The Blessing of Faith (Romans 3:27–4:12)

Introduction

Attention

We're going to continue our series in the Book of Romans. Today we'll be in Romans 3:27 and going to Romans 4:12. We're going to enter into a couple of weeks discussing faith. And here today, we are going to zero in on the difference between faith and works and what that looks like in the Christian life.

We’re going to talk about faith as a blessing. The Bible is going to discuss faith as a blessing. We may not often think of it that way, but Paul is going to describe it to us as a blessing. We’ll ask the question today, “In what way is faith a blessing in our life?"

Sometimes things. that seem like a blessing. Have some side effects. We didn't first realize. I remember in 2007 a man named Steve Jobs walking into a theater where there were a lot of tech geeks sitting in the audience. for this big announcement. from Apple as Steve Jobs went up on the stage and he said today we're introducing a revolutionary product. He said it was three devices and one it was going to be a iPod. Remember those is going to be a phone and it was going to be Internet commuter communicator. They were calling it the iPhone introduced. the iPhone into the world. and it created the smart phone and it was and it changed the world in ways I don't know if Steve Jobs predicted where now we look back and videos. pre 2007. people weren't walking around glued to the screen or waving a phone

See Steve Jobs had faith that a phone could change the world. and it did. Christians have faith in someone greater. Christians have faith that Jesus Christ can change a life. And he does. And the blessing of faith is a life not just for now but a life forever in him.

Faith is a blessing. We're going to take a look at faith in the Christian life through. Romans Chapter three. Starting a verse 27. How does faith impact the Christian life?

Scripture Reading

Romans 3:27–4:12 CSB

27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By one of works? No, on the contrary, by a law of faith. 28 For we conclude that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30 since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then nullify the law through faith? Absolutely not! On the contrary, we uphold the law. 1 What then will we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? 2 If Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about—but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness. 4 Now to the one who works, pay is not credited as a gift, but as something owed. 5 But to the one who does not work, but believes on him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited for righteousness. 6 Likewise, David also speaks of the blessing of the person to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 7 Blessed are those whose lawless acts are forgiven and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the person the Lord will never charge with sin. 9 Is this blessing only for the circumcised, then? Or is it also for the uncircumcised? For we say, Faith was credited to Abraham for righteousness. 10 In what way, then, was it credited—while he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? It was not while he was circumcised, but uncircumcised. 11 And he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while still uncircumcised. This was to make him the father of all who believe but are not circumcised, so that righteousness may be credited to them also. 12 And he became the father of the circumcised, who are not only circumcised but who also follow in the footsteps of the faith our father Abraham had while he was still uncircumcised.

Pray

Faith vs Works

Paul is going to describe to us two contrasting ideas. On one hand, he's going to describe a law of works, and on the other hand, he's going to describe a law of faith. We see that in Romans 3:27 “Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By one of works? No, on the contrary, by a law of faith.” There's definitely a distinction in his mind between faith and works.

If you ever wondered if faith could be counted on counted as a work. For instance, I did this work of faith and therefore I've committed a work. He's going to say that that is nonsense. Those two things are completely opposite: faith and works.

He's going to reiterate that in Romans 3:28 “For we conclude that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.” These two things are separate.

Now what's important to know is that Paul is describing salvation. We are in a salvation conversation. Not everything in Christianity is a salvation conversation. But this one is, and really what he's trying to get down to is to say OK, heaven or hell, how do we get to heaven? How are we saved? How are we justified before God?

When he uses that term, “justified,” it as a judicial term. He's describing being declared righteous or saved before God and then being with him eternally in heaven. What is the criteria for human being to be saved?

What is faith?

What is faith? What do we mean when we're using this word faith? Faith really has to do with a with a strong belief, a strong confidence or reliance of trust on something or some one. It's something that comes from the inside, where there is just a childlike belief and trust. Hebrews 11:1 (I like how this is translated in the ESV)

Hebrews 11:1 ESV

1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Faith is central to Christianity. It's the reason that we are called believers. If you are a Christian, you are a believer. Our faith our belief is in Jesus Christ.

