The Puffy Man

Scripture Reading: Habakkuk 2:4

Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by faith.

When we get to the New Testament, this verse becomes foundational in Paul’s theology. He quotes it in Romans and Galatians. It is also found in the Book of Hebrews. It was the phrase, “The just shall live by faith,” that stirred Martin Luther’s heart to saving faith. God used it to turn Luther’s heart to trust in the finished work of Christ and then, later, to launch the Reformation under the principle of justification by faith.

In its immediate historical context, Habakkuk was writing about the Chaldeans who were conquering but would not have long-term viability because of their pride. They were puffed up, believing only in themselves, their power, their wealth, and their abilities. They had the seed of their own destruction in their soul.

In contrast, Habakkuk teaches that the humble and believing man would live. That man rests in God and His promises and his faith would be rewarded with life.

Paul seizes on this principle and sees the broader application in relationship to the gospel and the Christian life. In Romans 1:17 he quotes this as he begins his most comprehensive writing on the gospel. In Galatians 3:11 he expands the scope of the principle to the way the Christian life is lived out. The book of Hebrews quotes this verse at length and applies it to the need to persevere in the faith during times of trial and persecution.

Faith, then, is the great principle of entering and living, and persevering in the Christian life.

And what is the enemy of faith? What undermines faith?

Pride.

The “soul that is puffed up.”

It is the puffy man, the man whose faith is in himself, his ability, his power, his wisdom, and/or his wealth that pulls back from God in unbelief. It is no wonder then that God repeatedly cautions us against pride and exhorts us to humble ourselves. Pride fosters unbelief, and unbelief makes us pull back from God, and pulling back from God leads to death.

But the righteous shall live by his faith.

Be humbly believing and live.