Romans 4:1-25

Intro

Something for nothing

We want to earn it

Hard work pays off

Read Romans 4:1-25

Romans 4:1–25 ESV

1 What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? 2 For 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 counted to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” 9 Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. 10 How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. 11 He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, 12 and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised. 13 For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. 15 For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression. 16 That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, 17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. 18 In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” 19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. 20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. 22 That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” 23 But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, 24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

Paul is continuing to lay out his case that salvation comes through faith alone

He does this by pointing to the father of the jewish people according to the Flesh

Abraham

If you all have been with us through sunday am service you have heard the story of abraham

Paul uses abrahams salvation and faith as examples for us to follow

As he lays out his case for salvation through faith alone

Faith Vs. Works

Read Romans 4:1-8

Romans 4:1–8 ESV

1 What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? 2 For 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 counted to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.”

What was gained by Abraham?

How was Abraham Justified

Was it by his works????

Was it by his faith

The Bible tells us it was his faith

Romans 4:3 ESV

3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”

If it was by what he did he would have every reason to boast

Look what God told me to do

Look I did it so God has blessed me

On the contrary it was Abrahams belief in God that made him righteous

Paul slide in this comment that the one who works recieves his wages

Couldnt Abraham have just said this is what God owed me because I did what he called me to do

He could have but what would his faith have been then nothing more than a work arragment

But what about the All the time he was disobedient to the times he fell short

God could have gone back and said nope

but the promise was not given conditionally

Gods is faithful Paul has made the case that none of us libe up to the requirments

and that’s why salvation is such a gift

because we didn’t earn it

It comes through faith

Romans 4:7–8 ESV

“Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.”

How does faith work

Read Romans 4:9-12

Romans 4:9–12 ESV

9 Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. 10 How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. 11 He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, 12 and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

What is the faith God is looking for how does it work

is it because god has said you the Jews are my people therefore they are no matter what they do

look Paul lays out his answer to this

when was Abraham’s faith counted to him as righteousness

before

paul is making it clear that it wasn’t his circumcision that made him righteous

that would be works salvation

rather he was righteous and his work of circumcision was the seal the confirmation of his righteousness

verse 12 is key here

he is not the father only of the uncircumcised or circumcised but those who walk in his footsteps if his faith

so our salvation will always depend on our faith alone

It all depends on Faith

Read Romans 4:13-17

Romans 4:13–17 ESV

13 For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. 15 For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression. 16 That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, 17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.

Gids promise to Abraham was not a contract you do this and I will do this

but I will do this period full stop

abraham had only to believe god

again the case is made that if this promise was a co the promise would null and void by us

the ones who are not righteous

but what does verse 16 say

Hope is the beginning of Faith

Read Romans 4:18-25

Romans 4:18–25 ESV

18 In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” 19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. 20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. 22 That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” 23 But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, 24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

Faith Like Abraham: The Pathway to Righteousness

Bible Passage: Romans 4:1–25

Summary: In Romans 4, the Apostle Paul uses Abraham as an example to illustrate justification by faith, emphasizing that righteousness is credited to those who believe in God’s promises, regardless of their works or adherence to the law.

Application: This passage can encourage teens to understand that they do not have to earn God's love through their actions; rather, they can simply trust in Jesus and the grace He offers, especially in times of peer pressure or personal doubt.

Teaching: The sermon highlights that justification comes through faith alone, not by works, and that God accepts all who believe, just as He accepted Abraham. This foundation of faith is crucial for spiritual growth and assurance of salvation.

How this passage could point to Christ: Abraham's faith points to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who provides the means for everyone to be justified by faith. In Christ, believers inherit the promises made to Abraham, as He is the cornerstone of our faith and righteousness.

Big Idea: Justification comes by faith, reminding us that relationship with God is based on belief, not performance—this is the essence of the Gospel that empowers and liberates us.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the historical context of Abraham’s life and how Paul’s arguments resonate with Jewish law and belief systems. Look into how different Bible translations present key terms like 'justification' and 'faith' for nuanced understanding using your Logos library. Additionally, examine commentaries that address the implications of faith for contemporary believers, especially youth, in today’s culture.

1. Faith Counts, Not Works

Romans 4:1-8

You could emphasize that just as Abraham's faith was counted as righteousness to him, this passage suggests to teens that their value in God's eyes isn't determined by their achievements but by their faith in His promises. This provides assurance and security in their relationship with God, especially during challenging periods.

2. Faith Includes Everyone

Romans 4:9-12

Perhaps explain how Paul broadens the scope of Abraham's example to include all who have faith, not just those of Jewish heritage. This underscores that faith and righteousness are available to everyone, encouraging teens to embrace their faith regardless of their background or perceived shortcomings.

3. Faith Fulfills Promises

Romans 4:13-17

Maybe discuss how the promise to Abraham and his descendants, as outlined by Paul, comes through faith and not law. Teenagers can be inspired to live boldly in faith, understanding that God's promises are sure and are based on His faithfulness, not their flawless adherence to rules.

4. Faith Hopes Against Hope

Romans 4:18-22

You could explore the unwavering faith of Abraham, highlighting how he believed in hope against hope. This point suggests to teens that perseverance in faith, even when circumstances seem impossible, is rewarded by God, who is faithful to His word.

5. Faith Connects Us to Christ

Romans 4:23-25

Perhaps conclude by explaining that Abraham's example was written not just for him, but for us, who believe in God who raised Jesus from the dead. This connects the adolescents' faith to the resurrection power of Christ, assuring them of righteousness and eternal life through their belief.