And when Paul says in verse 31 that faith he says uphold the law. What is really getting it? And is he get gets this into this more into verse chapter 4 is that faith has always been God's criteria from the very beginning.

You know, one of the things I've always wondered about as I'm reading through Scripture, you get right in the beginning of the book of Genesis. And some people look at Genesis, and they ask the question, you know, why is Satan? Why did God create Satan? Satan shows up there, and there's this temptation.

I think the real question is, why the tree. Now, if you're not familiar, there is a tree in the garden which the Adam and Eve cannot eat from. And God places this tree there, knowing that this tree that eating from this tree will trigger all kinds of death and destruction. And yet he places this tree there. Why?

I've always thought that, you know, if I had a Time Machine, people think of different places to go. I would say a good place to go on a Time Machine is to go right to Genesis 3 but make sure you bring a chainsaw with you. Just say Adam and Adam and Eve, Grandma, Grandpa. Just don't look at this and just start going away. Just hacking at that tree. That said, just tell them. Listen, you too really can't be trusted around this tree, believe me, this is not good for you. And then just knock it down.

You know, without the tree, even if Satan is there, all you have is a really weird snake. There'd be nothing to disobey, just like this snake is talking. I don't know that's weird or not.

But the tree tells us that there was a law on the garden right from the beginning: Do not eat from the tree. There is something really important to God about faith. Because what does that tree say? That tree says, Do you trust me? I'm telling you that if you eat from that tree, you will certainly die. Do you trust what I'm telling you? There is something really important to God about faith.

Now listen, faith always produces a work. Now, that could be a good work, or it could be a bad work. It depends where you've placed your faith. But faith will always produce something in a life. We see that right from the beginning and take a look at Genesis 3:6:

Genesis 3:6 CSB

6 The woman saw that the tree was good for food and delightful to look at, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate it; she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.

Now, what's happened here in this verse: faith has shifted within the woman. It is shifted from faith in God's word to faith in God’s creation. In other words, she does what it says in Romans 1:25: she stopped worshiping the Creator, and she started worshiping what he created.

Instead of trusting in God's word, she trusted in the tree. The tree was good for food. It’s delightful to look at and it's desirable for obtaining wisdom. And you start seeing this faith starting to build up in her. But faith in the wrong thing.

And that faith produced a work. a terrible work but a work nonetheless of her eating the fruit and disobeying God. Worship always starts with faith. The question is, what or who do you have your faith in?

Just think of Noah who did the work of building an ark. But what came first? The work of the ark or the faith in God's word about a coming flood, a faith in God's instruction to build an ark. Noah had to first trust God and that faith produced the work of the Ark.

Paul points to the example of Abraham and the faith of Abraham. So we'll take a look at that in Genesis 15:1-6:

Genesis 15:1–6 CSB

1 After these events, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield; your reward will be very great. 2 But Abram said, “Lord God, what can you give me, since I am childless and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 Abram continued, “Look, you have given me no offspring, so a slave born in my house will be my heir.” 4 Now the word of the Lord came to him: “This one will not be your heir; instead, one who comes from your own body will be your heir.” 5 He took him outside and said, “Look at the sky and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “Your offspring will be that numerous.” 6 Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

So what's happening here. God is giving Abraham a vision. And he's basically telling him Abraham. I'm going to do things in your life that are going to be incredible You're going to have an heir.

And Abraham, you know, he's tried to rationalize this and just said, yeah, that's right. I. you know, my wife is too old at this point. So, you know, I've made an heir from a slave born in my house.

God corrects him and says listen, he's not the promise that I'm bringing to you. You may try to rationalize things in your own mind and try to make it workout. But listen, I am going to do things that will blow your mind.

You're going to have an heir from your own body. Don't think I'm limited by age. You're going to have an heir from your own body. And in fact, look at the stars. I made each one of those stars. And in the same way as I made those stars, there are going to be generations of people coming from you. They’ll be as numerous as the stars.

And I know this is really incredible for you to imagine. But Abraham. do you trust me? Because remember there's something really important to God about faith. God says Abraham. Do you trust me? And Abraham believed the Lord.

