On the Record

Introduction

Welcome

Series Topic:

We are in the last part of our 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?”

Title:

On the Record

Prayer:

In Jesus name, amen.

Body

Story:

I read a book called ‘Digital Minimalism” by an author named Cal Newport a few years ago. The purpose of the book is how can we minimize our social media use and maximize the value we can get from it.

In the first chapter Newport points out a study done in the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol abuse and the study concluded that there is, ‘growing evidence that behavioral addictions resemble substance addiction.”

In other words, the study found that habits like constantly being on your phone or gaming too much can be similar to being addicted to drugs or alcohol. They call it a moderate behavioral addiction. Alongside other studies that claim there is an increase in depression, loneliness, low self-esteem and anxiety.

Im not here to say social media is good or bad, whether you should use it or not but to encourage all of us to use what we have wisely.

Cal Newports wise advice for social media use is to: First minimize the use of social media, and second, use it intentionally in ways that add value, benefit you, and help you achieve meaningful results for yourself and those around you. It was this second piece of advice that had the greatest impact on me.

Application:

In the same way, this should guide our approach to reading the Bible. We must recognize the value of God’s Word and the benefits it offers us, apply it and witness the results when we align ourselves with it.

Bible

Context:

In this study of Romans chapter 4, written by Paul the Apostle, we have explored what Abraham discovered about being made right with God. Here are the discoveries:

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 made right with God.

Right relationship with God is available to everyone.

The law leads to punishment, right relationship with God leads to blessings

Right relationship with God has many promises — eternal life, forgiveness for sin, justification and many more.

Right relationship with God strengthens your faith.

Now, as we conclude chapter 4, we see Paul’s purpose in highlighting the story of Abraham’s life and what he discovered about being made right with God. It all comes down to this verse in Romans 4:23-25.

Main Bible Passage:

Romans 4:23–25 “And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.”

Transitional Sentence:

In this passage we will talk about three reasons for Abraham’s life being on record.

Points

First reason: Benefits us

Explanation:

In other words, Abraham's life provides valuable lessons for us to benefit from. This principle isn’t limited to Abraham’s life alone but extends to all of God’s Word, which is given for our benefit.

Illustration:

Illustration 1: Romans 4:23–24a “And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded for our benefit, too…”

Illustration 2: I think about social media and how we interact with it sometimes. All it is, is peoples lives on record for all to see. The reason why we follow the people that we do is because we see some sort of benefit or value; And often these values align with what we value in life.

If we value being entertained, we follow people that will entertain us. If we value education, we follow people that will educate us. If we value sports, we follow sport channels.

Since reading Digital minimalism I ask myself when it comes to social media: Do I see value in the person or the content they present, and will it benefit me?

Application:

In the same way, we have to ask ourselves a genuine question if we call ourselves christian: Do we see the bible and what’s recorded in it as beneficial or valuable?

Because remember, what or who we follow often reveals what we value or see as beneficial.

Let me assure us, reading the bible is beneficial and valuable to our lives.

Second Reason: Example

Explanation:

Abraham’s life of faith is an example we should follow.

Illustration:

Romans 4:24 “for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.”

Application:

The two words “If we” caught my attention because they suggest that we have the opportunity to consider and choose to follow Abraham’s example.

The question I have for everyone is: Who is your example in life? If we want to successfully live a christian life, Jesus has to be our primary example.

Third Reason: Results

Explanation:

The third reason for Abraham’s life being on record is because we will see the results.

Illustration:

Romans 4:24–25 “for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.”

Application:

The result of seeing the (1) benefit of Abraham’s faith and (2) following his example of faith is that God will count us as righteous.

“Jesus was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.”

When we put our faith/trust in this truth, the result is that he will make us right with God.

The results we seek are often found in what we value and whom or what we choose to follow.

John 15:4 “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.”

Conclusion

Summary:

Three reasons for Abraham’s life being on record

Benefits us.

An example to follow.

Results or Fruit.

Interactive Questions:

How do you see the value and importance of following Jesus and His Word, and do your actions always reflect that?

What are some things that might hold you back from fully following the example of Jesus in your life?

How has following Jesus impacted your life, and what results have you experienced because of it?

Prayer:

In Jesus name, amen!