The Discovery Series

Introduction

Welcome:

Good morning

Intro to Series:

We are going to start a new series called: The Discovery. It is based on Romans 4:1, “Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What did he discover about being made right with God?”

In these next few weeks, we are going to focus on Abraham’s life and what he discovered about being made right with God.

Main Passage:

Romans 4:1–12 NLT

Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What did he discover about being made right with God? If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God’s way. For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.”* When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it: “Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.”* Now, is this blessing only for the Jews, or is it also for uncircumcised Gentiles?* Well, we have been saying that Abraham was counted as righteous by God because of his faith. But how did this happen? Was he counted as righteous only after he was circumcised, or was it before he was circumcised? Clearly, God accepted Abraham before he was circumcised! Circumcision was a sign that Abraham already had faith and that God had already accepted him and declared him to be righteous—even before he was circumcised. So Abraham is the spiritual father of those who have faith but have not been circumcised. They are counted as righteous because of their faith. And Abraham is also the spiritual father of those who have been circumcised, but only if they have the same kind of faith Abraham had before he was circumcised.

Prayer:

In Jesus name, have this message.

Body

Bible

Context of Romans:

The apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Christian community in Rome with the goal of uniting both Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews). In this letter, he explains the Gospel in detail, emphasizing that right standing with God is received through faith in Christ alone—not through works, ethnic background, traditions, rule-keeping, knowledge, or intelligence.

Transitional Sentence:

In Romans chapter 4, we will explore 4 key insights Abraham discovered about being made right with God.

Four Discoveries

First Discovery: Faith makes us right with God — not our works (Read first: Romans 4:1-3)

Explanation:

Abraham is a primary example in the old testament who was made in right standing with God through faith — He had faith in what God can do instead of what he can do.

Illustration:

Genesis 15:1–6 ESV

After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir.” And behold, the word of the Lord came to him: “This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir.” And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.

Application:

We believe in what Jesus has done for us instead relying on what we can do to be accepted by God. It’s not by our works but by faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Second Discovery: Being right with God is a gift given — not earned (Read first: Romans 4:4-5)

Explanation:

Work is about earning. A gift is about receiving.

Illustration:

If we have jobs, we work to earn a pay cheque. If we want to earn a good grade in school, we have to put in the work to study. Gifts however are given without putting any effort in. It’s simply a matter of believing the gift has been paid for and receiving it.

A Christian man is free from all things; he needs no works in order to be justified and saved, but receives these gifts in abundance from his faith alone.

Martin Luther (Founder of the German Reformation)

Application:

Do we believe that Jesus’ death and resurrection paid for us to receive the gift of right standing with God? It’s simply a matter of believing and receiving this precious gift.

Third Discovery: Joy is the fruit of being forgiven and accepted by God (Read later: Romans 4:6-8)

Explanation:

Happiness and Joy are different. Happiness depends on circumstances going our way. Joy is connected to being made right with God.

Illustration:

Romans 4:6–8 NLT

David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it: “Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.”

Application:

If we want true joy, we must remember what Christ has done for us to be made right with God.

Fourth Discovery: Right relationship with God is available to EVERYONE who has faith (Read Later: Romans 4:9-12)

Explanation:

It doesn’t matter who we are or what we do — what matters is faith.

Illustration:

Romans 4:9–12 NLT

Now, is this blessing only for the Jews, or is it also for uncircumcised Gentiles? Well, we have been saying that Abraham was counted as righteous by God because of his faith. But how did this happen? Was he counted as righteous only after he was circumcised, or was it before he was circumcised? Clearly, God accepted Abraham before he was circumcised! Circumcision was a sign that Abraham already had faith and that God had already accepted him and declared him to be righteous—even before he was circumcised. So Abraham is the spiritual father of those who have faith but have not been circumcised. They are counted as righteous because of their faith. And Abraham is also the spiritual father of those who have been circumcised, but only if they have the same kind of faith Abraham had before he was circumcised.

Application:

Our works is a fruit that we’ve already been accepted by God and not the root to be accepted by God. The root to be accepted by God is faith alone.

Conclusion

So what:

Why is this important for us to understand?

We stop living a life unsure on where we stand with God.

We don’t fall into the danger of legalism.

We become grateful for what Jesus has done for us and start to live for him.

Now what:

How do we live a life knowing we are accepted by God?

Remember the good news of Jesus Christ everyday through God’s word and prayer.

Summary:

Faith makes us right with God — not our works.

Being right with God is a gift given — not earned.

Joy is the fruit of being forgiven and accepted by God.

Right Relationship with God is available to EVERYONE who has faith.

Call to Action:

Prayer to be confident and sure of being made right with God. No fears or doubts.

Prayer:

In Jesus name, amen!