Then there's something really incredible. Right after that. because you might just say, well, okay, he believed God. And look at God's response: And it's credited to him as righteousness. We come to God according to his standards. And God says do you trust me? Do you trust that I'm able to change your life? Do you trust that I'm able to do bigger things in your life than you ever dreamed? Do you trust me?

What are works?

Faith is trust and belief in God. And that is different from works. Works is a byproduct of faith. It's not the means of of salvation. We are saved by faith. Works is a result of faith.

So what is the difference? What are works? I think Paul gives us a really good explanation in Romans 4:4-5. He says this:

Romans 4:4–5 CSB

4 Now to the one who works, pay is not credited as a gift, but as something owed. 5 But to the one who does not work, but believes on him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited for righteousness.

Now, what is going on here? He describes works as having to do with payment. Works is something owed to a person. You have done a particular duty, and someone now owes you because of what you've done.

Now that's different from belief, because no one owes anyone anything simply because they believe something.

Let's look at it this way. Suppose you're on Indeed looking for a job. Indeed is a website that people go on to look for work. You're on this website, and you're looking at different job descriptions, and you see one job description. You read through it, and you believe that you can do that job.

Now, does the employer owe you anything yet? No. because why not? Because you haven't actually done any work yet. They don't owe you anything. But you believe you can do that job.

So you apply for the job. And miracle of miracles. They contact you back. They set a date for an interview and you go in for the interview. You interview for the job. They believe now that you can do the job. So they hire you. at this point. Does anyone owe anyone anything? No. because there is no work yet.

Now you show up for your first day of work. You work a full 8 hours. In fact, you work two weeks now. Does someone owe you something? Yes. Now you have done work. and the employer owes you wages.

Now see faith is like reading that Indeed job description. You read through the description and you believe that you can do it.

Now this is not yet a great example of Christian faith. I'll tell you why. Because in Christian faith you don't qualify for the job description. The job description requires I don't know four PhD's. 50 years of work experience. Something something way out of your league. And you look at this is no way, this is not me. I don't qualify for this. But the employer in this case God says you're right. You don't qualify. but I will fill your qualifications for you. Do you trust me?

Work is a result of faith. I believe. And then my Christian. belief produces a life that is following Jesus. I read my Bible. I pray I go to church. I love my neighbor. I do all these things because I believe. that Jesus has filled my qualifications. And I trust him. It always starts with faith. It always starts with belief

There are several things we learn about faith in this text.

First

Faith eliminates boasting and highlights grace.

This text starts off by saying in Romans 3:27

Romans 3:27 CSB

27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By one of works? No, on the contrary, by a law of faith.

Now what is boasting? Boasting in and of itself, it has to do with being satisfied in your own achievements and the things that you have done. And you publicly display and you're proud. of the work that you've done in your life. You go around and you boast about it and you just say, man, I look at what I've done.

Now suppose someone were saved by their works before God. That could, in essence, be a source of pride for that person, that person would pat themselves on the back and say, God, look at what I've done at all. The amazing things I've accomplished. God would, in essence, owe something to that person, and just say, okay, I'll. pay you what you're owed in salvation

But pride in of itself is a very thing that. brings destruction on so many lives. The Bible says in Proverbs 16:18

Proverbs 16:18 CSB

18 Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.

James says in James 4:6:

James 4:6 CSB

6 But he gives greater grace. Therefore he says: God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

We also see this in the words of the Lord and Luke. 14 11 :

Luke 14:11 CSB

11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Faith does the exact opposite of pride? Faith brings humility and highlights the gift of God in my life.

That brings me to this. Second,

Faith is a blessing in the Christian life that brings joy.

Now, faith itself is a gift from God. Faith is a blessing. We see this in Romans 4:6-8:

Romans 4:6–8 CSB

6 Likewise, David also speaks of the blessing of the person to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 7 Blessed are those whose lawless acts are forgiven and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the person the Lord will never charge with sin.

