; John 15:7).

If we as Christian friends, mentors, and ministers don’t help the new and untrained Christians with the message of Jesus, in the sermon on the mount, we leave them in a defeated way of life. Many will give up on Christianity as being a powerless way of life; others will try to act like they are victorious, while going to a church that constantly sings about and preaches on faith and victory. But, many will never find the truths of Jesus that help them live all the things they sing about and hear sermons on.