He's going to follow this up in verse 9 by saying is this blessing only for the circumcised? What blessing is he talking about? It is the blessing of faith. Faith itself is a blessing in your life. Paul describes faith as a blessing, also in Galatians 3:9

Galatians 3:9 CSB

9 Consequently, those who have faith are blessed with Abraham, who had faith.

Now, what is he saying there? Paul is saying that when you are reading the scriptures and you are seeing God blessing Abraham because of his faith. that is the same God who blesses you in your life. through faith in Jesus Christ. Faith is a blessing.

Did you know that when we are just talking about a blessing in Scripture? We are talking about something that results. into a source of joy for you. Faith is a gift from God, and it's a joy for you. We see that in 1 Peter 1:8-9

1 Peter 1:8–9 CSB

8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

The faith within you is a reason to shout hallelujah. Faith in your heart will result in a joy in your life because there is a god bigger than you and you are trusting in his promises. You know, there's a god who is faithful, and you trust him and believe in him. and know that he can do what he has said he will do.

We use blessings to describe all kinds of things. We'll see someone with a with a big muscular physique. And we say, man, he was blessed with good genes. Take a look at a guy like Arnold Schwarzenegger. Just huge and just. say, man, he's got great genetics. In fact, they are looking at his son is someone who's getting into bodybuilding and his son is getting big and muscular and they're talking about the the genes that the blessing of the genes that he had from his blessing of genetics he had from his dad.

We might talk a blessing of good health or blessings of other things, but we realize it. Blessings come from God. And there is no blessing in your life greater than the blessing of faith. Because while there may be. some things that you had that last for this life. the blessing of faith is a blessing that lasts for this life. And forever. Faith is a blessing in the Christian life.

Our biggest blessing is to have a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. And that's the last point,

Faith establishes a relationship with God for all of God's people.

Paul really goes through. a detailed explanation. to describe faith as something for all of God's people, not just for one particular group. We see this in Romans 3:29-30

Romans 3:29–30 CSB

29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30 since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.

And he gets back into this description in verses 9 through 12. Description of circumcision and non circumcision is simply the Jewish way to describe everyone. Of course, they're seeing Jews and Gentiles. The main point is that. there is one God who is God over all people. and the standard of God for all people is to come. is to come to him through faith.

But what happens when you come to him through faith You can have. the faith of Abraham is a faith that you can have. Abraham believed God and was credited to him for righteousness, and that credit on his behalf and not simply something in a bank account. It is a credit. It is a down payment on a relationship that God wants to have with you.

Faith is the core. of our relationship with God. When we have a righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ, it is that righteousness that we have through Jesus, that right. standing in Gaza's. that allows us to come to him and say Abba father. that allows us to come to him as his son or daughter. It allows us to come to him as his child. because of what Jesus has done on the cross. You and I can have a relationship with him.

I think it's interesting that the writer of Hebrew says this in Hebrews 11 6

Hebrews 11:6 CSB

6 Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

See, you cannot have a relationship with someone you do not. You do not believe is there. You must first believe that he exists, believe in what he has done for you on the cross, have full assurance of faith on who he is, on his promises. And as you step into faith, you step into a relationship with the one who created you. I believe this is why Paul. says in Romans. 331. a faith uphold to the law. is if I'm going to be obedient to God. I must first believe him. when he says to trust him. And if I if you truly trust God. you'll walk in his ways because you know who he is.

There's a great old hymn that goes trust and obey because there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

And a relationship with God. consists of a heart that trusts and obeys him. There is an incredible life. that God has for you. There are things beyond your imagination, things you couldn't dream of in your life. There is an eternal life of future in God's kingdom. There are promises from God. that a precious that are for you. What God says today, he says. Do you trust me? My prayer and hope is that you will put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Let him guide you. in a life of faith. Do you want to have a relationship with God? Trust in Jesus. Trust him.

Conclusion

Prayer

Last Song

Doxology

Numbers 6:24–26 CSB

24 “May the Lord bless you and protect you; 25 may the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 may the Lord look with favor on you and give you peace.” ’

Jude 24–25 CSB

24 Now to him who is able to protect you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of his glory, without blemish and with great joy, 25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority before all time, now and forever. Amen.

You are dismissed. Have a great week in the Lord!